The ADS40 Vaihingen/Enz geometric performance test

This paper presents the main results of a comprehensive ADS40 performance analysis conducted at the Vaihingen/Enz test field. As such it represents one example of an independent in-flight performance study for one of the new and commercially operational digital airborne camera systems. Based on a large number of well coordinated and defined object points, which served as independent check points, the absolute geometric accuracy of the ADS40 from true operational data has been verified. Empirical analysis of data from flying heights ranging from 1500 m to 4000 m proved the ADS40 geometric accuracy to be in the range of 1–2 μm at image scale for horizontal coordinates and 0.03–0.05‰ of the flying height for vertical components. This is fully within specification for airborne imaging.