Satellite-Imagery Geometric Accuracy Improvement Based on Direct Correction of Dominant Coefficients

Abstract

An important and difficult point in the application of satellite imagery is refining the positioning model and improving the geometric accuracy. In this study, we focus on improvement in geometric accuracy and develop a new rational function model (<small>RFM</small>) refinement method. First, we derive the conversion relationship between the rigorous sensor model and the <small>RFM</small>, based on which we illustrate the approximate meaning of the zero-order and first-order terms of the rational polynomial coefficients (<small>RPCs</small>). Second, the correlation problem between <small>RPCs</small> and the influence of individual <small>RPCs</small> on geometric positioning accuracy are analyzed and verified. The dominant coefficients that determine geolocation are then identified. Finally, a new <small>RFM</small> refinement method based on direct correction of the dominant coefficients is proposed and validated. The experiments, conducted with <small>ZY3-02</small> satellite imagery, indicate that the proposed method can effectively improve the geometric accuracy of satellite images.