Remote platform multiple capture image formation method and apparatus

A method of controlling an orbital satellite for imaging, the satellite comprising a camera, the method comprising:

• downloading to said satellite control software, said control software being operable with a selected imaging target to control said camera to:
• aim at said target,
• obtain at least a first, a second and a third images of said target over the duration of a single pass,
• form an overall image output comprising data from said images.

Apparatus for photograph formation from multiple image capture, at a remote platform approaching and passing over a target, comprising:

• camera direction controllability for training said camera on said target,
• image taking controllability for controlling said camera to image said target at least once upon approach to said target, at nadir and at least once after passing said target,
• image processing functionality for forming a stereo image by combining an image taken upon approach with an image taken after passing said target, thereby to obtain topographical data of said target, and
• additional image processing functionality for mapping said topographical data onto an image formed at said nadir, thereby to form a nadir image having topographical data.

Apparatus for photograph formation from multiple image capture, at a remote platform approaching and passing over a target, comprising:

• camera direction controllability for training said camera on said target,
• image taking controllability for controlling said camera to image said target at least once upon approach to said target, at nadir and at least once after passing said target,
• image processing functionality for forming a stereo image by combining an image taken upon approach with an image taken after passing said target, thereby to obtain topographical data of said target, and
• additional image processing functionality for mapping said topographical data onto an image formed at said nadir, thereby to form a nadir image having topographical data.