Have you ever found a term that is so new that the industry using it barely recognizes it? How about a phrase that is well known in other industries but not yet commonplace where the term is going a new definition? In either case, the thrill of discovery and adventure is quite exciting and can be the source of great joy when stumbled upon organically.
And so it is with orthographic mapping, at least, in the latter definition. Of course, ortho mapping has a long history in the studies of learning and early childhood development, but more on that in a moment. First, it is important to note that this is not an article on the traditional version of orthographic mapping; rather, it is on the new use of the term as it relates to commercial drone services. Join FulcrumAir to discover everything you need to know about the exciting new uses of this term.
What Does Orthographic Mapping Mean?
Orthographic mapping, in the traditional sense, refers to our brain’s ability to connect letters or sounds with words, spelling and pronunciations. It is an innate ability that allows us to communicate with each other using established patterns and symbols. If you were to see an “e” for example, you would use orthographic mapping to determine the correct sound associated with the symbol.
What Does Orthographic Mapping Have to Do with Drones?
Alright, with the appropriate definition out of the way, we can now move onto the discussion of the term as it relates to commercial drones. It might be a bit easier to take a step back and offer an example first, though.
You know how when you use a service like Google or Apple Maps, you can choose between several different overhead views? Well, the modified concept of orthographic mapping is at work when viewing a location through satellite imagery.
Indeed, when referring to commercial drone services, orthographic mapping refers to stitching together digital images to create a fully realized rendering of physical space. This includes elevation and other data a drone is equipped to collect.
Is Orthographic Mapping Visual Processing?
In some sense, both definitions of orthographic mapping are a form of visual processing. For our brains, it is the ability to connect symbols with sounds, then letters, and finally words. For digital processing software, like the options available for post-flight data, it is the ability to overlap similar geographic features and place images according to their EXIF GPS data.
Is Orthographic Mapping Automatic Decoding & Encoding?
Another common question that comes up with orthographic mapping is whether or not it is automatic decoding and encoding. While the “automatic” portion of the statement is questionable, ortho mapping is certainly a form of decoding and encoding any way you slice it.
Final Words
If you are using a simple cipher, for instance, knowing the cipher is the encoding/ decoding portion of the message. When discussing technical information in almost any industry, knowing the speaker’s intention when they use acronyms is a form of encoding and decoding. And, of course, creating a complex, accurate, and comprehensive 3D model of a physical space requires a significant amount of encoding and decoding, which is largely hidden from our simple human brains.
Now you know all about orthographic mapping. At least, what the drone industry is referring to when they discuss ortho mapping.
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