Multi-resoluation extra-terresterial DTM construction and gedetic control

Abstract

In inaccessible topographies such as the planetary surface, stereo analysis of in orbital imagery provides highly valuable data for scientific research. In order to fully utilize the data derived from image systems carried on various planetary orbiters, the generalised algorithms of stereo image processing and photogrammetric Mars DTM extraction have been developed by Kim and Muller (2009). In this study, the integration and improvement of these algorithms were proposed. It is enhanced with the feed-forwarded model based matcher exploiting planetary topographic data hierarchy. Due to the successful "from medium to high" control strategy performed during processing, stable horizontal and vertical photogrammetric accuracy of resultant DTMs were achievable, even without directly measured ground control information. To demonstrate the potential of the stereo routines, the DTMs obtained from various orbital images such as HRSC (High Resolution Stereo Camera) of Mars Express, CTX (Context Camera) and HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) of MRO (Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter) were processed in few sample test sites. The comparisons with the height spots of MOLA (Mars Obiter Laser Altimeter) showed high agreements and proved the effectiveness of overall processing strategy.