DEM generation based on RPC model using relative conforming estimate criterion

Abstract

A critical step in the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generation is image georeferencing establishing sensor orientation, which is performed using ground control points. Geometric sensor models are used in image processing to model the relationship between object space and image space and to transform image data to conform to a map projection. There are two popular sensor models: the rigorous model and Rational Polynomial Coefficients (RPC) model. Using the RPC model has an advantage because users are not required to know specific information on the satellite sensors. A small number of inaccurate or unreliable source values of the Ground Control Point (GCP) coordinates can cause errors in computing the RPC model by traditional methods. Georeferencing requires accurate 3D ground coordinates, and our method can satisfy this requirement. We propose a new method of computing the RPC model using relative conforming estimate criterion.