Topographic mapping from stereo aerial photography is the primary function of Photo Geodetic. Photo Geodetic has been in business in San Diego since 1978 and the industry has seen numerous changes during that period. In 1978 all mapping was collected in 2d manuscript form and then the raw product was drafted into a hand drawn, ink on Mylar product representing the 3d surface. Currently, we utilize Zeiss IMA analytical steroplotters and DAT/EM Capture SoftCopy.stations. Our output formats are Autocad and Bentley Microstation.

Today’s 3d digital topographic mapping is a much more versatile product which can be manipulated in various software packages to create base data for a wide variety of applications.

The high tech instrumentation now available allows us to collect the data directly from the instruments into the software. Using primarily AutoCad or MicroStation the base data is produced with multiple layers, colors and linetypes and customized to the end users specifications.

Even with all these changes Photo Geodetic has not forgotten its proud heritage. With almost 100 years of combined mapping expertise in our management staff, we strive to produce a product which utilizes cutting edge technology and maintains the aesthetic quality of the hand drawn pen and ink products we created in the past.

Most of our Cad technicians come from a background of pen and ink drafting and are true artists of their craft. Combining their skills and years of experience has made it possible for Photo Geodetic to produce mapping products that are not only highly accurate, but display a pride in the artistic traditions of cartography.

Quality control is key when producing mapping of existing conditions for any project. We are keenly aware that all future design and engineering decisions for a given project will be based on the data we provide. Photo Geodetic has therefore devised a rigorous quality control system to insure the accuracy and completeness of our products.

The compiler first collects all hardscape features visible from the photography and delineates any areas which are obscured in the photography. A complete dtm file is then created using masspoints and breaklines to define the surface. This dtm file is then used to generate contours while the project is in the instrument and these contours are checked for accuracy by the compiler. Once the compiler is satisfied with the results, the project is turned over to the Cad editing department where the files are combined and a new set of contours are generated and compared to those generated by the compiler. The Cad operator then adds text to better define areas of the project, dashes and defines obscured contour areas and generally creates a file that is more aesthetically pleasing and easier to read. This file is then plotted in hardcopy form and reviewed by the Cad manager and compiler and returned to the technician for any corrections and translation to the clients specifications. Finally the files and hardcopy drawings are reviewed against the original photography for completeness and quality.

The process of producing topographic mapping from 3D aerial photography can be fascinating to layman and professionals. Many clients have found it beneficial to their staff to have a better understanding of the projects as they are developed. Photo Geodetic is pleased to offer tours of our facilities to individuals or groups by appointment, please feel free to contact us if this is of interest to you or your staff.