Intelligent Sentinel satellite image processing technology for land cover mapping

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Purpose. This article proposes to develop an intelligent Sentinel satellite image processing technology for land cover mapping using convolutional neural networks. The result will be an image with improved spatial resolution. Methodology. The paper presents a technology using a combination of biquadratic interpolation, histogram alignment, PCA transform, as well as a parallel residual architecture of convolutional neural networks. The technology increases the information content of Sentinel-2 optical images by combining 10 and 20-meter resolution data, resulting in primary 20-meter images with improved spatial resolution. Findings. The root mean square error (RMSE = 3.64) indicates a high accuracy in reproducing the spectral properties of the images. The correlation coefficient (CC = 0.997) confirms a high linear relationship between the estimated and observed images. The low value of Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM = 0.52) with the high Universal Image Quality Index (UIQI = 0.999) indicates high quality and structural similarity between the synthesized and reference images. These results confirm the proposed technology’s effectiveness in enhancing the spatial resolution of Sentinel satellite images. Originality. Traditional pansharpening methods of multispectral images developed for satellite images with panchromatic channels cannot be directly applied to Sentinel multispectral data, because these images do not contain a panchromatic channel. In addition, atmospheric conditions and the presence of clouds affect the quality of optical images, complicating their further thematic processing. The proposed technology, using biquadratic interpolation, histogram alignment, convolutional neural networks, and PCA transformation, removes clouds and enhances the spatial resolution of the primary 20-meter optical satellite image channels of Sentinel-2. This technology reduces color distortion and increases the detail of digital optical images, which allows for more accurate analysis of the state of the earth’s surface. Practical value. The results obtained can be used to improve the methods for processing Sentinel satellite images, which provide high spatial resolution and accurate preservation of spectral characteristics. It provides the foundation for the development of new geographic information systems for land cover monitoring.