Highest Radiometric Resolution Available in the Market

In aerial imaging, there is no such thing as too much clarity. The DMC significantly improves clarity over film and even other digital camera technologies in many ways. The advanced 12-bits per pixel data capture provides dramatically higher radiometric resolution (4096 levels of grayscale vs. the 256 levels in standard 8-bit), yielding a wider tonal range. In practice, this means better visual detail throughout the image, and most noticeably at the extremes of highlight and shadow. This makes the images better suited for photogrammetric interpretation and image analysis processes, orthophoto production and general viewing.

Another advantage of the improved radiometry is that because of the expanded tonal range, images that are exposed in less than ideal flying conditions will still have a far better image quality than film-based camera systems, especially in marginal light situations. This effectively extends both the flying day and the flying "season," when sunlight produces adequate illumination of the features on the terrain.

Improved Accuracy

Just as tonal depth increases the visual accuracy of an image, so does the quality of the image capture process. The DMC features stronger internal geometry, which means better geometric resolution.

The DMC is designed around a matrix array of multiple Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera heads, each with its own lens so that both panchromatic and color performance are optimized. The rigid image geometry ensures accuracy within the image. Even with weak GPS signals, turbulent flight conditions, and minimal light, the DMC is usually still within its performance envelope and capable of capturing quality imagery.

Features such as electronic Forward Motion Compensation (FMC) and 12-bit per pixel radiometric resolution ensure image quality that is stunning in comparison with scanned aerial films. In addition, the images produced by the DMC offer outstanding characteristics for 3-D stereo model viewing and image matching.

4-Band Multi-Spectral Capability

Because of the multiple camera head design of the DMC, multiple image products are captured in a single flight, including panchromatic (grayscale), natural color (RGB) and color infra-red (CIR). Each band features full 12-bit radiometric resolution, therefore the RGB color imagery is 36-bit. In addition to using these three main image products separately, another process called "pan-sharpening" can be applied to combine the higher resolution panchromatic image with the corresponding natural color image to create a new, higher detail color image.

Streamlined Processing and Delivery

The technology built into the DMC system offers several unique advantages over other image capture-to-delivery workflows. Due to the large format of the camera component, image acquisition is more rapid and efficient. The system allows for in-flight QC review of the imagery to verify data capture. And, back on the ground, downstream image processing is automated, eliminating many time-consuming steps. This means imagery can be available for delivery sooner.

Put the DMC to Work for you

GE is proud to offer the leading edge technology of the DMC to our customers. The power and versatility of this unique imaging system allows us to offer a new level of service and performance, and your organization can reap the benefits.

DMC™ is a trademark claimed by Z/I Imaging, which is not affiliated with GE.

For More Information

Call Mark Termini in the U.S. at 816/889-1111 for more information regarding GE's full range of aerial imaging and photogrammetric services.

You can also email him at mark.termini@ge.com.