DSM generation with ALOS/PRISM data using SAT-PP

ALOS/PRISM has stereo capabilities which can be used for a great number of applications and products. The possibility and need for highly accurate calibration, validation, georeferencing and 3D object reconstruction requires a sophisticated camera model, being able to deal with all aspects of Linear Array CCD - based imagery. With SAT-PP (Satellite Image Precision Processing) we have developed a suite of new methods and a software package, which can be used for the 3D processing of all optical Linear Array CCD-based satellite sensor systems. Here we will demonstrate the functionality of the automated image matcher for the generation of Digital Surface Models (DSM) with the help of ALOS/PRISM data. First we will briefly explain the essential features of our matcher. While subpixel accuracy is possible for very well defined features the overall accuracy across all object and image features lies between 1–5 pixels, depending primarily on surface roughness, vegetation and image texture and image quality. For the validation of our procedures and the quality control of PRISM data we have installed a testfield in the Bern/Thun area of Switzerland, comprising mountainous terrain as well as towns, forestry and open areas. We also use data from other ALOS testfields, like Okazaki, Japan.