Explore UltraMap 6.0: #2 True Pixel Processing (TPP)

Blog , Product Features
24 May 2023
UltraMap 6.0 True Pixel Processing

Our newly developed True Pixel Processing (TPP) further improves the already industry-leading quality of Vexcel’s aerial imagery and consequently the quality of all products generated by UltraMap. This proprietary processing approach was designed and implemented from scratch and is currently available for the UltraCam Eagle 4.1.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at TPP and provide you with insights into the technology behind it.

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Our newly developed True Pixel Processing (TPP) further improves the already industry-leading quality of Vexcel’s aerial imagery and consequently the quality of all products generated by UltraMap. This proprietary processing approach was designed and implemented from scratch and is currently available for the UltraCam Eagle 4.1.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at TPP and provide you with insights into the technology behind it.

The concept behind TPP


The concept of True Pixel Processing aims to preserve all pixel information from initial exposure to final data products, while maintaining the exceptional image geometry UltraCams are renowned for. By precisely and holistically modeling the relative path and intensity of light rays passing through the camera's optical system - considering factors such as motion blur, lens blur, and shutter behavior - and utilizing state-of-the-art algorithms, True Pixel Processing produces sharper images with less noise in shaded areas, all while preserving fine details. This innovative, hybrid approach fully incorporates the well-established Adaptive Motion Compensation technique (AMC) in a multidirectional manner, further improving image quality.

Additionally, it ensures that the high quality of the processed raw image data seamlessly carries over to all subsequent UltraMap products, including ortho-mosaics and 3D textured TINs.

Aerial image of Graz, Austria
An aerial image of Graz, Austria, captured with an UltraCam Eagle 4.1. Our new TPP approach delivers an RGB image with remarkable clarity and minimal noise.

Efficiently producing high-quality products


In today's fast-paced processing environments, producing high-quality products within a reasonable time frame is essential. That's why all the algorithms used in True Pixel Processing are designed to fully leverage the capabilities of the CPU, including advanced memory management techniques that enhance scalability.

With this new technology, we are confident that our customers will be able to produce even better-quality and natural-looking RGB images with minimal noise, while maintaining the superior geometry that they have come to expect from Vexcel Imaging.

Above, a comparison is shown between images with and without TPP, revealing differences in sharpness and noise. Slide the arrow to the right to view the TPP-enhanced image. It is worth noting that on one hand, noise in homogeneous areas is unpleasant while on the other hand, it has the effect of visually enhancing areas like vegetation. Therefore, TPP effectively eliminates noise that is predominant in homogeneous areas. Furthermore, a cleaner image leaves more headroom for radiometric processing.

The concept behind TPP


The concept of True Pixel Processing aims to preserve all pixel information from initial exposure to final data products, while maintaining the exceptional image geometry UltraCams are renowned for. By precisely and holistically modeling the relative path and intensity of light rays passing through the camera's optical system - considering factors such as motion blur, lens blur, and shutter behavior - and utilizing state-of-the-art algorithms, True Pixel Processing produces sharper images with less noise in shaded areas, all while preserving fine details. This innovative, hybrid approach fully incorporates the well-established Adaptive Motion Compensation technique (AMC) in a multidirectional manner, further improving image quality.

Additionally, it ensures that the high quality of the processed raw image data seamlessly carries over to all subsequent UltraMap products, including ortho-mosaics and 3D textured TINs.

Aerial image of Graz, Austria
An aerial image of Graz, Austria, captured with an UltraCam Eagle 4.1. Our new TPP approach delivers an RGB image with remarkable clarity and minimal noise.

Efficiently producing high-quality products


In today's fast-paced processing environments, producing high-quality products within a reasonable time frame is essential. That's why all the algorithms used in True Pixel Processing are designed to fully leverage the capabilities of the CPU, including advanced memory management techniques that enhance scalability.

With this new technology, we are confident that our customers will be able to produce even better-quality and natural-looking RGB images with minimal noise, while maintaining the superior geometry that they have come to expect from Vexcel Imaging.

Above, a comparison is shown between images with and without TPP, revealing differences in sharpness and noise. Slide the arrow to the right to view the TPP-enhanced image. It is worth noting that on one hand, noise in homogeneous areas is unpleasant while on the other hand, it has the effect of visually enhancing areas like vegetation. Therefore, TPP effectively eliminates noise that is predominant in homogeneous areas. Furthermore, a cleaner image leaves more headroom for radiometric processing.
Detail aerial image of Graz, Austria
Detail of an aerial image of Graz, Austria, showcasing UltraCam's already excellent image quality, further enhanced by TPP.
Detail aerial image of Graz, Austria
Detail of an aerial image of Graz, Austria, showcasing UltraCam's already excellent image quality, further enhanced by TPP.
Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post in this series, where we will delve into the improved performance of the ortho module in UltraMap 6.0. Don't miss out!
Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post in this series, where we will delve into the improved performance of the ortho module in UltraMap 6.0. Don't miss out!
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