Demonstration of Feature Extraction Using Rational MapperTM

Initial development of Rational Mapper and its application for generation 3-D map generation using high resolution IKONOS stereo pair satellite imagery have been described at the previous INMM meeting in Orlando. Further development of this software leading to the commercialisation of the software is discussed in an oral presentation (Abstract # 190) at the current INMM meeting. Rational Mapper is based on a camera model which has been adopted by various satellite imagery vendors such as Space Imaging and Digital Globe. The information of the camera model is specified by a set of coefficients, called rational polynomial coefficients, or RPCs, which are now included in the imagery data by the vendors. Using the RPCs Rational Mapper allows non technical users to perform photogrammetric mapping such as ortho-rectification, feature extraction, 3-D mapping, e.g. buildings, roads, shorelines, height of various structure, terrain elevation for constructing digital elevation models (DEM), or 3-D models of a facility. Rational Mapper also offers unique cross-sensor mapping tools for 3-D feature extraction using images from different sensors, for example, IKONOS and QUICKBIRD. The objective of this contribution is to provide potential users an opportunity to “test drive” Rational Mapper which has been undergone extensive testing by selected individuals and organizations including the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. The details of this technology along with its advantages will be presented. Emphasis will be given to the usage of Rational Mapper for various photogrammetric and mapping tasks and examples relevant to safeguards applications such as nuclear site map extraction, 3-D flyby using stereo, single, and cross-sensor imagery.