Assessment of a photogrammetric approach for urban DSM extraction from tri-stereoscopic satellite imagery

Built-up environments are extremely complex for 3D surface modelling purposes. The main distortions that hamper 3D reconstruction from 2D imagery are image dissimilarities, concealed areas, shadows, height discontinuities and discrepancies between smooth terrain and man-made features. A methodology is proposed to improve automatic photogrammetric extraction of an urban surface model from high resolution satellite imagery with the emphasis on strategies to reduce the effects of the cited distortions and to make image matching more robust. Instead of a standard stereoscopic approach, a digital surface model is derived from tri-stereoscopic satellite imagery. This is based on an extensive multi-image matching strategy that fully benefits from the geometric and radiometric information contained in the three images. The bundled triplet consists of an IKONOS along-track pair and an additional near-nadir IKONOS image. For the tri-stereoscopic study a densely built-up area, extending from the centre of Istanbul to the urban fringe, is selected. The accuracy of the model extracted from the IKONOS triplet, as well as the model extracted from only the along-track stereopair, are assessed by comparison with 3D check points and 3D building vector data

MAMUD : contribution of HR satellite imagery to a better monitoring, modeling and understanding of urban dynamics

In this treatise the discussion of a methodology and results of semi-automatic city DSM extrac-tion from an Ikonos triplet, is introduced. Built-up areas are known as being complex for photogrammetric purposes, partly because of the steep changes in elevation caused by buildings and urban features. To make DSM extraction more robust and to cope with the specific problems of height displacement, concealed areas and shadow, a multi-image based approach is followed. For the VHR tri-stereoscopic study an area extending from the centre of Istanbul to the urban fringe is chosen. Research will concentrate, in first phase on the development of methods to optimize the extraction of photogrammetric products from the bundled Ikonos triplet. Optimal methods need to be found to improve the radiometry and geometry of the imagery, to improve the semi-automatically derivation of DSM’s and to improve the postprocessing of the products. Secondly we will also investigate the possibilities of creating stereo models out of images from the same sensor taken on a different date, e.g. one image of the stereo pair combined with the third image. Finally the photogrammetric products derived from the Ikonos stereo pair as well as the products created out of the triplet and the constructed stereo models will be investigated by comparison with a 3D reference. This evaluation should show the increase of accuracy when multi-imagery is used instead of stereo pairs

Evaluation of pre/post-fire differenced spectral indices for assessing burn severity in a Mediterranean environment with landsat thematic mapper

In this study several pre/post-fire differenced spectral indices for assessing burn severity in a Mediterranean environment are evaluated. GeoCBI (Geo Composite Burn Index) field data of burn severity were correlated with remotely sensed measures, based on the NBR (Normalized Burn Ratio), the NDMI (Normalized Difference Moisture Index) and the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). In addition, the strength of the correlation was evaluated for specific fuel types and the influence of the regression model type is pointed out. The NBR was the best remotely sensed index for assessing burn severity, followed by the NDMI and the NDVI. For this case study of the 2007 Peloponnese fires, results show that the GeoCBI-dNBR (differenced NBR) approach yields a moderate-high R(2) = 0.65. Absolute indices outperformed their relative equivalents, which accounted for pre-fire vegetation state. The GeoCBI-dNBR relationship was stronger for forested ecotypes than for shrub lands. The relationship between the field data and the dNBR and dNDMI (differenced NDMI) was nonlinear, while the GeoCBI-dNDVI (differenced NDVI) relationship appeared linear

The use of high resolution digital surface models for change detection and viewshed analysis in the area around the pyramids of Giza, Egypt

One of the biggest threats to cultural heritage is related to their rapidly changing and developing surroundings. The Giza pyramid plateau is a prime example of this phenomenon, as it is threatened by the enormous urban expansion of Cairo over the last decades. Documenting, monitoring and modelling such a pressure requires accurate and detailed geographic data, which can be derived from recent up-to-date, high resolution satellite images. Remote sensing techniques have proven to be very useful to visualize and analyze urban sprawl and land use changes in two dimensions. The impact assessment of urban sprawl near specific heritage sites, however; needs to be complemented with accurate 2.5D-information. In an attempt to do so, digital surface models (DSMs) from Ikonos-2 (2005) and GeoEye-1 stereoscopic images (2009 and 2011) have been computed in order to analyze recent urban changes. Change detection methods are mainly developed for large scale high resolution aerial images; however this paper focuses on the one hand DSM creation and its challenges resulting in an improvement of 2.5D change detection method for small scale satellite imagery in mainly informal areas. On the other hand a view shed evolution is presented. The combination of the enhanced digital terrain extraction (eATE) module of Erdas Imagine® and ground control points collected in the field provides accurate and high resolution DSMs. The impact of shadow and different urban morphologies however influence the pixel-wise comparison of the two DSMs, which results in different approaches for different city districts. The resulting 2.5D change model clarifies not only the urban sprawl, but also the increase in building levels, directly related to pressure on the famous pyramids. This pressure is furthermore analyzed by creating different view sheds through time from the plateau towards the city and vice versa. An integration of population statistics complements the model, hence allowing it to become a useful policy instrument