Photogrammetry for GIS: The Multimedia Revolution

After giving an account of his personal experiences in the mapping industry, the author considers definitions of the terms photogrammetry, GIS and multimedia. The interaction of photogrammetry and GIS from the viewpoint of commercial suppliers is examined with reference to four companies: Intergraph, Leica, Laser‐Scan and ERDAS. The main effects on the end user of a fast developing market are identified as the need to choose from an ever increasing diversity of products and services, and the opportunity to benefit from the changing presentation of height information. Finally the subject of professional institutions is discussed; any proposals for further fragmentation should be resisted.