Homepage Homepage

Products : Digital Aerial Photography

CICADE GOES DIGITAL WITH DIMAC

Since its setting up, CICADE has always been a forerunner in the cartographic field.  Again, CICADE has taken a step forward in the acquisition of images by using LARGE FORMAT DIGITAL CAMERA powered by DiMAC SYSTEMS.

The DiMAC Camera has been exclusively designed  to fit both photogrammetric and orthophoto projects, which require high accuracy along with sharpness and true color.  Its unique TRUE FMC system and state-of-the-art components make the DiMAC Camera highly effective enabling small, medium and large scale mapping.  The modularity of the DiMAC Camera also allows CICADE to positively answer every customer’s requirements.

Thanks to its digital camera, CICADE improves its digital workflow right from the direct image acquisition to digital processing of the data.  Hence, there is no more film processing, no more film wasted and no more scanning, which increase the quality of the images while reducing the final price of the imagery.

CICADE has already achieved several projects with the DiMAC Camera in Europe as well as Middle East for both national and private clients.





The aerial views are taken by two twin-engined planes: a CESSNA 303 Turbo Crusader and a BEECH C90 biturboprop equiped with a digital DIMAC camera and an analog ZEISS LMK 2000 cameras (armed with 2 interchangeable lenses : 150mm et 300 mm for urban zones and high relief).

In addition, to compensate for the movement and angle of the cameras, the planes are equipped with an airborne GPS/inert station system APPLANIX POS510 which integrates the precision of GPS with the technology of inertia.

This sophisticated equipment allows the production of fully oriented, high precision exposures at a very competitive price.
 
Following confirmation of a request for a flight, a qualified member of our staff will prepare flight plans of the required area in a number of different axes. During the photographic mission the theoretical plans are strictly adhered to by means of the airborne GPS system which has been installed. At all times, this system informs the pilot of his position and of the automatic firing of the camera. In addition, the system registers the position and angle of each exposure. The result of this cross-referencing serves as the base for the management and quality control which is present throughout the whole chain of production.

The photographic process and the production of the orthophotoplan produces a 3-dimensional view. A continuous run of exposures is required to produce two photos of the same zone taken from slightly different angles. This allows a picture in 3-D because the images are viewed simultaneously. A flight plan which precisely follows parallel axes and exact altitude is therefore necessary for an optimum result. In order that shadows be kept to a minimum, the photo shoot can only take place in a very small window of opportunity either side of mid-day, on a perfectly clear day free of any clouds. The clarity of these exposures is obtained by a camera compensation system which eliminates any blurring of the images caused by the movement of the plane.