Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a service provider capable of supplying high-resolution digital colour aerial imagery with a ground sample distance (GSD) of 0.25 meters in Ulundi. The imagery will support the Chief Directorate: National Geospatial Information (NGI) in their mapping and geospatial data acquisition programs, ensuring the imagery meets specified technical and quality standards for photogrammetric and mapping purposes.

Scope

The scope of this tender encompasses the acquisition, processing, and delivery of digital aerial imagery, including:

• Use of digital sensor systems compliant with specified technical requirements
• Flight planning and execution over designated areas with specified flight line configurations
• Post-acquisition processing, including radiometric and geometric correction
• Generation of orthorectified imagery and associated reports
• Submission of all raw and processed data, reports, and documentation as per specified formats

The scope excludes any film-based imagery, and all activities must adhere to the standards outlined in the relevant documentation and standards referenced.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements are detailed and include:

• Sensor System: Use of large format digital photogrammetric cameras with true nadir, multispectral (RGB + NIR), and pan channels; calibration certificates; protection of lenses; and minimal lens distortion (radial distortion ≤ 0.010 mm).
• Sensor Integration: Operation with GNSS/INS systems for exterior orientation, boresight calibration, and integration with IMU data; antenna placement and survey; and boresight calibration procedures.
• Image Acquisition: Stereoscopic coverage with 45-90% overlap, 25% sidelap, and 60% forward overlap; flight line approval; control of tilt, crab, and course correction; flying height consistency; and avoidance of cloud cover and artifacts.
• Resolution & Accuracy: Minimum GSD of 0.25m; radiometric resolution of 12-bit; geometric accuracy within 25% of pixel size; and precise calibration and validation through operational tests.
• Processing & Delivery: Radiometric and geometric correction, pan-sharpening, orthorectification, and comprehensive reporting; data labelling; and submission in specified folder structures and formats.

Skills Requirements

The contractor must demonstrate:

• Expertise in digital aerial imagery acquisition using certified and calibrated sensor systems
• Proficiency in flight planning, execution, and management of aerial surveys with GNSS/INS integration
• Experience in image processing, including radiometric and geometric correction, pan-sharpening, and orthorectification
• Capability to perform boresight calibration, aerial triangulation, and accuracy validation
• Ability to produce detailed technical reports on positioning, processing, and operations
• Competence in data management, labelling, and delivering data in prescribed formats and documentation