High resolution DEM generation from ALOS PRISM data - triplet image algorithm evaluation -

Abstract

One of the aims of PRISM, the optical sensor carried on the ALOS satellite, is generation of worldwide Digital Maps, in accordance with its high resolution and stereoscopic capability. The algorithm for generating Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data, using imagery from PRISM, is being developed to produce DEM data semi-routinely in the NASDA Earth Observation Research Center (EORC). In this paper the algorithm for DEM data generation from PRISM data is described. PRISM consists of three panchromatic radiometers for forward, nadir, and backward views, which acquire images in the same orbit at almost the same time. It enables the generation of more precise DEM data more frequently than using twin stereoscopic observations. To evaluate the algorithm for this specific application Three Line Scanner (TLS) data is used as test data. TLS is an airborne based instrument and consists of three line scanners which have almost the same configuration as PRISM. The expected relative accuracy of the generated DEM data is estimated.