The National Shipbuilding Research Program, Photogrammetry in Shipbuilding

Photogrammetry is the art, science and technology which includes obtaining reliable information about physical objects by measuring and interpreting photographic images. Presently, a number of organizations throughout the world productively employ photogrammetry, on a more or less regular basis, in architectural, biomedical and industrial areas. Within the latter there are shipbuilding applications for the measurement of hull sections, propellers in various stages of fabrication, cargo tanks, etc. Already, and as a result of initial work on this project, a U.S. shipbuilder has engaged a photogrammetric firm to prepare sounding tables for spherical LNG tanks. Thus, this project has not been concerned with whether photogrammetry is a viable and sufficiently accurate measurement technique; it is! Instead, the main objective has been to investigate the applicability of photogrammetry to dimensioning problems which frequently occur in shipbuilding. Particular emphasis has been placed upon applications which may have the greatest potential for improved productivity. Time and dollar costs involved for four photogrammetric demonstrations, in real shipbuilding situations, are well documented herein. Uniquely, the photogrammetric researcher was required to obtain a sufficient understanding of shipbuilding processes to insure that this manual will be readily understood by shipbuilders. Further, his knowledge of shipbuilding permitted him to report objectively; both advantages and disadvantages are described. Information of immediate interest is in the first two chapters. Comprehensive appendices are provided for those shipbuilding functionaries who will have greater need for understanding photogrammetry.

For report prepared as a later insert to this report, see ADA451609, "The National Shipbuilding Research Program. Measuring a Complex Casting," Feb 1979.