Quality updates of ‘AW3D’ global DSM generated from ALOS PRISM

Abstract

In March, 2016 we first completed the global data processing of digital surface models (DSMs) by using the whole archives of stereo images derived from the Panchromatic Remote-sensing Instrument for Stereo Mapping (PRISM) onboard the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS). The dataset has unprecedented 5 m grid spacing utilizing the original stereo images in 2.5 m resolution while its target accuracy was set to 5 m (rms) in vertical and also 5 m (rms) in horizontal. After the first global validation was completed, we detected slight systematic relative height errors in the DSM dataset. This paper reports on the dataset updates which eliminate the errors with an additional calibration of the PRISM physical sensor model.