Three-Dimensional Geopositioning Accuracy of Ikonos Imagery

An investigation of the accuracy potential of Ikonos 1m satellite imagery is reported. Three sensor orientation/triangulation models are applied to stereo- and three-image configurations of "Geo" imagery with the aim of achieving 3D geopositioning to sub-metre accuracy. The models considered comprise rational functions with bias compensation, affine projection and the direct linear transformation. Test results from the Melbourne Ikonos Testfield are reported and these show that with modest provision of good quality ground control, Ikonos "Geo" imagery can yield 3D object-point determination to an accuracy of 0.5m in planimetry and 0.7m in height. The accuracy achieved is not only consistent with expectations for rigorous sensor orientation models, but is also readily attainable in practice with only a small number of ground control points being required