US Patent 7831089 Modeling and texturing digital surface models in a mapping application

Digital Surface Model (DSM) texturing and modeling of various objects on the earth's surface are provided for implementation in a mapping application. One or more image capture devices having wide-angle lenses can be placed in various configurations to obtain nadir and oblique photography. Such configurations include a single lens, single sensor; single lens, multiple sensor; multiple lens, multiple sensor; and multiple lens, multiple sensor and a reflective surface. Positions, distances and areas can be measured from the imagery. Also provided is a continuous morph between aerial panorama and ground images.