Friedrich Ackermann’s scientific research program

We sketch Friedrich Ackermann’s research program following the concept of Imre Lakatos, with some historical key developments in the theory and application of aerotriangulation and image matching. The research program, with its core being statistical estimation theory, has decisively influenced photogrammetry since the 60s, is still fully alive, and a challenge for today’s methods of image interpretation. We describe (1) Lakatos’ concept of a scientific research program, with its negative and positive heuristics and (2) Ackermann’s research program, clearly made explicit in his PhD, with its mathematical model, the ability to predict theoretical precision and reliability, the potential of analyzing rigorous and approximate method, and the role of testing. The development of aerotriangulation, later augmented by image matching techniques, is closely connected to Ackermann’s successful attempts to integrate basic research and practical applications.