Abstract
This paper investigates the positioning accuracy of image pairs achieved by integrating images from multiple satellites. High-resolution satellite images from IKONOS, QuickBird, and KOMPSAT-2 for Daejeon, Korea were combined to produce pairs of stereo images. From single-satellite stereo pairs to multiple-satellite image pairs, all available combinations were analyzed via a rational function model (RFM). The positioning accuracy of multiple-satellite pairs was compared to a typical single-satellite stereo pair. The results show that dual-satellite integration can be an effective alternative to single-satellite stereo imagery for horizontal position mapping, but is less accurate for vertical mapping. The integration of additional higher-resolution images can improve the overall accuracy of the existing two images, but, conversely, may result in lower accuracy when very weak convergence or bisector elevation (BIE) angles occur. This highlights that the use of higher resolution images may not ensure improved accuracy, as it can result in very weak geometry. The findings confirm that multiple-satellite images can replace or enhance typical stereo pairs, but also suggest the need for careful verification, including consideration of various geometric elements and image resolution. This paper reveals the potential, limitations, and important considerations for mapping applications using images from multiple satellites.
Highlights
High-resolution satellite images are widely used as the primary source for geo-positioning because they provide many advantages such as wide coverage, short revisit time, and appropriate spatial resolution required for large-scale mapping
Accuracy was evaluated by comparison with 18 independent check points (ICPs) after 3D ground points were determined from each integration pair
The results show that convergence and bisector elevation (BIE) angles are important considerations for mapping using dual-satellite integration, and agree well with previous findings that checked the effects of the angles using other combination pairs [13]
Summary
High-resolution satellite images are widely used as the primary source for geo-positioning because they provide many advantages such as wide coverage, short revisit time, and appropriate spatial resolution required for large-scale mapping. Many studies have investigated the potential of high-resolution satellite images for geo-positioning. Their positioning accuracy was preferentially examined using ground points generated from IKONOS imagery [1,2]. Noguchi et al [3] and Tong et al [4] investigated mapping accuracy from the geometric correction of QuickBird images [3,4]. The studies found that an accuracy of about 1–2 m or better could be achieved from precisely geo-referenced IKONOS and QuickBird images. Similar investigations were carried out for various images, such as SPOT-5 and FORMOSAT-2 [5,6]
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