Building Earth Observation Cameras

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9

Adding the Third Dimension: Stereo Imaging

9.1 Introduction

The cameras we discussed so far are primarily meant to produce two-dimen-

sional images. However, mapping and monitoring of the Earth’s surface is essen-

tially a three-dimensional problem. Therefore, it is necessary to supplement

traditional two-dimensional thematic mapping with information about the

third dimension, which is height information. Height information is important

for many applications such as geology, soil erosion studies, disaster assessment,

and so on. Terrain elevation information enables generation of a digital elevation

model (DEM), which is essential for mapmak ...