Surveying and mapping has recently undergone a transition: from discipline-oriented technologies, such as geodesy, surveying, photogrammetry and cartography, to the methodology-oriented integrated discipline of geoinformatics based on GPS positioning, remote sensing, digital photography and GIS for data manipulation and data output. This book presents the required basic background for remote sensing, digital photogrammetry and GIS in the new geoinformatics concept in which the different methodologies must be combined. For remote sensing, the basic fundamentals are the properties of electromagnetic radiation and their interaction with matter. This radiation is received by sensors and platforms in analogue or digital form, and is subject to image processing. In photogrammetry, the stereo-concept is used for the location of information in 3D. With the advent of high-resolution satellite systems in stereo, the theory of analytical photogrammetry restituting 2-D image information into 3D is of increasing importance, merging the remote sensing approach with that of photogrammetry. The result of the restitution is a direct input into geographical information systems in vector or in raster form. The fundamentals of these are described in detail, with an emphasis on global, regional and local applications.

For data integration, a short introduction into the GPS Satellite positioning system is added. This textbook will appeal to a wide range of readers, from advanced undergraduates to all professionals in the growing field of geoinformation.