Method of numerical estimating aerial images indicators quality for mapping purposes

Abstract

The task of assessing the quality of aerial imagery, obtained for mapping, in terms of vision properties, is very ambiguous due to the lack of objective criteria and evaluation methods. A system of indicators for aerial images quality and methods of their numerical assessment is presented. The fine aerial image’s quality is characterized by a set of its structural and gradation properties. The structural properties of the image are determined by the actual spatial resolution and photographic sharpness. Gradation properties of an image are characterized by the correct color rendering, the level of random noise and information completeness indicators – haze, radiometric resolution and the percentage of information loss in illumination and shadows.Methods of evaluating these indicators are formulated, and their recommended and acceptable numerical values are determined analytically. To clarify and correct the obtained analytical recommended and acceptable numerical values of the image quality indicators of their practical application possibility and further experimental studies are necessary with materials, obtained through various airborne imaging sensors for mapping.