A STUDY OF THE POTENTIAL ATTAINABLE GEOMETRIC ACCURACY OF IKONOS SATELLITE IMAGERY

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the potential of the attainable accuracy of ground points from simulated IKONOS imagery. The details of the satellite image simulation are described, which include the satellite orbit, ground track, navigation data, the linear array imaging system, and the brightness of the satellite images at nadir- fore- and aft- views. A test field for evaluating the accuracy of the new generation high-resolution satellite was established in Madison County, in Central Ohio. This study assessed the accuracy of ground points versus the number and distribution of GCP, and versus the image measurement error of the GCP and checkpoints. From the experimental results obtained from the simulated satellite images and the established test fields, we conclude that the potential of this high-resolution (up to 0.82m) satellite imaging system will be able to meet the accuracy requirement for medium-scale topographic mapping, at least 1:24,000. The accuracy of ground points can reach 3m and 2m in planimetric and height dimensions. Also, some of suggestions for improving the accuracy of the ground points are made.