Discontinued
Photogrammetry was last hosted during the 65th Conclave in 2024 at University of Florida. The Sylvans won the final competition!
FORS 3000 Note: Because photogrammetry is a signficant portion of another class, it is not considered a module for FORS 3000.
Description
Photogrammetry requires competitors to complete a test in which they examine and interpret aerial photographs. Mandatory subject matter of the exam includes interpreting an aerial photograph to determine ground distance, scale, height of objects (parallax wedge and displacement formula), area (planimeter or dot grid), and converting English and metric units. Students may use pocket-sized stereoscopes, scales, dividers, dot grids, protractors, pocket magnifiers, parallax wedges, and other basic photogrammetric equipment. Photogrammetry was a Conclave event every year from 1977 to 2024.
Photogrammetry Example Photos
Photo Credit: A student interprets a topographic map as part of the photogrammetry event at the 58th Southern Forestry Conclave hosted by Mississippi State University. Thanks to the Mississippi State University Forestry Club for providing this photo.
Photo Credit: A student interprets an aerial imagery using a stereoscope as part of the photogrammetry event at the 58th Southern Forestry Conclave hosted by Mississippi State University. Thanks to the Mississippi State University Forestry Club for providing this photo.
Academic Background
Photogrammetry is the art and science of interpreting aerial photographs to gather information about objects on the ground. It has existed as a discipline since the early 20th century when cameras were first mounted to aircraft. In forestry vast acreages under management make gathering information on the ground time-consuming, expensive, and impractical in many cases. Photogrammetry is one technology that improved management efficiency by making information available more readily. In the last several decades photogrammetry has largely been displaced by more advanced technologies, such as remote sensing which often relies on information from systems such as LIDAR and Landsat. Much more information on photogrammetry is available from the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.
Photo Credit: A pocket stereoscope with the original test image. By Joaquim Alves Gaspar - Own work (own photo), CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1302923
Resources
Vertical Measurements from Paine & Paine
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Photogrammetry for Civil and Forest Engineers from Derenyi
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Height Measurements from Binford
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