Our main work focus lies in the definition and development of new camera sensors, verification and validation of airborne sensors and satellite sensors, the processing of data products and the development of products and applications. In addition diverse research and development is performed in close cooperation withother DLR departments, as well as pilot projects run in cooperation with international partners from industry, research institutions and universities. Those projects range from joint basic research through planning and execution of flight campaigns to data processing and analysis. The goals and main emphasis of our department competence is reflected in the following group structure:
Sensors
This group has two main tasks to perform: firstly the definition and selection of sensors and sensor combinations for remote sensing applications, and secondly the provision of data from different sensors and sensor combinations for experimental analysis. Our expertise concentrates on the mechanical and electrical integration of this technology in aircraft for measurement purposes.
Photogrammetry
The photogrammetric group deals on the one hand with the validation of experimental sensor configurations as well as cue combinations and the automatized derivation of spatial orientation of experimental sensor configuration. Particular importance is placed on the fusion of various data sets and the creation of geographic information.
Informatics
The informatics group deals primarily with the development of algorithms and tools to operate & activate our sensor systems and to evaluate data imagery. We support the entire process chain ranging from camera operating software through the visualization of 3D data. In addition we provide applications and services of optical systems for micro UAVs in order to aid and support solutions for accidents and major catastrophes.
Application and Geographic Information
This group’s main task is the visualization and evaluation of generated data products. The final stage of the department’s hierarchic process chain is the interpretation, method development and further GIS analyses.