February 2012 

NASA/TM–2012-217334 

NASA High-Speed 2D Photogrammetric 

Measurement System 

Harriett R. Dismond 

Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia 
NASA STI Program . . . in Profile

Since its founding, NASA has been dedicated to 

the advancement of aeronautics and space science. 

The NASA scientific and technical information (STI) 

program plays a key part in helping NASA maintain 

this important role. 

 The NASA STI program operates under the 

auspices of the Agency Chief Information Officer. It 

collects, organizes, provides for archiving, and 

disseminates NASA’s STI. The NASA STI program 

provides access to the NASA Aeronautics and Space 

Database and its public interface, the NASA Technical 

Report Server, thus providing one of the largest 

collections of aeronautical and space science STI in 

the world. Results are published in both non-NASA 

channels and by NASA in the NASA STI Report 

Series, which includes the following report types: 

TECHNICAL PUBLICATION. Reports of 

completed research or a major significant phase 

of research that present the results of NASA 

programs and include extensive data or 

theoretical analysis. Includes compilations of 

significant scientific and technical data and 

information deemed to be of continuing 

reference value. NASA counterpart of peerreviewed formal professional papers, but having 

less stringent limitations on manuscript length 

and extent of graphic presentations. 

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM. Scientific 

and technical findings that are preliminary or of 

specialized interest, e.g., quick release reports, 

working papers, and bibliographies that contain 

minimal annotation. Does not contain extensive 

analysis. 

CONTRACTOR REPORT. Scientific and 

technical findings by NASA-sponsored 

contractors and grantees. 

CONFERENCE PUBLICATION. Collected 

papers from scientific and technical 

conferences, symposia, seminars, or other 

meetings sponsored or co-sponsored by NASA. 

SPECIAL PUBLICATION. Scientific, 

technical, or historical information from NASA 

programs, projects, and missions, often 

concerned with subjects having substantial 

public interest. 

TECHNICAL TRANSLATION. Englishlanguage translations of foreign scientific and 

technical material pertinent to NASA’s mission. 

 Specialized services also include creating custom 

thesauri, building customized databases, and 

organizing and publishing research results. 

 For more information about the NASA STI 

program, see the following: 

Access the NASA STI program home page at 

http://www.sti.nasa.gov

E-mail your question via the Internet to 

help@sti.nasa.gov

Fax your question to the NASA STI Help Desk 

at 443-757-5803 

Phone the NASA STI Help Desk at 

443-757-5802 

Write to: 

 NASA STI Help Desk 

 NASA Center for AeroSpace Information 

 7115 Standard Drive 

 Hanover, MD 21076-1320
National Aeronautics and 

Space Administration 

Langley Research Center 

Hampton, Virginia 23681-2199 

 

February 2012 

NASA/TM–2012-217334 

NASA High-Speed 2D Photogrammetric 

Measurement System 

Harriett R. Dismond 

Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia 
Available from: 

NASA Center for AeroSpace Information 

7115 Standard Drive 

Hanover, MD 21076-1320 

443-757-5802 

The use of trademarks or names of manufacturers in this report is for accurate reporting and does not constitute an 

official endorsement, either expressed or implied, of such products or manufacturers by the National Aeronautics 

and Space Administration. 
i

Contents

Abstract 1

Overview 1

Hardware Components 1

Computer Requirements 1

Camera/Optics Requirements 1

Electronics 2

Cables 2

Misc. Hardware 2

Software 2

System Hardware Configuration 2

Cabling 6

System Software 7

Data Acquisition and Analysis Procedures 8

Summary 20

References 21

List of Figures

Figure 1. Vision Research Phantom High Camera, Version 9.1. 2

Figure 2. Target. 3

Figure 3. South-side targets on the support beams. 3

Figure 4. West-side targets on support beams. 3

Figure 5. LandIR orientation. 4

Figure 6. South camera view perspective. 5
ii

Figure 7. West camera view perspective. 5

Figure 8. Cable schematic. 6

Figure 9. Cable connections for the Phantom camera. 7

Figure 10. Image of model in the Vision Research Phantom software,

Ver. 630. 8

Figure 11. Phantom Open Cine window. 9

Figure 12. Phantom Save Cine window. 10

Figure 13. MatLab Command Window in the work directory. 11

Figure 14. MatLab Select File to Open window. 12

Figure 15. MatLab cev input window. 13

Figure 16. Targets 1 and 2 selected. 14

Figure 17. Initial CEV plot. 15

Figure 18. Test article plot. 15

Figure 19. Centroid file in the TextPad Editor. 16

Figure 20. Example of .ini file. 17

Figure 21. Example of a summary file. 18

Figure 22. Reduce_d content folder. 18

Figure 23. Data plot using *.html formatting. 19

Figure 24. Flow chart. 20
1

Abstract

The object of this Technical Memorandum is to provide users of the NASA high-speed 2D 

photogrammetric measurement system with procedures required to obtain

drop-model trajectory and impact data for full-scale and sub-scale models. This guide focuses on use 

of the system for vertical drop testing at the NASA Langley Landing and Impact Research (LandIR) 

Facility.

Background

The Landing and Impact Research Facility (LandIR) is a 240 - by - 400 foot - A-frame structure with a

70 foot vertical drop tower. The facility, originally named the Lunar Landing Research Facility (LLRF), 

dates back to 1965 to train Apollo astronauts for lunar landings. In 1972 it was converted to crash-test 

full-scale aircraft, helicopters and fuselage subsections. It was re-named the Impact Dynamics 

Research Facility (IDRF) [1]. Most recently, the facility (now know as the LandIR Facility) has been 

used to support Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) impact tests and other aerospace related 

studies.

Overview

The NASA high-speed photogrammetric measurement system consists of various hardware for 

implementation of single-camera, two-dimensional photogrammetric measurement techniques. These 

techniques are applied to high-speed video sequences from which test article model trajectory and 

impact dynamics data are obtained during vertical drop tests. The basic instrumentation consists of 

high-speed cameras, camera control software and, custom MatLab-based software. The 

measurement technique has been used successfully for numerous test campaigns at the NASA 

Langley Landing and Impact Research (LandIR) Facility. Relevant tests using the system have 

included full-scale and half-scale Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) impact tests and other 

aerospace related studies. The focus of this Technical Memorandum mainly concerns, but is not 

limited to, use of the photogrammetry system for LandIR MPCV half-scale model soil characterization

photogrammetric measurement studies conducted at the 70 ft. vertical drop tower.

Hardware Components:

The minimum hardware requirements for use of the photogrammetric measurement system are as 

follows:

Computer Requirements

Pentium-based computer; performance video card; and wired network card.

Camera/Optics Requirements

Minimum of one (1); Vision Research Phantom High Speed Camera (or equivalent), v7(800 x 

600 resolution) or v9.1 (1632 x 1200 resolution) @ 1000fps; 14-bit CMOS sensor technology; 

Gigabit Ethernet interface; IRIG-B timing code; 2μsec shutter (See Fig.1).
2

 

 

Lenses: Various fixed focal lengths typically, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 60mm, 90mm, 105mm

Electronics

IRIG Garman GPS 18 LVC, 5 meters, Time code generator model TCG with Internal GPS 

receiver, 1 to 9 VDC, 20mA ac adapter

Cables

Cables: RG-58, various lengths up to 300 feet; Ethernet cable, 300 feet; camera cable bundle 

with IREG connector; camera power cable; camera Ethernet adapter cable; extension cords, 

300 feet. BNC tee-connectors and BNC barrel connectors. 

Misc. Hardware

Tripods: Tall and heavy framed similar to Manfrotto tripod model 3258, Manfrotto tripod head 

model 3047

Software

Phantom Camera Control Software, Phantom Control Version 8.4.630.0-C PhCon: 630

NASA developed software using MatLab

System Hardware Configuration

Targets: Photogrammetry targets should be assembled as diffuse white-on-black or black-on-white 

printed arrangements. Typically, 6- to 8-inch square by one-half inch thick white form board plates are 

printed with centered black circles (See Fig. 2). Target size is dependent on distances from the 

camera and lens field-of-view. The form board plates are strategically positioned on the support 

beams of the model (See Fig. 3). Four (4) targets are nominally used on the half-scale MPCV model;

two on the South-side (front view) and two on the West-side (side view) (See Fig. 4). 

Figure 1. Vision Research Phantom High Camera, Version 9.1
3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 3. South-side targets on the support beams.

Figure 4. West-side targets on support beams.

Figure 2. Target.
4

Cameras: The LandIR Facility is oriented in an East-West direction with the entrance road to the 

facility, West Bush Road, on the south-side. (Refer to Fig. 5 for camera location orientation). 

Three Phantom cameras are normally utilized to obtain video sequences for half-scale MPCV model

drops. A camera on the south side captures target images on the front of the model. A camera on the 

west side captures target images to the left of the front-side of the model, and, a camera in the 

southwest corner of the facility captures images near the bottom of the model as it impacts the 

ground. Images from the southwest camera are used to help synchronize all of the other cameras at 

the precise moment of impact via use of the time code generator [2].

Typical lens assignments for the various cameras are:

50 mm lens for the south camera;

60 mm lens for the west camera;

28 mm lens for the southwest camera.

The choice lens is determined by the proximity of a particular camera to the model and the need to 

see specific targets at various aspects of the model during release and impact.

The south camera is placed about 70 feet from the edge of the vertical landing perimeter of the halfscale MPCV model (See Fig. 6). The west camera is also placed about 70 feet from the edge of the 

vertical landing perimeter (See Fig. 7). The southwest camera is placed at the corner edge of the 

vertical drop perimeter to obtain a good view of the bottom of the vehicle as it makes contact with the 

ground. For the south and west cameras, the tripod legs are fully extended to a height that positions 

the model in the center of the image plane. The tripods are leveled using the bubble level on the 

tripods. The cameras are leveled using the bubble levels, for tilt and rotation, on the tripod heads. The 

cameras are centered and squared normal to the horizontal and vertical planes of the model before 

the lenses are focused. The southwest camera and tripod do not need to be leveled since the images 

recorded are viewed for optimal angle perspective and no target information is acquired.

Figure 5. LandIR orientation.
5

 

 

 

 

Relatively long focal length lenses are used to help minimize optical distortions when capturing image 

data for two-dimensional photogrammetric analysis. Perspective distortions are also minimized by 

carefully aligning the camera(s) perpendicular to the swing plane of the drop vehicle. Squaring the 

cameras’ orthogonal to the vehicle’s (swing/drop planes) coordinate system is important for obtaining 

good 2D photogrammetric reconstructions. 

Figure 6. South camera view perspective.

Figure 7. West camera view perspective.
6 

Cabling:

Cable connections are made between the computer to power; computer to camera (via an Ethernet);

camera to power; IRIG to power; camera to IRIG (See Fig. 8.) 

The following specific cable connections are required:

Three of the four connections on the back of each Phantom V7 and V9 high speed cameras 

are used: Ethernet, Capture and 20 – 36 VDC (Power) (See fig. 9). 

Ethernet: A 19-pin ANC connector is attached to the Ethernet plug on the camera. The other 

end, a network connector, is attached to an Ethernet cable via an extender and plugged into 

the computer’s network card.

Capture: A 19-pin ANC connector is attached to the Capture plug on the camera. The other 

end, a BNC bundle, is attached to the IRIG BNC connector (white label). (A length of RG-58 

cable and a BNC barrel connector is needed to make this connection). 

Power: A 4-pin ANC connector is attached to the 20 - 36 VDC plug on the camera. The other 

end is connected to the round prong of the power supply for the camera which is connected to a 

120 VAC outlet.

Figure 8. Cable schematic.
7

 

Note: There are at least seven (7) outdoor 120 VAC outlet panels around the perimeter of the 

LandIR facility than can be utilized when establishing power connections.

Viewfinder (not normally used): This allows for viewing of the camera set-up with use of a monitor at 

the camera. This camera feature is not used during set-up primarily because the image on the 

monitor has a smaller aspect ratio than what is viewed in the Phantom software image on the 

computer. Camera adjustments and leveling alignments are done using radio communication 

between the computer operator and the camera operator.

IRIG: The Garman GPS 18 LVC Timecode Generator, Model TCG, is a crystal controlled IRIG-B

timecode source which will synchronize with 1 microsecond accuracy to GPS receiver outputs when 

available, otherwise reverting to coast or fail-safe mode. The IRIG is used to verify synchronization of 

the high speed video cameras.

The BNC connector on the IRIG is connected to the cameras IRIG (white connector) using a 5 VAC 

adapter into the IRIG. The other end of the adapter is plugged into a 120 VAC outlet.

System Software

Acquisition: Data is acquired using the Phantom camera control software (latest versions used are v 

630 and v 654) (see Fig. 10). Recorded image data is stored within the camera’s memory and 

uploaded to the controlling PC notebook at the conclusion of the test. The image data is volatile while 

in the camera memory and should be quickly uploaded to a PC before power is disconnected from 

Figure 9. Cable connections for the Phantom camera.
8

the camera. The Phantom software is also used to convert the proprietary Phantom formatted image 

(.cin) files to much smaller MatLab friendly (.avi) files with minimal file compression. 

 

Analysis: Customized MatLab software is used to perform two-dimensional photogrammetric data 

analyses on images captured by the high-speed Phantom cameras used to capture drop model 

impact dynamics at the LandIR. Custom MatLab functions are used to identify and track each of the 

photogrammetric targets throughout the video sequence.

Data Acquisition and Analysis Procedures

Acquisition Using Phantom Software Package: Test video is acquired using Vision Research 

Phantom software, V.8.4.630. Two notebook computers are used to record the video from three or 

more cameras. Each camera view is given a unique filename.

For example, 2008-08-05_CEVHS_s_105mm,

Where: 2008-08-05 is the date of the test; 

CEVHS is Crew Exploration Vehicle Half Scale

s is South view

105mm is the lens size of a camera

Data is then transferred from the notebooks to two “work” external hard drives labeled “South and 

East” and “North and West”. Copies of the raw data are also transferred to a backup external hard 

drive labeled CEV Backup. The gantry test engineer is provided with copies of the raw data. Raw 

data is in the Phantom software format, cine, (*.cin). The external hard drive directory structure may 

be set-up as follows:

Figure 10. Image of model in the Vision Research Phantom software, ver. 630.
9

E:\CEV\South Camera\Centroid

From the Phantom software menu choose File then Open.

Select the appropriate *.cin video file.

Verify that the image has good contrast in the target area by playing the video file.

From the menu, choose File, Convert & Process cine.

In the Open window choose the *.cin file to be converted. (See Fig. 11).

A Save Cine window is opened. 

 

 

Give the file the same name as the *.cin filename but choose *.avi as the extension. Click 

SAVE. (See Fig. 12).

An AVI Options window opens

Fig. 11. Phantom Open Cine window.
10

 

In the Video Compression drop-down window, choose Intel Indeo Video 4.5.

Use the default Frame Rate (fps 5) and Compression Quality (65%).

Click OK.

The conversion window opens and the video is converted. Intel Indeo 4.5 is currently being used to 

convert and compress a *.cin to a *.avi. In the conversion process a *.chd file is also generated. This 

file format contains the time codes and must be retained.

The procedure above is repeated for each camera video file. The time it takes to convert a file may 

vary from 45 minutes to one hour for black and white video and from one and one-half hours to two 

hours for color video. File sizes vary from 2 GB to 7 GB in the .cin format. Converted .avi files are less 

than 1 GB.

Note: Video files converted to .avi may be longer than is needed for data information. In the Save 

Cine window, choose Range of images to use to shorten the file size.

To complete acquisition and formatting of images, within the CEV test directory, create a folder for the 

Centroid files.

Open one of the new *.avi camera files.

A start frame and end frame for the new *.avi file has to be determined. This is done by playing back 

the video of a camera’s file in the Phantom software. The start frame is determined when the first 

targets are fully visible. Enter this frame number in Save Range. The end frame is determined by one 

of three conditions:

when the model targets are fully off of the viewing screen, or,

Fig. 12. Phantom Save Cine window.
11

sometime after the model has made impact with the ground, or,

when targets are no longer visible due to interference from debris

Enter this number in Save Range as the end frame.

Camera frame rates determine the time values. When the camera is operating at 1000 fps (which is 

the typical frame rate) each frame is 0.001 seconds in time. The validity of these time values is

confirmed through the IRIG.

Analysis using MatLab Software – Overview: Two-dimensional photogrammetric data analyses are 

derived from the high-speed video data images acquired by the Phantom cameras used to capture 

drop model impact dynamics at the LandIR. Custom MatLab functions are used to identify and track 

each of the photogrammetry targets throughout the video sequence. Grayscale contrasts between the 

targets and the background of the accompanying target mounting plates provide reliable frame-byframe two-dimensional pixel tracking of the center of the targets on the image plane. These 

grayscale-weighted target centroid positions have approximate 0.1-pixel accuracy for each target 

within each video frame of the sequence. Occasionally target obstructions such as guy wires, tether 

ropes, or dust created during impact, are encountered during testing that interfere with target tracking. 

These encounters can cause errors or momentary loss of a target positions. 

Centroid Processing of Image Data: Copy the camera folder containing converted *.avi video into a

sub-directory within the CEV folder. An example of the file structure can be:

C:\MatLAB\CEV\South Camera\2008-08-05_CEVS2_s_105mm.avi, and,

C:\MatLab\CEV\West Camera\2008-08-05_CEVW2_w_90mm.avi.

Open MatLab. In the Current Folder pull-down window, make sure the correct path is displayed (See 

Fig. 13).

 

Fig.13. MatLab Command Window in the work directory.
12

There are two auxiliary NASA developed MatLab functions used to select the frame intervals:

avidisplay

aviStartEnd

avidisplay: A Select File to Open window opens (See Fig. 14). Choose the work *.avi video. A 

Figure 1 window opens and the *.avi file advances the image frame-by-frame. The user can observe 

at what frame the targets appear in the view (start frame) and typically, at what frame the model 

impacts the ground (end frame).

 

 

avidisplay can also be used with input arguments. For example,

avidisplay(frame start, frame increment, frame end).

aviStartEnd: A Select File to Open window opens. Choose the work *.avi video. A Figure 1 window 

opens with a scaled image. By clicking within the scaled area, the video can be advanced or 

reversed. Reading from left to right, the image can be reversed (-100 frames; -10 frames; -1 frame) or 

advanced (+1 frame; +10 frames; +100 frames). Select the start frame. Click outside of the Figure 1

window. This will record the frame number. Click inside the window to advance to the end frame. 

Click outside the Figure 1 window to record the end frame number. 

Once this procedure is completed, the following information is displayed at the MatLab command line:

Filename:

FileSize:

FileModDate:

NumFrames:

FramesPerSecond:

Fig. 14. MatLab Select File to Open window.
13

Width:

Height:

ImageType:

VideoCompression:

Quality:

NumColormapEntries:

To continue the centroiding analysis, type cev at the MatLab prompt. Hit Enter.

The CEV input window opens. (See Fig. 15).

 

The CEV input window allows the user to edit the following data as required:

cent file out: indicates the name of the centroid text output file

frameStart: the initial video frame from which targets will be tracked

frameEnd: the final video frame from which data will be tracked

Fig.15. MatLab cev input window.
14

black-on-white (0==false, else true): if tracking a black target on a white background, enter 

1. If tracking a white target on a black (dark) background, enter 0.

delx, dely: refers to the pixelated region of interest (ROI). The size of the ROI can be adjusted 

by entering a smaller or larger value, typically between 2 and 15.

delxcExtra and delycExtra: refers to how many additional pixels the cev script will track 

beyond delx and dely. These values are typically between 0 and 4.

Once all the entries have been made, click OK, A Figure 1 Select targets to track window opens. 

Select, in order from left to right, the targets to be tracked. The targets are numbered in the order in 

which they are selected (See Fig. 16). Hit Enter. The CEV program will scan the targets within the 

video frames designated in the aviStartEnd function. MatLab will use backward tracking for lost 

targets and ask the user to re-select the lost targets. Hit Enter.

 

In the course of the scan, there may be targets that may have been compromised by debris, cables or 

shading. If one or more target(s) are compromised, a new target scan window, Re-Scanning for 

Lost Targets, will be displayed and the video will be re-tracked backwards. A Figure 3: Targets with 

suspect data = 1 window is next displayed. This window allows the user to go to a specific target 

point and reject the data from the frame interval that is determined as having the invalid data.

Generated Plots: The initial plot depicts the difference in position between each of the target points 

with respect to the initial target points in an x- and y-coordinate (See Fig. 17). If there are no 

anomalies in the plot, the data is accepted by hitting Enter.

Figure 16. Targets 1 and 2 selected.
15

 

Once the initial plot is acceptable, a Figure 4 plot is generated. This plot depicts the displacement of 

the test article (See Fig. 18). This plot should be saved with the name of the video and frame count 

with a *.fig extension. An example filename is:

2008-08-05_CEVHS2_s_105mm_1217_2197.fig

 

 

Editing the Centroid File: A centroid file is generated within the work directory. For this example, the 

centroid filename is:

2008-08-05_CEVHS2_s_105mm_1217_2197.txt

Figure 17. Initial CEV plot.

Figure 18. Test article plot.
16

Once the centroid file is generated, the user opens it in a text editor such as TexPad (See Fig. 19).

The file is then saved and is ready for data reduction by the instrumentation research engineer. The 

reduced data is then forwarded to the test facility research engineer.

 

 

Additional Analysis of Data: Additional custom MatLab code is used to convert target centroid 

locations from image plane pixel units to object plane engineering units by multiplying an image-toobject plane scaling factor. Target position data is uniformly shifted in time, to set time T = 0 to within 

± 2 milliseconds (± 2 video frames) of the point of impact when the vehicle makes first contact with 

the ground. Further analyses of the target position data are performed to determine the test article 

horizontal and vertical velocity and trajectory angles. Trajectory angles are computed using the 

relative positions of two targets that are far apart on the test article. Computed angles using targets 

with a large separation distance provided improved measurement accuracy compared to angle 

measurements using closely spaced targets.

The MatLab reduce d Function and Final Processing Steps: The MatLAB Reduce_d function can be 

used to process and analyze the CEV data. A CEV centroid data file (mentioned above) and setup 

(.ini) file are required when executing the Reduce_d function. The .ini file is used to setup the 

relevant information needed to properly identify specific test cases. For example, a standard *.ini file 

is a fill-in-the-blank-type format that asks detailed questions about the test (See Fig. 20). These 

questions include but are not limited to:

name of the centroid data file;

date of the test;

projected or anticipated data results for velocity and trajectory angles;

type of camera(s) being used and the camera ID;

gantry location;

frame rate;

selected lens and;

resolution of the image sensor. 

Figure 19. Centroid file in the TextPad Editor.
17

 

An HTML folder is also required in the setup when processing the data. This folder contains still 

images of the test article which are used to help identify target locations on the vehicle. The 

Reduce_d code, when implemented, will produce an HTML data summary file (See Fig. 21). This file 

can then be easily converted into a PDF file format using Adobe Acrobat.

Figure 20. Example of .ini file.
18

The typical Reduction Folder for Reduce_d.m (See Fig. 22) should contain, at a minimum, the CEV 

centroid data (*.txt); Reduce_d setup file (*.ini); and a HTML folder. 

 

The HTML folder has an additional two required folders inside: a Buttons folder and an Images

folder. The Buttons folder has supporting HTML .jpg images. These images support the HTML 

Fig. 22. Reduce_d content folder.

CEV Kennedy Sand Model - (KSM) Drop 10 (Drop, S) 2009-07-16

Optical Measurement Data Summary for KSM; Drop 10; South View; 

Phantom 9 Camera (no. 7721)

(50 mm lens, 25 fps Vert, 0 fps Horz, 28.00 deg pitch, 0.00 deg 

roll, 0.00 deg yaw)

Gantry Station (at impact): 0.00

Camera Position: 83.50 feet to Center of Drop Vehicle

IRIG Time Stamp at Ground Contact: 08:48:15.423 506

For Reference Targets 1 & 2

Yaw Angle Change: -0.23 (deg) over 0.719 seconds to Ground Contact

Rate of Angle Change: -0.32 (deg/sec)

Yaw Angle of Vehicle on Contact: 0.04 (deg)

Image Scale Factor (inches/pixel): 0.18273

Maximum Velocities (for Vertical) just after Ground Contact 

for Targets 1 & 2:

Avg Vert Velocity: 299.41 (in/sec), 24.95 (ft/sec)

Avg Horz Velocity: -0.36 (in/sec), -0.03 (ft/sec)

Resultant Max Vel: 299.41 (in/sec), 24.95 (ft/sec)

Actual Displacement Measurement between Targets 1 & 2: 107.80 (in)

Mean Target Displacement during Flight: 107.73 (in)

Standard Deviation: 0.05

Mean Target Displacement for all of Test: 105.99 (in)

Standard Deviation: 1.83

Figure 21. Example of a summary file.
19

output that is generated by MatLAB. The Images folder will contain descriptive images of the test

article. When in MatLAB, set the Current Folder address path to the folder location, as seen in Fig.

19. Execute Reduce_d at the command prompt. The user is then prompted to choose an *.ini file 

from the HTML folder. This process may take a couple minutes to complete.

The MatLAB code generates several figures (plots) which can be reviewed and edited, as needed.

Type return at the command window prompt when the plots are acceptable and the user is ready to

continue to the next step. (Note: MatLab figures are pre-set and should not be re-sized).

A Reduce-d–Notice pop-up window appears. This allows the user to save the plots to a new file

within the current directory and/or create an html project file which will be placed in the HTML folder.

The user also can elect to exit the program.

If the Save Plots button is selected, then a Figures Folder is created and MatLAB creates files in the

*.fig format. An option then becomes available to save the plots again, if desired. This feature will

overwrite the existing saved figures (plots). If the Create HTML button in the Reduce_d – Notice

window is selected, then an *.html file is created and placed in the HTML folder. Backup copies of 

any previous *.html files are placed in a folder labeled Old. Copies of the figures are created in a 

*.bmp format (See Fig. 23). They are used in the *.html file and placed in the Images folder. 

 

Data files, in *.txt and *.xls formats, are used to create the data plots. These plots are copied and 

placed in the main Startup Directory. Backup, or old, data files are saved each time the Reduce_d

code is executed. The backup files are then placed in an additional folder labeled Old.

Copies of *.html files can be converted to the *.pdf file format using Adobe Acrobat or equivalent 

software. Open the *.html file in a browser utility such as, Windows Internet Explorer, and from the 

File pull down menu, select Print.. In the Select Printer option, choose Adobe PDF which will

generate the *.pdf file.

Figure 23. Data plot using *.html formatting. 
20

Summary

The NASA high-speed photogrammetric measurement system represents a versatile method for 

acquiring and processing drop-model trajectory and impact data for a variety of full-scale and subscale models tested at the NASA Langley LandIR Facility. The system is modular and consists of 

interconnected camera and computer technology and uses a composite of off-the-shelf and 

customized software for data acquisition and reduction. Figure 24 illustrates graphically the data flow 

Figure24. Flow chart.
21

utilized in the system. The software has been designed to be as user-friendly as possible. This 

Technical Memorandum summarizes the detailed instructions necessary for use of the hardware and 

software systems. For more information regarding this system, please contact the NASA Langley 

Advanced Sensing and Optical Measurement Branch at the following address:

Advanced Sensing and Optical Measurement Branch (ASOMB)

NASA Langley Research Center

18 Langley Blvd., B-1200, Mail Stop 493

Hampton, Virginia 23681

http://asomb.larc.nasa.gov

References

[1] Ernie Heymsfield and Edwin L. Fasanella, “Using Numerical Modeling To Simulate Space Capsule 

Ground Landings”, Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Transportation Research 

Record, July 30, 2008.

[2] Danny A. Barrows, Alpheus W. Burner, Felecia C. Berry, Harriett R. Dismond, and Kenneth H. 

Cate, “Photogrammetric Measurements of CEV Airbag Landing Attenuation Systems”, 46th AIAA 

Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, AIAA 2008-846, 7-10 January 2008, Reno Nevada.

 

 

 

 
REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form Approved

OMB No. 0704-0188

2. REPORT TYPE 

Technical Memorandum

 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

NASA High-Speed 2D Photogrammetric Measurement System 

5a. CONTRACT NUMBER

 6. AUTHOR(S)

Dismond, Harriett R.

 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)

NASA Langley Research Center

Hampton, VA 23681-2199

 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Washington, DC 20546-0001

 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION

 REPORT NUMBER

L-20117

10. SPONSOR/MONITOR'S ACRONYM(S)

NASA

13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

12. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Unclassified Unlimited

Subject Category 35

Availability: NASA CASI (443) 757-5802

19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON

STI Help Desk (email: help@sti.nasa.gov)

14. ABSTRACT

The object of this report is to provide users of the NASA high-speed 2D photogrammetric measurement system with 

procedures required to obtain drop-model trajectory and impact data for full-scale and sub-scale models. This guide focuses on 

use of the system for vertical drop testing at the NASA Langley Landing and Impact Research (LandIR) Facility. 

15. SUBJECT TERMS

Centroids; High-speed video; Photogrammetry; Soil characterization; Target tracking

18. NUMBER

 OF 

 PAGES

28

19b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include area code)

(443) 757-5802

a. REPORT

U

c. THIS PAGE

U

b. ABSTRACT

U

17. LIMITATION OF 

 ABSTRACT

UU

Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39.18

Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98)

3. DATES COVERED (From - To)

5b. GRANT NUMBER

5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER

5d. PROJECT NUMBER

5e. TASK NUMBER

5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER

877868.02.07.07.06.01.01

11. SPONSOR/MONITOR'S REPORT

 NUMBER(S)

NASA/TM-2012-217334

16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF:

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, 

gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this 

collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and 

Reports (0704-0188), 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person 

shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number.

PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS.

1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY)

01- 02 - 2012