A multi-lens imaging stitching method was come up for opto-electronic theodolites to achieve the images with high resolution and large fields of view. Several possible stitching forms were analyzed on the basis of the characteristics of opto-electronic theodolites

then a mathematics model was established by taking the four-lens lay cross stitching for an example. Furthermore

the inclination between the lens and the relative positions was decided and the sizes of azimuth and elevation systems in the gimbal of an opto-electronic theodolite were given. Finally

the precision of the stitching inclination was calibrated. The design result shows that the biggest fields of view are 6.6° and 3.52° in azimuth and elevation

respectively

when the pixel quantity is 1 280×1 024 in the camera target plane

the pixel size is 12 μm and the focus length is 400 mm. The inclination errors in two directions are all no more than 10″

which can meet the requirements of data processing for transforming a single image coordinate into opto-electronic theodolite coordinates in image stitching. The method enlarges the fields of view and expands the application areas of opto-electronic theodolites.