Automated Processing of High Resolution Satellite Imagery for Feature Extraction and Mapping of Urban Areas

Abstract

High-resolution satellite imagery became commercially available in late 1999 with the launch of Space Imaging's IKONOS satellite. In subsequent years, several other high-resolution commercial satellites were launched (DigitalGlobe's QuickBird and ORBIMAGE's OrbView-3). The spatial resolution and spectral information provided by these sensors make them well-suited for urban area applications. The high spatial resolution (0.6-1m) allows the delineation of fine-scale features in the urban environment, such as individual roads and buildings.