GPSI has designed and developed the DIGIT^TM camera, a unique and economical aircraft-based multi-spectral digital sensor system. This system incorporates 4 digital sensors. Each sensor can be filtered to view a specific region of the visible and near-infrared spectrum. Because multiple spectra are recorded, true color and infra-red images can be created from the same data set, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices (NDVIs) can be easily calculated by image analysis software to assist in determining the health of plants.

The system also includes a Kinematic Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) receiver, an Inertial Navigation System (INS), and a software package developed by GPSI’s Chuck Wivell, who has 10 years of experience in remote sensing algorithms and applications, most of which was with the USGS EROS Data Center. By using GPS-embedded coordinates in the aerial imagery, approximate section corners can be located on the photos. Entry of the coordinate data into a field GPS unit allows land managers to quickly and accurately locate section corners and land features in the field, resulting in the more accurate application of management practices.

We currently provide data in digital format via CD-ROM, but are planning to expand our services to a web-based subscription service in the near future. We also provide GIS capability, remote sensing interpretation, and user training for basic use of the imaging.

Since GPSI is the designer of the DIGIT^TM camera system, not just a user of someone else's imaging system, we are able to offer our clients customized assistance, tailoring our services to better meet their needs.


Look at the Benefits

• Surgical precision - get images for only needed areas of coverage

• Timely
  • Images can be delivered within 72 hours or less of an overflight, or within 4 hours or less of an overflight for monitoring an emergency situation (e.g., an active fire)
  • Flights can be scheduled immediately when a need arises
  • Risk of data loss from cloud cover is minimized

• Cost effective

• Highly accurate data

• High resolution - this allows detection of objects as small as 0.5 meter

• Storage of images
  • More efficient than conventional film
  • Very long life expectancy
  • Images can be printed from any computer without expensive processing laboratories
  • No waiting for images to return from a lab
  • Lowered risk of film loss or damage

• Accurate geo-referencing - this allows integration with all commonly used GIS programs

• Easy geo-referenced importing of images for accurate...
  • Tree species inventories
  • Cover type mapping
  • Timber growth monitoring studies
  • Plant community mapping
  • Habitat mapping
  • Wildlife utilization studies
  • Fire progression and damage mapping

  ...to name just a few things

• Pinpoint locations of areas of interest - use GPS units to accurately and quickly navigate to desired study areas in the field