Processing of Ikonos imagery for submetre 3D positioning and building extraction

An investigation of the application of I -m Ikonos satellite imagery to 3D point positioning and building reconstruction is reported. The focus of the evaluation of Geo panchromatic imagery has been upon 3D positioning accuracy, radiometric quality and attributes of the image data for building feature extraction. Following an initial review of characteristics of the Ikonos system, the multi-image dataset employed is described, as is the Melbourne Ikonos testfield. Radiometric quality and image preprocessing aspects are discussed, with attention being given to noise level and artifacts, as well as to methods of image enhancement. The results of 2D and 3D metric accuracy tests using straightforward geometric sensor models are summarised, these showing that planimetric accuracy of 0.3-0.6 m and height accuracy of 0.5-0.9 in are readily achievable with only three to six ground control points. A quantitative and qualitative assessment of the use of stereo Ikonos imagery for generating building models is then provided, using the campus of the University of Melbourne as an evaluation site. The results of this assessment are discussed, these highlighting the high accuracy potential of Ikonos Geo imagery and limitations to be considered in building reconstruction when a comprehensive and detailed modelling is required. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.