Aerial view showcasing GSD photogrammetry data collection

DSM and DTM

A Multi-level Approach to Aerial GSD Photogrammetry

DigiSky offers aerial photogrammetry and monitoring services and recently completed a multilevel remote sensing mission for IREN ENERGIA S.p.A. to map the Serrù reservoir and hydroelectric production plant. The 1500 hectares area sits at altitudes of between 2000m and 2500m. A Phase One Industrial iXM-RS150F digital camera (90mm optics) installed into a SmartBay© avionic system captures data used to produce Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and orthophotos with a resolution of higher than 5 cm/pixel.

GSD Photogrammetry-Enhanced Topographical Map

Imagery and Data Terrain Models (DTM)

DigiSky was recruited by IREN S.p.A. to map the Serrù reservoir, in the Orco valley, where the company operates a hydroelectric production plant.

Remote sensing was used to monitor the hydrogeological context of the basin and to plan some ancillary works to the artificial barrier. Ideal conditions to use advanced instruments for aerial photogrammetry. A DTM of access paths to the reservoir was built to assist technicians find a route when the area is covered in snow in the winter.

The area of interest covers over 800 hectares at altitudes between 2000m and 2500m within the Gran Paradiso National Park and has therefore requested a special permit for the execution of flights.

Image: Aircraft equipped with a SmartBay systems integrated with very high resolution digital cameras is able to obtain a Ground Sample Distance (GSD) of just a few centimeters per pixel. Stereoscopic data obtained is used to develop an accurate dimensional terrain model (DTM).

Quick Facts

GSD <5CM

SmartBay/Phase One iXM-RS150F achieves <5 cm GSD from 1000ft Above Ground Level (AGL)

1500 HECTARE AREA COVERAGE / FLIGHT

60 minutes at a safe height of 1000 ft AGL vs. 90 minutes at 350 ft with DSLR cameras

SMARTBAY FULL INTEGRATION

iXM-RS150F camera and a multi-spectral camera integrated with SmartBay Avionic System

The Phase One iXM-RS 150MP camera's wide swath allowed us to fly at higher altitudes, faster speeds, and acquire larger aerial images. With the sensor integrated into our P92 SmartBay system, we can now fly missions in two-thirds of the time.

Carlo Caiaffa

DigiSky Board Member

Watch the SmartBay in Action

Watch Phase One iXM-RS150F integrated into a SmartBay System – Skymetry Highway – 2019 © DigiSky

Bridge Inspection

Digisky SmartBay System
Light and Smart
Large footprint without reducing the level of detail

Digisky SmartBay System

The system includes:

Phase One iXM-RS150 Aerial Camera (RGB)
NADIR naturally stabilized
Multi-spectral camera (advanced multi-spectral texture)
SmartBay Avionic System

Advanced Multilevel DTM Mapping Camera with SmartBay

Light and Smart

The Tecnam P92 JS SmartBay is a high wing, two seats, single engine, tricycle landing gear airplane.

It is equipped with a medium-format iXM-RS150F digital camera (90mm optics) integrated into a SmartBay avionic system. Pilots can fly at a safe height of 1000 ft above ground level (AGL) and still capture high-quality images with the Phase One Industrial high-resolution sensor. Images stored on the camera’s XQD memory card enabled the elaboration of an orthophoto and a DTM with a resolution higher than 5cm / pixel.

GSD Photogrammetry in Action for Terrain Mapping

Fly Three Times Higher and in Two-thirds of the Time

DigiSky experienced a significant saving in mission time and costs as their plane fitted with Phase One Industrial’s iXM-RS150F allowed them to fly at a higher altitudes and at greater speed.
An Area of 1500 hectors captured with a GSD <5cm.

SmartBay with iXM-RS150F
- Altitude 1000ft AGL
- Mission Time 60 minutes
SmartBay with Sony 42MP Camera
- Altitude 350ft AGL
- Mission Time 90 minutes

Cutting-Edge DTM Analysis Using GSD Methods

Digisky SmartBay System
Digisky SmartBay System
The system includes:
- Phase One iXM-RS150 Aerial Camera (RGB)
- NADIR naturally stabilized
- Multi-spectral camera (advanced multi-spectral texture)
- SmartBay Avionic System
Light and Smart

Light and Smart

The Tecnam P92 JS SmartBay is a high wing, two seats, single engine, tricycle landing gear airplane.

It is equipped with a medium-format iXM-RS150F digital camera (90mm optics) integrated into a SmartBay avionic system. Pilots can fly at a safe height of 1000 ft above ground level (AGL) and still capture high-quality images with the Phase One Industrial high-resolution sensor. Images stored on the camera’s XQD memory card enabled the elaboration of an orthophoto and a DTM with a resolution higher than 5cm / pixel.
Large footprint without reducing the level of detail
Fly Three Times Higher and in Two-thirds of the Time
DigiSky experienced a significant saving in mission time and costs as their plane fitted with Phase One Industrial’s iXM-RS150F allowed them to fly at a higher altitudes and at greater speed.
An Area of 1500 hectors captured with a GSD <5cm.
- SmartBay with iXM-RS150F
  - Altitude 1000ft AGL
  - Mission Time 60 minutes
- SmartBay with Sony 42MP Camera
  - Altitude 350ft AGL
  - Mission Time 90 minutes

Recommended Phase One Solution

iXM-RS150 / iXM-RS100 Phase One Aerial and Industrial Camera

Phase One iXM-RS150F Camera

iXM-RS150F Camera