Sensor and data fusion contest: information for mapping from airborne SAR and optical imagery

The concept of a sensor and data fusion contest on topographic mapping from SAR and optical imagery is presented. The image data to be used in the test will have a spatial resolution of approximately 1 m or better. The SAR data will be multi-frequency polarimetric INSAR data, the optical data will be multispectral. The goal of processing is the extraction of topographic objects which are commonly subject of mapping projects, e.g. roads, built-up areas and other land cover/land use classes. The final scope of the test will be defined after interaction with potential participants of the test. Besides the image data, digital reference maps will be compiled for the test sites. For this task, contributions from e.g. official mapping authorities would be very valuable. The data fusion contest will be organized in the framework of the IEEE GRSS data fusion technical committee (DFC), the ISPRS working group III/6 "Multi-Source Vision" which both have strong relations with scientists active in research on multi-sensor fusion and automation in mapping, and - as the provider of the main organizational framework - the European Organization for Experimental Photogrammetric Research (OEEPE) which is the research platform of national mapping agencies and other institutions regarding technology developments to optimise the use of core data in a geoinformation infrastructure context.