Calibration facility for airborne imaging spectrometers

A new facility designed to perform calibration measurements of airborne imaging spectrometers was established at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Oberpfaffenhofen. This Calibration Home Base (CHB) is optimized to characterize radiometrically, spectrally, and geometrically the APEX (Airborne Prism Experiment) imaging spectrometer, which is currently being developed under the authority of the European Space Agency (ESA). It however can be used for other optical sensors as well. Computer control of major laboratory equipment allows automation of time consuming measurements. In APEX configuration (wavelength range: 380 to 2500 nm, instantaneous field of view: 0.48 mrad, field of view: ±14) spectral measurements can be performed to a wavelength uncertainty of ±0.15 nm, geometric measurements at increments of 0.0017 mrad across track and 0.0076 mrad along track, and radiometric measurements to an uncertainty of ±3% relative to national standard. The CHB can be adapted to similar sensors (including those with thermal infrared detectors) by exchanging the monochromator’s lamp, the gratings and the filters, and by adjusting the distance between the sensor and folding mirror.     

Digital elevation model of King Edward VII Peninsula, West Antarctica, from SAR interferometry and ICESat laser altimetry

We present a digital elevation model (DEM) of King Edward VII Peninsula, Sulzberger Bay, West Antarctica, developed using 12 European Remote Sensing (ERS) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) scenes and 24 Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) laser altimetry profiles. We employ differential interferograms from the ERS tandem mission SAR scenes acquired in the austral fall of 1996, and four selected ICESat laser altimetry profiles acquired in the austral fall of 2004, as ground control points (GCPs) to construct an improved geocentric 60-m resolution DEM over the grounded ice region. We then extend the DEM to include two ice shelves using ICESat profiles via Kriging. Twenty additional ICESat profiles acquired in 2003-2004 are used to assess the accuracy of the DEM. After accounting for radar penetration depth and predicted surface changes, including effects due to ice mass balance, solid Earth tides, and glacial isostatic adjustment, in part to account for the eight-year data acquisition discrepancy, the resulting difference between the DEM and ICESat profiles is -0.57/spl plusmn/5.88 m. After removing the discrepancy between the DEM and ICESat profiles for a final combined DEM using a bicubic spline, the overall difference is 0.05/spl plusmn/1.35 m.     

ICESAT卫星确定南极冰盖高程模型研究

研究了星载激光测高的理论和技术,利用ICESAT测高数据确定了南极冰盖高程模型.将ICESAT测高数据与南极实测GPS数据进行比较,结果显示ICESAT数据能够很好地确定南极冰盖高程模型.     

基于星载激光雷达和雷达高度计数据的南极冰盖表面高程制图

南极数字高程模型DEMs(Digital Elevation Models)是研究极区大气环流模式,南极冰盖动态变化和南极科学考察非常重要的基础数据。目前,科学家已经发布了五种不同的南极数字表面高程模型。这些数据都是由卫星雷达高度计,激光雷达和部分地面实测数据等制作而成。尽管如此,由于海洋与冰盖交接的南极冰盖边缘区随时间的快速变化,有必要根据新的卫星数据及时更新南极冰盖表面高程数据。因此,我们利用雷达高度计数据(Envisat RA-2)和激光雷达数据(ICESat/GLAS)制作了最新的南极冰盖高程数据。为提高ICESat/GLAS数据的精度,本文采用了五种不同的质量控制指标对GLAS数据进行处理,滤除了8.36%的不合格数据。这五种质量控制指标分别针对卫星定位误差、大气前向散射、饱和度及云的影响。同时,对Envisat RA-2数据进行干湿对流层纠正、电离层纠正、固体潮汐纠正和极潮纠正。针对两种不同的测高数据,提出了一种基于Envisat RA-2和GLAS数据光斑脚印几何相交的高程相对纠正方法,即通过分析GLAS脚印点与Envisat RA-2数据中心点重叠的点对,建立这些相交点对的高度差(GLAS-RA-2)与表征地形起伏的粗糙度之间的相关关系,对具有稳定相关关系的点对进行Envisat RA-2数据的相对纠正。通过分析南极冰盖不同区域的测高点密度,确定最终DEM的分辨率为1000 m。考虑到南极普里兹湾和内陆地区的差异性,将南极冰盖分为16个区,利用半方差分析确定最佳插值模型和参数,采用克吕金插值方法生成了1000 m分辨率的南极冰盖高程数据。利用两种机载激光雷达数据和我国多次南极科考实测的GPS数据对新的南极DEM进行了验证。结果显示,新的DEM与实测数据的差值范围为3.21—27.84 m,其误差分布与坡度密切关系。与国际上发布的南极DEM数据相比,新的DEM在坡度较大地区和快速变化的冰盖边缘地区精度有较大改进。     

基于CryoSat-2测高数据的南极局部地区DEM的建立与精度评定

南极数字高程模型(DEM)是南极冰盖变化研究的基础数据,在我国南极重点考察地区Dome A及中山站至Dome A考察断面,利用新一代测高卫星CryoSat-2,对常用的几种插值方法如反距离加权、克里金、径向基函数、局部多项式和最近邻点插值方法的插值精度进行交叉比较,结果显示克里金插值方法的精度最高。利用中国第21次南极科学考察队采集的GPS数据,对克里金插值方法生成的两个区域的DEM精度进行验证。结果表明,坡度较小的Dome A区域DEM精度较高,平均高差为1.248 m,标准差为0.51 m;坡度较大的中山站至Dome A断面区域DEM精度较低,平均高程差达到3.87 m,标准差为9.358 m。     

An ANN–RTS smoother scheme for accurate INS/GPS integrated attitude determination

Digital mobile mapping, the method that integrates digital imaging with direct geo-referencing, has developed rapidly over the past 15 years. The Kalman filter (KF) is considered an optimal estimation tool for real-time INS/GPS integrated kinematic positioning and orientation determination. However, the accuracy requirements of general mobile mapping applications cannot be easily achieved even when using the KF scheme. Therefore, this study proposes an intelligent scheme combining ANN and RTS backward smoother to overcome the limitations of KF and to enhance the overall accuracy of attitude determination for tactical grade and MEMS INS/GPS integrated systems.

南极Dome A地区高精度DEM的建立——顾及波形重定、坡度改正及数据融合

介绍了CryoSat-2LRM模式下优化后的OCOG、CFI和LIRT的3种波形重定算法。基于南极Dome-A昆仑站区的实测GPS数据,比较了CryoSat-2LRM模式下的3种波形重定方法,对不同波形重定算法下的测高数据进行了精度评估。结果表明优化后的OCOG算法精度最好,与GPS结果平均差值约为-0.07m,标准差约为0.60m,明显优于其他两种算法。通过比较坡度与卫星数据精度的关系,发现坡度因素对于卫星测高数据精度的影响不可忽视,在Dome A地区验证结果表明,坡度改正可使得卫星测高精度提高约38%。最后联合GPS和CryoSat-2OCOG数据,建立了南极Dome-A地区300m分辨率DEM,其精度约为0.24m。     

Estimation of LAI and above-ground biomass in deciduous forests: Western Ghats of Karnataka, India

This study demonstrates the potentials of IRS P6 LISS-IV high-resolution multispectral sensor (IGFOV  6 m)-based estimation of biomass in the deciduous forests in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. Regression equations describing the relationship between IRS P6 LISS-IV data-based vegetation index (NDVI) and field measured leaf area index (ELAI) and estimated above-ground biomass (EAGB) were derived. Remote sensing (RS) data-based leaf area index (PLAI) image is generated using regression equation based on NDVI and ELAI (r² = 0.68, p ≤ 0.05). RS-based above-ground biomass (PAGB) image was generated based on regression equation developed between PLAI and EAGB (r² = 0.63, p ≤ 0.05). The mean value of estimated above-ground biomass and RS-based above-ground biomass in the study area are 280(±72.5) and 297.6(±55.2) Mg ha⁻¹, respectively. The regression models generated in the study between NDVI and LAI; LAI and biomass can also help in generating spatial biomass map using RS data alone. LISS-IV-based estimation of biophysical parameters can also be used for the validation of various coarse resolution satellite products derived from the ground-based measurements alone.     

Vector method to compute the Cartesian (X, Y, Z) to geodetic ({\phi}, λ, h) transformation on a triaxial ellipsoid

The vector-based algorithm to transform Cartesian (X, Y, Z ) into geodetic coordinates (, λ, h) presented by Feltens (J Geod, 2007, doi:) has been extended for triaxial ellipsoids. The extended algorithm is again based on simple formulae and has successfully been tested for the Earth and other celestial bodies and for a wide range of positive and negative ellipsoidal heights.     

A data archive of GPS navigation messages

Since 18 June 2007 navigation data messages transmitted by the GPS constellation are recorded by five receivers within GeoForschungsZentrum’s global groundstation network. We describe the recording, processing, validation, analysis and archiving of the navigation data. During the 197 days between 18 June 2007 and 31 December 2007 a total of 125,723,666 subframes were collected. By taking into consideration that the same data set frequently is observed by two or more receivers concurrently, 65,153,955 unique subframes could be extracted from the observations. With an estimated 88,099,200 subframes transmitted by the constellation during this time period a data yield of about 74% was achieved. Simulation studies suggest that with two additional GPS receivers, which are scheduled for addition to the network in 2008, about 95% of the transmitted subframes will be retrieved. The message data archive is open to the scientific community for non-commercial purposes and may be accessed through GFZ’s Information System and Data Center ().

基于ICESat-2 ATLAS数据的DEM高程精度评价

为探究ASTER GDEMV3、SRTM1 DEM和AW3D30 DEM 3种开源DEM数据的高程精度,本文以高精度ICESat-2 ATLAS测高数据为参考数据,利用GIS统计分析、误差相关分析及数理统计对DEM的高程精度进行对比评价。结果表明：①AW3D30的质量最稳定;SRTM1 DEM在平原精度最高;在高原山地精度由高到低依次为AW3D30 DEM、ASTER GDEMV3、SRTM1 DEM。②DEM数据高程精度受地表覆盖影响较大,且与地形因素密切相关,在相同地表覆盖的两个研究区中DEM数据高程精度表现情况不一致,SRTM在平原地表覆盖下精度表现最好,平均误差为3.15 m,AW3D30 DEM在山地地表覆盖下精度表现最好,平均误差为7.61 m。③坡度对DEM数据的高程精度影响较大,在两个研究区3种DEM数据的高程误差均随坡度的增加而增加;坡向对DEM数据的高程精度影响较小,未发现明显的规律。     

Integrated adjustment of CHAMP, GRACE, and GPS data

Various types of observations, such as space-borne Global positioning system (GPS) code and phase data, accelerometer data, K-band range and range-rate data, and ground-based satellite laser ranging data of the CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) and GRAvity Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite missions, are used together with ground-based GPS code and phase data in a rigorous adjustment to eventually solve for the ephemerides of the CHAMP, GRACE, and GPS satellites, geocenter variations, and low-degree gravity field parameters. It turns out that this integrated adjustment considerably improves the accuracy of the ephemerides for the high and low satellites, geocenter variations, and gravity field parameters, compared to the case when the adjustment is carried out stepwise or in individual satellite solutions.Acknowledgments. This study has been supported by the German Ministry of Education and Research through the Geotechnologies Programme grants 03F0333A/CHAMP and 03F0326A/GRACE.     

Simplified equivalent multiple baseline solutions with elevation-dependent weights

Since the assumption of all stations tracking the same satellites with identical weights was previously employed by Shen and Xu (GPS Solut 12:99–108, 2008) to derive the simplified GNSS single- and double-differenced equivalent equations, this supplementary paper expands these simplified equations in the case of each station tracking different satellites with elevation-dependent weights. Numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate the computational efficiency of the simplified equivalent algorithm relative to the traditional method in various scenarios of multi-baseline solutions with tracking different satellites. The fast computational speed of the simplified equivalent algorithm will potentially benefit the local, regional and even global GNSS multi-baseline solutions as well as the combined GNSS application.

Analyzing the shear strength parameters of the Chiu-fen-erh-shan landslide: integrating strong-motion and GPS data to determine the best-fit accelerogram

This study adopts the Chiu-fen-erh-shan landslide as a case study for incorporating comprehensive accelerograph and global positioning system (GPS) data to determine the best-fit acceleration data for analyzing a rock avalanche. Previous investigations indicate that the distance from an accelerograph to a landslide site is crucial to determining the best-fit acceleration data to use in conducting a seismic analysis. Unfortunately, the Chiu-fen-erh-shan landslide and its nearest accelerograph station are located in different geological zones. Thus, GPS data were compared to the displacements derived from the accelerograms of nearby monitoring stations to help select the best accelerograph data. This emphasizes that a high density distribution of accelerographs and GPS installations are essential to acquire the best data for the seismic analysis, especially in complex geological zones. After applying the best-fit accelerogram to Newmark’s sliding model and an empirical displacement attenuation formula to back-calculate the shear strength parameters of the sliding surface, a cohesion of 0 kPa and friction angle of the sliding surface of 24.8° were found for this landslide.

Laser pointing angle and time of measurement verification of the ICESat laser altimeter using a ground-based electro-optical detection system

The Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) will begin science operations in 2003 with an emphasis on determination of the ice sheet temporal variations in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The ICESat bus will serve as the transport for an instrument called the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS). GLAS will provide altimetry and lidar measurements with a high level of accuracy. For altimetry, the GLAS data will enable determination of the laser pointing angle to within 1.5 arcsec and the laser pulse time of arrival on the ground to within 100 sec. Both of these data products contribute to the determination of the measured altitude vector from the spacecraft to the ice surface. Verification of both the laser pointing angle and the timing can be achieved by using a unique experimental technique designed to capture an altimeter pulse on the surface of the Earth. The capture of the laser pulse is accomplished by covering the illuminated area with devices designed to detect the arrival of energy within the altimeter footprint. This ground-based technique will supply an independent, unambiguous determination of the laser footprint geolocation and the epoch time associated with the arrival of the pulse on the surface. Knowledge of the laser footprint centroid on the ground will infer the laser pointing direction in the geocentric reference frame. This in situ measurement of the footprint geolocation and time of arrival will be compared to the corresponding data products provided by GLAS. The comparison of the GLAS laser pointing and the timing data with an independent measurement will verify the accuracy and/or will indicate the existence of any biases or errors in the generation of the GLAS altimetry data products. The detectors have been designed and tested in the laboratory and analyzed for energy level thresholds, system stability, temperature response and overall performance. Timing hardware has been tested and software has been written to achieve event detection within the desired accuracy.     

Antenna phase center calibration for precise positioning of LEO satellites

Phase center variations of the receiver and transmitter antenna constitute a remaining uncertainty in the high precision orbit determination (POD) of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites using GPS measurements. Triggered by the adoption of absolute phase patterns in the IGS processing standards, a calibration of the Sensor Systems S67-1575-14 antenna with GFZ choke ring has been conducted that serves as POD antenna on various geodetic satellites such as CHAMP, GRACE and TerraSAR-X. Nominal phase patterns have been obtained with a robotic measurement system in a field campaign and the results were used to assess the impact of receiver antenna phase patterns on the achievable positioning accuracy. Along with this, phase center distortions in the actual spacecraft environment were characterized based on POD carrier phase residuals for the GRACE and TerraSAR-X missions. It is shown that the combined ground and in-flight calibration can improve the carrier phase modeling accuracy to a level of 4 mm which is close to the pure receiver noise. A 3.5 cm (3D rms) consistency of kinematic and reduced dynamic orbit determination solutions is achieved for TerraSAR-X, which presumably reflects the limitations of presently available GPS ephemeris products. The reduced dynamic solutions themselves match the observations of high grade satellite laser ranging stations to 1.5 cm but are potentially affected by cross-track biases at the cm-level. With respect to the GPS based relative navigation of TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X formation, the in-flight calibration of the antenna phase patterns is considered essential for an accurate modeling of differential carrier phase measurements and a mm level baseline reconstruction.