True Pixel Processing (TPP): The backbone of UltraCam image fidelity
25 September 2025
At Vexcel Imaging, image fidelity is at the core of everything we do. That’s why we developed True Pixel Processing (TPP) — a fully automated, sensor-aware image processing pipeline available across all 4th generation UltraCam systems. Integrated into the UltraMap Essentials module, TPP transforms raw UltraCam data into radiometrically aligned aerial imagery, preserving as much original pixel information as possible from initial exposure to the final product. As part of the processing from Level 00 (raw data) to Level 02, TPP is automatically applied for all supported camera models.
The result? Images that reflect the real-world scene with exceptional dynamic range, sharpness, and clarity.
Traditional postprocessing pipelines handle key steps like debayering, denoising, and motion blur correction in a sequential, isolated manner. Each process acts independently, often modifying or degrading data in a way that limits the effectiveness of subsequent stages. This can lead to visual artifacts, lost detail, and reduced overall image quality.
TPP takes a holistic approach. It considers motion blur, lens characteristics, and shutter behavior and integrates all major steps into a single optimization process. This integrated approach minimizes cumulative artifacts, avoids redundant resampling, and preserves fine image details — especially in challenging lighting or motion conditions.
Benefits of True Pixel Processing
TPP brings multiple tangible improvements to UltraCam aerial imagery:
- Superior noise performance in both shadow and highlight regions, with fine details preserved.
- Enhanced image sharpness across the entire frame.
- Reduction of zippering and aliasing artifacts typically found in Bayer pattern sensors.
- Suppression of high-frequency moiré patterns.
- Improved correction of defective or hot pixels.
- Fine-tuned contrast, sharpness and denoising based on flight altitude and GSD (feature available in spring 2026).
Together, these enhancements make TPP an essential component of Vexcel's commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation in aerial imaging.
From automation to customization
While TPP offers a fully automated foundation for image processing, UltraMap Studio allows for further tuning of the output. Whether you're aiming for high visual contrast and sharpness or a balanced exposure with subtle detail in shadows, TPP provides a robust base for creating data products tailored to specific project goals or customer preferences.
The following images were captured with an UltraCam Osprey 4.1, at 5 cm GSD in Graz, Austria. They have been processed both with and without TPP.
Noise performance on homogenous surfaces as well as shaded areas improve with TPP.
Particularly on corrugated metal roofs or generally on roofs with repetitive patterns, moire artifacts can occur. With the use of TPP, these artifacts can be significantly minimized.
Zipper or aliasing artifacts are visual distortions that occur particularly when representing high-contrast or fine patterns. With TPP, these artifacts are signifcantly reduced.
This image shows a section of a finely patterned roof. Notice how the edges of the letters without TPP processing appear jagged and stair-stepped, rather than straight.
Maximizing CPU efficiency
With TPP, the complexity of the algorithms increases, leading to higher computational demands. To compensate, TPP employs advanced memory management techniques to fully utilize the CPU's potential and enhance scalability. While TPP optimizes processing across all systems, users with newer hardware will experience the most benefits of these new techniques. As a core component of UltraCam data processing, TPP is a standard feature, not just an optional enhancement. It is consistently and automatically integrated into the UltraMap workflow for processing 4th generation UltraCam systems. This ensures that every data set processed benefits from the clarity and precision TPP offers, without requiring manual activation or intervention.
Today, the latest airborne systems on the market universally adopt the same CMOS sensors, leading to a uniformity in shared challenges across the board. Driven by our commitment to delivering industry-leading image quality, we are inspired to push the boundaries in every aspect of our technology. From the development of custom lenses to the implementation of advanced software strategies, we strive to leverage every possible factor to its fullest potential. Our goal is to deliver the highest possible image quality to our customers, ensuring that they benefit from the pinnacle of our technological advancements.
Discover Adaptive Motion Compensation (AMC), a key component of the TPP pipeline.
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