DiMAC : Digital Modular Aerial Camera


WHY CHOOSE DiMAC ?

DiMAC BENEFITS (3.19 Mb)

THE DiMAC BROCHURE (13.03 Mb)

WHY CHOOSE DiMAC ?

The development of the DiMAC has been based on over 20 years of experience in aerial cartography. The DiMAC incorporates all of the essential requirements for a large format digital aerial camera, including the following features:

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Area CCD sensor that produces frame-based imagery

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True color imagery acquired from a color CCD

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True forward motion compensation (FMC) performed directly on the CCD during image acquisition

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Flexible and modular system configuration that allows for an optimal photogrammetric and orthophoto solution

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Upgradeable design that is easily maintained in the field, resulting in a cost-effective large format digital aerial camera

Detailed explanation of DiMAC features:

Area CCD Sensor with Full Frame Output
The DiMAC utilizes area CCD sensors to produce complete frame output that is geometrically accurate under all flight conditions because the frame has a fixed X-Y geometry. Operation of the camera during flight as well as post-processing is straightforward, being similar to the existing film-based workflow. Imagery can be previewed in real time during flight because the complete frame is being acquired. Frame-based imagery from the DiMAC can be directly implemented into existing digital environments, resulting in significant productivity gains compared to film imagery.

True Color
Color imagery is acquired directly during data capture through the use of Bayer color CCD technology in the DiMAC. Each pixel gets its own color without the need to merge pixel data from different monochrome and color sensors. Rich coloration is captured in 16 bits per color channel resulting in optimal balancing and correction during post-processing. Imagery provides clear visibility of features in both heavy shadows and highly exposed bright areas.

TRUE COLOR
True color image acquisition allows for exceptional color range and balance. In addition, the geometric accuracy of the Bayer CCD is identical to accuracies achieved from monochromatic CCDs, with the added advantage that no features will ever be distorted due to false coloration.

True FMC
The DiMAC design incorporates patented forward motion compensation (FMC) technology utilizing an electro-mechanical FMC acting directly on the CCD sensor during image acquisition. The DiMAC's True FMC allows for sharp, noise-free imagery that is radiometrically consistent across the entire frame. No digital post-processing is required to correct for the effects of aircraft motion on the imagery, as all FMC is achieved during the actual exposure.

True FMC
The DiMAC's electro-mechanical 'True FMC' is based on the use of piezo technology. This system allows for micron-level accuracy in positioning the sensor during image acquisition. DiMAC's forward motion compensation is calculated and applied during each frame based on the aircraft's ground speed, the required ground pixel size and the shutter speed.

Flexible and modular configuration
The DiMAC architecture consists of modular units that incorporate best of class components from leading manufacturers combined with patented photogrammetric technology. Each individual DiMAC camera module can be configured with a variety of lenses according to the specific requirements of a given project. The system can be operated with a combination of 1, 2, 3 or 4 distinct camera modules to produce the desired ground coverage and output. Both color and infrared imagery can simultaneously be acquired.

Upgradeable cost-effective solution
The DiMAC is a cost effective investment that will provide a digital aerial camera solution to satisfy current requirements as well as expand to meet future needs for years and decades. The DiMAC can be initially purchased with just 1 camera module and progressively upgraded, allowing for a very low initial investment that can be built into a more complete system. Each element of the system can be independently calibrated, serviced or upgraded. Camera calibration is uncomplicated, with only one calibration per lens. Various elements of the DiMAC are readily accessible for both services as well as to allow for upgrades that harness ongoing technological evolution.