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At least 487 records · Page 27

The impact of misregistration on change detection

The impact of images misregistration on the detection of changes in land cover was studied using spatially degraded Landsat MSS images. Emphasis is placed on simulated images of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) at spatial resolutions of 250 and 500 m. It is pointed out that there is the need to achieve high values of registration accuracy. The evidence from simulations suggests that misregistrations can have a marked effect on the ability of remotely sensed data to detect changes in land cover. Even subpixel misregistrations can have a major impact, and the most marked proportional changes will tend to occur at the finest misregistrations.

Townshend, John R. G.↗

Geometric registration and rectification of spaceborne SAR imagery

This paper describes the development of automated location and geometric rectification techniques for digitally processed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. A software package has been developed that is capable of determining the absolute location of an image pixel to within 60 m using only the spacecraft ephemeris data and the characteristics of the SAR data collection and processing system. Based on this location capability algorithms have been developed that geometrically rectify the imagery, register it to a common coordinate system and mosaic multiple frames to form extended digital SAR maps. These algorithms have been optimized using parallel processing techniques to minimize the operating time. Test results are given using Seasat SAR data.

Curlander, J. C.↗

LANDSAT-4 image data quality analysis

Analysis during the quarter was carried out on geometric, radiometric, and information content aspects of both MSS and thematic mapper (TM) data. Test sites in Webster County, Iowa and Chicago, IL., and near Joliet, IL were studied. Band to band registration was evaluated and TM Bands 5 and 7 were found to be approximately 0.5 pixel out of registration with 1,2,3,4, and the thermal was found to be misregistered by 4 30 m pixels to the east and 1 pixel south. Certain MSS bands indicated nominally .25 pixel misregistration. Radiometrically, some striping was observed in TM bands and significant oscillatory noise patterns exist in MSS data which is possibly due to jitter. Information content was compared before and after cubic convolution resampling and no differences were observed in statistics or separability of basic scene classes.

Anuta, P. E.↗

Performance appraisal of VAS radiometry for GOES-4, -5 and -6

The first three VISSR Atmospheric Sounders (VAS) were launched on GOES-4, -5, and -6 in 1980, 1981 and 1983. Postlaunch radiometric performance is assessed for noise, biases, registration and reliability, with special attention to calibration and problems in the data processing chain. The postlaunch performance of the VAS radiometer meets its prelaunch design specifications, particularly those related to image formation and noise reduction. The best instrument is carried on GOES-5, currently operational as GOES-EAST. Single sample noise is lower than expected, especially for the small longwave and large shortwave detectors. Detector to detector offsets are correctable to within the resolution limits of the instrument. Truncation, zero point and droop errors are insignificant. Absolute calibration errors, estimated from HIRS and from radiation transfer calculations, indicate moderate, but stable biases. Relative calibration errors from scanline to scanline are noticeable, but meet sounding requirements for temporarily and spatially averaged sounding fields of view. The VAS instrument is a potentially useful radiometer for mesoscale sounding operations. Image quality is very good. Soundings derived from quality controlled data meet prelaunch requirements when calculated with noise and bias resistant algorithms.

Chesters, D.↗

CCRS proposal for evaluating LANDSAT-4 MSS and TM data

The measurement of registration errors in LANDSAT MSS data is discussed as well as the development of a revised algorithm for the radiometric calibration of TM data and the production of a geocoded TM image.

Strome, W. M.↗

Preliminary Evaluation of Thematic Mapper Image Data Quality

Improvements in the ability to monitor renewable resources/vegegation due to improvements in the spatial, spectral and radiometric resolution of TM data were evaluated. Results presented from the first 4 months of analysis presented include: (1) geometric performance; (2) band-to-band registration; (3) modulation transfer function; and (4) crop separabililty performance. Crop separability in Webster County, Iowa and in Mississippi County, Arkansas as determined by cluster and principal components analyses is assessed.

Macdonald, R. B.↗

The geometric properties of Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper data and their conformity to Landsat-4 data and to earth's surface geometry

The geometry of two TIPS processed Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper scenes was analyzed and compared with that of SCROUNGE processed Landsat-4 data. Swath-to-swath and band-to-band registration of Washington, DC, and northeastern Iowa scenes was found to be similar to or better than that of Landsat-4 data. Results indicate a high degree of geometric conformity between the images produced by the different systems. The geometric conformity of the TIPS processed images to the Space Oblique Mercator projection, however, proved to be less accurate than the targeted processing error of 15 meters.

Walker, R. E.↗

Rectification of terrain induced distortions in radar imagery

This paper describes a technique to generate geocoded synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery corrected for terrain induced geometric distortions. This algorithm transforms the raw slant range image, generated by the signal processor, into a map registered product, resampled to either Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) or Polar Stereographic projections, and corrected for foreshortening. The technique utilizes the space platform trajectory information in conjunction with a digital elevation map (DEM) of the target area to generate an ortho-radar map with near-autonomous operation. The current procedure requires only two to three tie-points to compensate for the platform position uncertainty that results in translational error between the image and the DEM. This approach is unique in that it does not require generation of a simulated radar image from the DEM or a grid of tie-points to characterize the image-to-map distortions. Rather, it models the inherent distortions based on knowledge of the radar data collection characteristics, the signal Doppler parameters, and the local terrain height to automatically predict the registration transformation. This algorithm has been implemented on a minicomputer system equipped with an array processor and a large random-access memory to optimize the throughput.

Kwok, Ronald↗

Automated multisensor registration - Requirements and techniques

The synergistic utilization of data from a suite of remote sensors requires multi-dimensional analysis of the data. Prior to this analysis, processing is required to correct for the systematic geometric distortions characteristic of each sensor, followed by a registration operation to remove any residual offsets. Furthermore, to handle a large volume of data and high data rates, the registration process must be fully automated. A conceptual approach is presented that integrates a variety of registration techniques and selects the candidate algorithm based on certain performance criteria. The performance requirements for an operational algorithm are formulated given the spatially, temporally, and spectrally varying factors that influence the image characteristics and the science requirements of various applications. Several computational techniques are tested and their performance evaluated using a multisensor test data set assembled from the Landsat TM, Seasat, SIR-B, TIMS, and SPOT sensors. The results are discussed and recommendations for future studies are given.

Rignot, Eric J. M.↗

Characterizing the GOES-R (GOES-16) Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) On-Orbit Performance

Two overlapping efforts help to characterize the GLM performance, the Post Launch Test (PLT) phase to validate the predicted pre-launch instrument performance and the Post Launch Product Test (PLPT) phase to validate the lightning detection product used in forecast and warning decision-making. This paper documents the calibration and validation plans and activities for the first 6 months of GLM on-orbit testing and validation commencing with first light on 4 January 2017. The PLT phase addresses image quality, on-orbit calibration, RTEP threshold tuning, image navigation, noise filtering, and solar intrusion assessment, resulting in a GLM calibration parameter file. The PLPT includes four main activities, the Reference Data Comparisons (RDC), Algorithm Testing (AT), Instrument Navigation and Registration Testing (INRT), and Long Term Baseline Testing (LTBT). Field campaigns are also designed to contribute valuable insights into the GLM performance capabilities. The PLPT tests each contribute to the beta, provisional, and fully validated GLM data.

validation↗

Motion Estimation System Utilizing Point Cloud Registration

A system and method of estimation motion of a machine is disclosed. The method may include determining a first point cloud and a second point cloud corresponding to an environment in a vicinity of the machine. The method may further include generating a first extended gaussian image (EGI) for the first point cloud and a second EGI for the second point cloud. The method may further include determining a first EGI segment based on the first EGI and a second EGI segment based on the second EGI. The method may further include determining a first two dimensional distribution for points in the first EGI segment and a second two dimensional distribution for points in the second EGI segment. The method may further include estimating motion of the machine based on the first and second two dimensional distributions.

Chen, Qi↗

Use of satellite data in agricultural surveys

The state-of-the-art of crop surveying by satellite is reviewed with an emphasis on the signature extension problem. Registration and preprocessing procedures are discussed with refereence to: normalization of the radiometric values of each scene for scene-to-scene differences; registration techniques, implemented at the NASA Johnson Space Center, capable of 0.5 pixel root-mean-square error; and current research in this direction. Data transformation and modeling techniques applied to the Landsat MSS images and a solution for the field-to-field variations of the greenness and brightness temporal trajectories are included. Finally, a review of the mixture decomposition method of labeling and estimating the areal proportions is given.

Hall, F. G.↗

Ground control points refresh for MODIS and VIIRS geolocation monitoring

The Control Point Matching (CPM) program and a set of over 1200 globally distributed ground control points (GCPs ) have been successfully used to develop more than 20 years of MODIS geolocation products. In this research, we refresh current GCP library with more than 2500 new GCPs using the latest Landsat 8 Collection 2 images. The refreshed GCPs are distributed from 56 S to 80 N latitude, with more than 2000 shoreline and 500 inland GCP chips. The size of these GCPs are extended from800*800 to 1400*1400 Landsat pixels and the CPM program correspondingly increase s t h e searching distance from 0.8 pixels to 2.5 pixels, which also extends the geolocation error measurement from +/-45 to the edge of scan at +/-55 degree in scan angle. This will allow the algorithm to catch geolocation errors that are larger than one MODIS pixel. The geolocation errors measured with the refreshed GCP library are comparable to the previous results, yet with 2-3more times of matched GCPs. The daytime Aqua ascending orbits and Terra descending orbits enable us to identify a few GCP outliers which might be due to the quality of the original Landsat images. Most importantly, the refreshed GCP library will include images from both Landsat band 4 to match with VIIRS I1, and Landsat band 6 to match with VIIRS I3. This will allow us to measure and correct on orbit band-to-band registration at both track and scan directions, which will help understanding and improving future JPSS mission’s prelaunch geometric performance.

VIIRS↗

Oceanographic satellite remote sensing: Registration, rectification, and data integration requirements

The problem of data integration in oceanography is discussed. Recommendations are made for technique development and evaluation, understanding requirements, and packaging techniques for speed, efficiency and ease of use. The primary satellite sensors of interest to oceanography are summarized. It is concluded that imaging type sensors make image processing an important tool for oceanographic studies.

Nichols, D. A.↗

Particle displacement tracking applied to air flows

Electronic Particle Image Velocimeter (PIV) techniques offer many advantages over conventional photographic PIV methods such as fast turn around times and simplified data reduction. A new all electronic PIV technique was developed which can measure high speed gas velocities. The Particle Displacement Tracking (PDT) technique employs a single cw laser, small seed particles (1 micron), and a single intensified, gated CCD array frame camera to provide a simple and fast method of obtaining two-dimensional velocity vector maps with unambiguous direction determination. Use of a single CCD camera eliminates registration difficulties encountered when multiple cameras are used to obtain velocity magnitude and direction information. An 80386 PC equipped with a large memory buffer frame-grabber board provides all of the data acquisition and data reduction operations. No array processors of other numerical processing hardware are required. Full video resolution (640x480 pixel) is maintained in the acquired images, providing high resolution video frames of the recorded particle images. The time between data acquisition to display of the velocity vector map is less than 40 sec. The new electronic PDT technique is demonstrated on an air nozzle flow with velocities less than 150 m/s.

Wernet, Mark P.↗

Particle displacement tracking applied to air flows

Electronic Particle Image Velocimetric (PIV) techniques offer many advantages over conventional photographic PIV methods such as fast turn around times and simplified data reduction. A new all electronic PIV technique was developed which can measure high speed gas velocities. The Particle Displacement Tracking (PDT) technique employs a single CW laser, small seed particles (1 micron), and a single intensified, gated CCD array frame camera to provide a simple and fast method of obtaining two-dimensional velocity vector maps with unambiguous direction determination. Use of a single CCD camera eliminates registration difficulties encountered when multiple cameras are used to obtain velocity magnitude and direction information. An 80386 PC equipped with a large memory buffer frame-grabber board provides all of the data acquisition and data reduction operations. No array processors of other numerical processing hardware are required. Full video resolution (640 x 480 pixel) is maintained in the acquired images, providing high resolution video frames of the recorded particle images. The time between data acquisition to display of the velocity vector map is less than 40 sec. The new electronic PDT technique is demonstrated on an air nozzle flow with velocities less than 150 m/s.

Wernet, Mark P.↗

Mountain building processes in the Central Andes

False color composite images of the Thematic Mapper (TM) bands 5, 4, and 2 were examined to make visual interpretations of geological features. The use of the roam mode of image display with the International Imaging Systems (IIS) System 600 image processing package running on the IIS Model 75 was very useful. Several areas in which good comparisons with ground data existed, were examined in detail. Parallel to the visual approach, image processing methods are being developed which allow the complete use of the seven TM bands. The data was organized into easily accessible files and a visual cataloging of the quads (quarter TM scenes) with preliminary registration with the best available charts for the region. The catalog has proved to be a valuable tool for the rapid scanning of quads for a specific investigation. Integration of the data into a complete approach to the problems of uplift, deformation, and magnetism in relation to the Nazca-South American plate interaction is at an initial stage.

Bloom, A. L.↗

NPP VIIRS Early On-Orbit Geometric Performance

The NASA/NOAA Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument on-board the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite was launched in October, 2011. The instrument geometric performance includes sensor spatial response, band-to-band co-registration (BBR), and geolocation accuracy and precision. The geometric performance is an important aspect of sensor data record (SDR) calibration and validation. In this paper we will discuss geometric performance parameter characterization using the first seven-month of VIIRS' earth and lunar data, and compare with the at-launch performance using ground testing data and analysis of numerical modeling results as the first step in on-orbit geometric calibration and validation.

Wolfe, Robert E.↗