Eye-tracking in augmented photogrammetric technologies

Spatial and temporal data derived from eye movements, compiled while the operator observes the geospatial imagery, retain meaningful information that could be successfully utilized in modern augmented photogrammetry. When humans perceive the stereo effect, the virtual 3D model, which results from the eye-brain interaction, is generated in the mind. If the eye movements are recorded while this virtual model is observed, it is possible to reconstruct the 3D geometric model, almost identical to the one generated in the brain. Fixations, identified in eyetracking protocols, could be interpreted as coordinates of the featured points of an object being observed. This novel way of utilizing eye-tracking data leads to the establishment of "eye-grammetry" - a new branch of photogrammetry, which synthesizes human visual abilities and fundamentals of classic stereometry for fast and highly reliable realtime 3D measurements. The paper outlines general principles of eye-grammetry and introduces i-Measure, a realtime 3D measurement system, which helps to accelerate photogrammetric and remote sensing production and 3D data elicitation.