The camera is positioned using exactly the same techniques and mechanisms used for survey instrumentation and can therefore establish a camera coordinate (as it relates to that of the virtual camera) in relation to a survey point to the same tolerance. This enables this key value to be a ‘set and forget’ parameter which should never be adjusted.

A precision support system levels the camera to enable values for bank and pitch in the virtual camera settings can be left at zero.

Calibration of all optical and mechanical components provides precise values for focal length and film gate as well as establishing the exact optical center of the image even when using shift lenses.

Removal of all optical distortion ensures that survey points in ALL areas of the image can be used for alignment and not just those traditionally confined to the so-called ‘safe zone’ in the central part of the image.


All systems and the individual components are subject to independent testing and calibration.