Quantitative Imaging for Civil Engineers

This lecture introduces the basics of quantitative imaging for civil engineers, covering topics such as the definition of pixels, pixel encoding, pixel size, and color mapping. It delves into the workings of CCD and CMOS sensors, exposure time, noise sources, and the formation of images. The instructor discusses the importance of focusing elements in image capture, sensitivity versus speed, and methods to characterize noise. The lecture also explores the concept of the pinhole camera, spatial/geometric blur, and the tradeoffs involved in pixel size, pinhole size, and brightness. It concludes with a discussion on sensitivity, speed, and the key elements to consider in image optimization.