Block Adjustment of High-Resolution Satellite Images Described by Rational Polynomials

model provides a rigorous, accurate method to block adjust This paper describes how to block adjust high-resolution Ikonos data outside of the ground stations. satellite imagery described by Rational Polynomial Coefficient This publication of a technique for block adjusting Ikonos (RPC) camera models and illustrates the method with an Ikonos images described by RPC data is motivated by a desire to satisfy example. By incorporating a priori constraints into the the needs of those users who would like to perform their own adjustment model, multiple independent images can be block adjustment, and to ensure that Ikonos images are proadjusted with or without ground control. The RPC block cessed in such way as to consistently achieve the highest possiadjustment model presented in this paper is directly related ble accuracy. In developing the adjustment model described to geometric properties of the physical camera model. Multiple here, the authors had access to the complete description of physical camera model parameters having the same net effect Ikonos imaging geometry, familiarity with all of the satellite on the object-image relationship are replaced by a single maneuvering modes, the resources of extensive test ranges and adjustment parameter. Consequently, the proposed method is imagery with which to test and validate, and the experience numerically more stable than the traditional adjustment of gained calibrating, testing, and troubleshooting Ikonos metric exterior and interior orientation parameters. This method is projects. generally applicable to any photogrammetric camera with a narrow field of view, calibrated, stable interior orientation, and Physical Camera Models accurate a priori exterior orientation data. As demonstrated Owing to the dynamic nature of satellite image collection, phoin the paper, for Ikonos satellite imagery, the RPC block togrammetric processing of satellite imagery is more compliadjustment achieves the same accuracy as the ground station cated than is aerial frame camera processing. Aerial cameras block adjustment with the full physical camera model. acquire the entire image at an instant of time with a unique exposure station and orientation. High-resolution pushbroom Background satellite cameras, including Ikonos, use linear sensor arrays