Dowman I., Jacobsen K., Konecny G., Sandau R. High Resolution Optical Satellite Imagery

Whittles Publishing, 2012. — 248.Photogrammetry developed slowly during the first 70 years of the twentieth century, but since 1972, when ERTS – later to become Landsat – was launched, the changes have become rapid. Landsat introduced digital images to a wide audience, and when SPOT-1 – an Earth observation satellite – was launched in 1986, photogrammetry using images from space became a major interest of mapmakers and scientists. With Landsat, remote sensing became a recognised subject, initially concerned with the interpretation and classification of images, but then converging with photogrammetry, so that today the two subjects are fully integrated. This is particularly so with high resolution optical images, which compete with aerial imagery for smaller-scale mapping; high resolution data is also used for interpretation, studying the environment and intelligence gathering. This book is concerned with the photogrammetric use of high resolution images, although aspects of image processing are also discussed. The book aims to bring together information on a range of sensors, including their characteristics and the applications to which they are put.
The definition of “high resolution” is not universally agreed upon and for this reason we start with Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data, with 15 m ground sample distance (GSD). Stereoscopic images are acquired and the data is used photogrammetrically, particularly for digital elevation model (DEM) generation. SPOT images with 10 m GSD are among the most widely used, and established the interest in the use of stereoscopic images from space. The current commercial sensors with sub 1 m GSD are dealt with in the most detail because of their current importance. Photographic images are not forgotten, however, although their use today is minimal, and is mainly for monitoring purposes. We aim to present comprehensive information on all of these sensors and put them into context in the current world of geospatial information.Satellite Imaging Technology
History of Optical Sensors in Space
Principles of High Resolution Optical Sensors
Sensors with a GSD of greater than 1 m up to 16 m
Sensors with a GSD of 1 m or less
Calibration, Sensor Models and Orientation
Processing and Products
Conclusions and Future Developments