CameraTransform: a Scientific Python Package for Perspective Camera Corrections

TL;DR

CameraTransform is a Python package that automatically corrects perspective distortions in images using camera parameters and additional data like GPS or object sizes, aiding precise scientific measurements.

Contribution

The paper introduces CameraTransform, a new Python tool that automates perspective correction in images using camera parameters and auxiliary data, enhancing scientific image analysis.

Findings

Successfully corrected images of penguin colonies and helicopter footage.

Automated extraction of camera parameters from images with auxiliary data.

Improved accuracy in object position and distance reconstruction.

Abstract

Scientific applications often require an exact reconstruction of object positions and distances from digital images. Therefore, the images need to be corrected for perspective distortions. We present \textit{CameraTransform}, a python package that performs a perspective image correction whereby the height, tilt/roll angle and heading of the camera can be automatically obtained from the images if additional information such as GPS coordinates or object sizes are provided. We present examples of images of penguin colonies that are recorded with stationary cameras and from a helicopter.