Experimental Comparison and Analysis of Block Bundle Adjustment Models for Chinese ZY-3 Optical Satellite Imagery

ZY-3 is the first civilian mapping satellite capable of stereo observation in China. This study systematically compares and analyzes block bundle adjustment models for Chinese ZY-3 satellite imagery. The experimental results revealed that: (a) there is no significant difference between the results of RSM-based (Rigorous Sensor Model based) and that of the RFM-based (Rational Function Model based) method for direct forward intersection. (b) it is reasonable to replace the RSM-based method using the RFM-based method when there are approriate control points. (c) the distribution of control points has a certain influence on the positioning results, especially for the RSM-based method. The use of shift model in image space can greatly improve the positioning accuracy when one control point is located in image center, and the systematic errors in initial RPCs of Chinese ZY-3 satellite are mainly translation errors.