Optimization of imaging configuration

In a bundle adjustment, the imaging configuration is an important factor in computing the accuracy of the object points. The theory of optimizing network configuration is applied to photogrammetry. For application to imaging, camera stations are shifted in order to improve the precision of object-point determination by improved intersections of rays. A criterion matrix is used as a target function in the optimization process. This matrix is constructed as an ideal covariance matrix that demands homogeneous and isotropic errors. The optimization process approximates the real covariance matrix of the network to the ideal criterion matrix by means of small shifts of the camera stations. The approximation is performed by a least-squares process which minimizes the discrepancies between the real covariance matrix of a given starting configuration, and an ideal, constructed criterion matrix.