TOPOGRAPHIC CONTEXT OF SATELLITE SPECTRAL RESPONSE

The use of digital elevation models (DEM) in satellite image classification of high-relief environments is discussed and illustrated using three examples in northern Canada. The improvements in accuracy are > 20% in classification involving biophysical and geomorphic classes. The models used in these studies were generated independently of the satellite image, but in future, a likely source of DEMs for input to satellite image analysis will be from stereospace imagery. Creative enhancements and data-visualization techniques will be used to complement and improve analytical integration such as that discussed here for classification purposes. More detailed geologic and geomorphic interpretation may result. © 1990.