Information Fusion for Enhanced Surface Extraction

Dorota A. Grejner-Brzezinska and Charles K. Toth

Abstract:	Using modern direct orientation systems based on integrated GPS/INS, together with a multi-sensor imaging assembly allows simultaneous collection of independent observations, offering a diversity of spatial/spectral information. This establishes a basis for optimal geo-spatial data fusion, since, based on different physical principles of the sensors, different properties of objects are recorded, bringing together complementary and often redundant information. Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensors have improved substantially over recent years, reaching, at the same time, cost-effectiveness and reliability, and currently represent a new and independent technology for a highly automated generation of digital elevation (DEM) and surface models (DSM). Operational scanning systems can easily provide a large number of elevation spots with excellent vertical accuracy (depending primarily on the quality of GPS/INS), and thus complement the, to date, mostly stereo image-based surface extraction techniques. This technological transition is made possible by the high quality of the contemporary GPS/INS systems, offering positioning accuracy in the range of 5-20 cm, which is compatible with the range quality offered by the LIDAR systems. This paper is a follow-up of a 1998 ION GPS presentation (Grejner-Brzezinska, 1998), where detailed characteristics and performance evaluation of direct orientation by means of GPS/INS were given. Based on the GPS/INS/CCD integration presented there, we now attempt to extend the system’s functionality by adding a LIDAR sensor, making it more customized for generating surface information, currently of high demand in mapping community. A short overview of both surface extraction techniques — traditional stereo image-based photogrammetric (referred to as photogrammetric in the sequel) and airborne laser ranging (ALR)-based, with special emphasis on their complementary characteristics is given. Some practical aspects of digital elevation model reconstruction from both sensory data are also discussed.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 12th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1999) September 14 - 17, 1999 Nashville, TN
Pages:	1879 - 1886
Cite this article:	Grejner-Brzezinska, Dorota A., Toth, Charles K., "Information Fusion for Enhanced Surface Extraction," Proceedings of the 12th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1999), Nashville, TN, September 1999, pp. 1879-1886.
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