Estimating Cost for Photogrammetric Mapping and Aerial Photography

The paper addresses elements of a cost-estimating approach for photogrammetric mapping and related aerial photography and control surveying services. The background for the estimating approach is presented, as are the details related to the elements incorporated in the algorithm to estimate costs. Available details for unit costs and unit hours of effort to complete tasks are provided. The paper also provides supporting information and documentation, including a set of parameters that should be specified in the contract or be known or assumed to help in the development of a cost estimate using the algorithm described here. The set of parameters includes estimates of the time involved in stereomodel setup and the time involved in stereocompilation for several conditions of topography and planimetric detail. Also included are current photogrammetric mapping, surveying, and aerial photography services' contracting costs, and unit efforts of various federal, state, and private companies as obtained during the execution of this project.