Stereoscopy is the science of using overlapping imagery acquired from different locations to produce a 3D model that emulates true binocular vision. The technique was developed to identify and accurately measure topography and ground features visible in aerial photographs. The main applications of photogrammetric stereo techniques are the identification, measurement, and manual digitization of 3D features from vertical overhead imagery, including the following:
- Buildings, infrastructure, forest stands, and other ground features
- Topography, slopes, landforms, elevation points, and breaklines due to abrupt topographic discontinuities
To view and exploit stereo imagery, you need specialized software for viewing stereo pairs and collecting 3D features. You also need suitable imagery with appropriate orientation data, associated data models, and specialized hardware.
The stereo mapping capability in the ArcGIS Image Analyst extension for ArcGIS Pro allows you to view stereoscopic imagery and collect 3D features, improving image interpretation. There's no need for a separate photogrammetric package and no data conversion when using the integrated stereo workflow. Stereo mapping uses the editing experience in ArcGIS Pro—you can use existing layers, symbols, and templates, and the output of the feature creation or editing session is saved directly to a geodatabase.
Explore the following resources to get started visualizing and exploiting stereo imagery in ArcGIS Pro. (Not sure where to start? Look for the star by Esri's most helpful resources.)
Note:
To view and edit mosaic datasets, you need ArcGIS Desktop Standard or Desktop Advanced. To enable stereo mapping in ArcGIS Pro, you need the ArcGIS Image Analyst extension.
To view stereo imagery, you need either anaglyph (red/blue) glasses or shutter glasses. To use shutter glasses, you also need a graphics card with stereoscopic capability and a suitable monitor with a minimum screen refresh rate of 120 hertz. For more information, see Hardware requirements.
Imagery Workflows resources
Review the community-supported tools and best practices for working with and automating imagery and remote sensing workflows:
- Try out stereo mapping by following the Stereo Tutorial and Sample Data.*
ArcGIS Help
Review the following links on reference materials for ArcGIS products:
- Read an overview of stereo photogrammetric mapping in ArcGIS Pro.
- Learn about working with stereo imagery in the ArcGIS Pro stereo environment.
- Become familiar with the ArcGIS Pro dedicated stereo viewer.
- Learn about the ArcGIS Pro intuitive user experience for viewing and managing stereo models in a project.
- Learn helpful shortcuts and navigation controls in the stereo map.
- Review the display requirements for viewing stereo imagery.
ArcGIS blogs, articles, story maps, and technical papers
Review the following supplemental guidance about concepts, software functionality, and workflows:
- Read a blog about preparing imagery for stereo viewing in ArcGIS.
Videos
Review the following Esri-produced videos that clarify and demonstrate concepts, software functionality, and workflows:
- Watch a quick overview of stereo mapping in the Image Analyst extension (2 minutes).
- See how stereo and image space in the Image Analyst extension enrich visualization (2 minutes).
Esri Community
Use the online imagery community to connect, collaborate, and share experiences:
- Visit the Esri Imagery and Remote Sensing community to connect, collaborate, and share experiences regarding stereo visualization.