Highest level of precision with the new Airbus Ground Control Points

@AirbusSpace #GCPs

Friedrichshafen, 25 June 2019 – Airbus has launched a new series of Ground Control Points (GCPs) to give centimetre level accuracy and higher points density. These highly precise 3D coordinates are automatically extracted from Airbus’ high-resolution stereo radar imagery, using an innovative geodesy processor.

GCPs are essential for accurate orthorectification of aerial, optical satellite and drone data, as well as precise localisation of ground features, landmark detection and target recognition. Furthermore, GCPs are used to calibrate and validate all types of map data.

As radar satellite acquire data 24 hours a day regardless of darkness and or weather conditions, they allow rapid imagery collection whatever the location. Combined with this new automatic geodesy processor, radar data enables prompter processing and delivery of GCPs. Thanks to their higher accuracy, the Airbus GCPs are able to complement and even substitute in-situ measurements. This enables time and cost savings while providing a homogeneous data source.

This new datasets can support topographic and cadaster mapping from 1:10,000 to 1:2,500 scales, as well as the automotive (HD) mapping. They all require highly accurate reference data over large areas to be regularly updated, harmonised and rapidly available.

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About Airbus

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2018 it generated revenues of € 64 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.