An automatic satellite image registration technique based on Harris corner detection and Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) outlier rejection model

Abstract

Automatic satellite image registration is a challenging task of overlaying two images for geometric conformity aligning common features by establishing a transformation model using distinguishable feature points collected simultaneously in both the images in a completely un assisted manner. Remote sensed images capture terrain features in a natural condition subjected to seasonal changes, sun illumination conditions, and cloud presence. The critical steps in image registration are collection of feature points and estimating a spatial transformation especially when outliers are present besides feature matching and resampling the slave image to the master image geometry. In this paper, the details and merit of employing automatic Harris corner detection and building a transformation model using Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) algorithm is brought out while registering a pair of LISS-3 or AWIFS images from Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) platform. Potential available with this approach for performing large scale image registration tasks such as time series processing are highlighted.