technics technologies education management

The use of satellite images to amend the

content of topographic maps
Miodrag Regodic1, Goran Cirovic2, Dragoljub Sekulovic1, Sinisa Drobnjak3
1
Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, University of Defence in Belgrade, Serbia,
2
The Belgrade University College of Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Belgrade, Serbia,
3
Military Geographical Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia.

Abstract The solution to these problems is finding ap-

propriate ways to use many different types of re-
Outdated content of topographic maps (TM) is
mote recording products, especially those used for
mainly the result of real economic difficulties in de-
processing quality satellite images.
veloping new and modifying existing publications.
The aim of this study is to use theoretical con-
This, along with the increasingly difficult situation
siderations and conducted experiments to search
regarding the development of other geo-topograph-
and explore the possibilities and methods of col-
ic materials (GTM), greatly hampers the function-
lecting, processing and use of spatial data obtained
ing of land surveying services. The solution to
by remote sensing, for the purpose of amending
these problems is finding appropriate ways to use
topographic maps with geographic elements.
many different types of remote recording products,
especially those used for processing quality satel-
lite images. This paper suggests adding the miss- 2. Mathematical relationship between
ing topographic map content by taking advantage image and field coordinates
of the great possibilities of remote sensing, satellite In order to execute photo-interpretation it is nec-
imagery and related quality software solutions. essary to establish a direct mathematical relation-
Key words: topographic map, satellite imag- ship between image and ground coordinates i.e.
ery, geographic elements. relationship between the image and instrument on
one hand and the corresponding field on the other.
1. Introduction This relationship (equations 4 and 5) is established
by a photogrammetry method of aerial triangula-
Numerous natural and social phenomena are tion of a bundle of rays (bundle blocks) [1].
continually monitored, surveyed, recorded, and
analyzed as an expression of man’s attempt to in-
fluence their course. Permanent and temporary sat-
ellite tracking and imagery, conducted for different
purposes, are increasingly more present. They can
be carried out for testing and monitoring of meteo-
rological conditions and their changes, the study of
large body of water, monitoring the movement of
people and weapons for military intelligence pur-
poses, etc. Results can be used for the development
and maintenance of topographic and thematic maps
and other geo-topographic material.
Outdated content of topographic maps is mainly
the result of real economic difficulties in develop-
ing new and modifying existing publications. This,
along with the increasingly difficult situation re- Figure 1. Straight line connection of exposure
garding the development of other GTM, greatly station O with image point P’ and object point P
hampers the functioning of land surveying services. (concept of collinearity) [4]

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Basically, this method employs simple expres- x, h – denote measured image coordinates,
sions that establish a link between the measured X, Y, Z – denote ground coordinates,
photogrammetric coordinates and ground coordi- xo, ho, c – denote elements of internal orienta-
nate system (equation 4 and 5). tion of the camera,
In the moment of exposure, object point P, im- (xo, ho – principle image points coordiantes, c –
age point P¢ and exposure station O were lined up camera constant),
in a straight line (Figure 1). Xo, Yo, Zo – denote exposure station coordi-
This, so called collinearity concept can be pre- nates in filed coordinate system,
sented in the X¢, Y¢, Z¢ – field coordinate system, r11, r21, . . . r33 – elements of the rotation matrix
whose axis are parallel to x, h, z – image coordinate R, which defines the spatial postion of the image
system (z = 0 for all points in the image plane, and z relative to the field coordinate system – X,Y,Z, and
= c for the center of projection), which was spatially represent functions of the rotation angles w,f,k
rotated in relation to the principal ground coordinate
system – X, Y, Z, using the following two equations: In order for X¢, Y¢, Z¢– system to be parallel
with x, h, z – image coordinate system, r and k
x − x 0 X ¢ − X 0¢ elements should be:
=
c Z 0¢ − Z ¢ – the values of cosines of angles between the
............................. (1)
h − h0 Y ¢ − Y0¢ axis of the image and ground coordinate
=
c Z 0¢ − Z ¢
systems, that is
Using the solution of both equations of image – functions of w,f,k angles for which the
coordinates: image was rotated in the moment of
exposure relative to the ground coordinate
X ¢ − X 0¢ system
x = x0 − c
Z ¢ − Z 0¢ ............................ (2)
Y ¢ − Y0¢ Expanding the equation (4) on field coordinates
h = h0 − c
Z ¢ − Z 0¢ X and Y, results in:

coordinates of X¢ object and X¢o exposure sta- r11 (x − x 0 ) + r12 (h − h0 ) + r13c

tion can be replaced by X or X coordinates in the X = X 0 + (Z − Z 0 )
o r31 (x − x 0 ) + r3 2 (h − h0 ) + r3 3c
principle ground coordinate system. X¢, Y¢, Z¢ sys-
tem, in relation to the X, Y, Z system, has been r21 (x − x 0 ) + r2 2 (h − h0 ) + r2 3c
Y = Y0 + (Z − Z 0 )
spatially rotated, so it follows: r31 (x − x 0 ) + r3 2 (h − h0 ) + r3 3c
........................................ (5)
 X − X 0   r11r1 2 r13  X ¢ − X 0¢ 
   
 Y − Y0  =  r21r2 2 r2 3  Y ¢ − Y0¢  ............... (3) Expressions (4) and (5) represent the collinear-
 Z − Z   
 Z ¢ − Z 0¢ 
 0   r31r3 2 r3 3  ity equations which are the relation between im-

age coordinates (x,h) as measured data and ele-
After substituting the equation (3) with equa-
ments of internal (xo,ho,c) and external orientation
tion (2) we will get the connection between image
(Xo,Yo,Zo, w,f,k) as unknown parameters.
and ground coordinates, where equation (3) must
Application of modern, computer-aided photo-
first be multiplied on the left side with RT R-1 (vec-
grammetry systems and methods now allow the
tor and matrix symbols are underlined):
possibility of image restitution.

r11 ( X − X 0 ) + r21 (Y − Y0 ) + r31 (Z − Z 0 ) Zx 3. Digital image processing

x = x0 − c = x0 − c
r13 ( X − X 0 ) + r2 3 (Y − Y0 ) + r33 (Z − Z 0 ) N
r12 ( X − X 0 ) + r2 2 (Y − Y0 ) + r3 2 (Z − Z 0 ) Zy Satellite imagery today is primarily delivered
h = h0 − c = h0 − c in digital form ready for further processing. Imag-
r13 ( X − X 0 ) + r2 3 (Y − Y0 ) + r33 (Z − Z 0 ) N
es intended for analysis and interpretation within
........................................ (4) the conducted experiment were also submitted in

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 technics technologies education management
digital form, and further processing was carried
out through four mutually conditioned stages.
This enabled for the imagery to be adapted to a
form that enables further use [7]. Imagery pro-
cessing stages are:
– Pre-treatment,
– Image quality improvement,
– Image transformation,
– Image classification and analysis.
All these procedures are very important for
quality image processing, but will not be subject
to a detailed presentation in this paper. Their suc-
cessful implementation contributes to the success
of the implementation of the procedures that fol-
low. Before reaching the desired information, two
very important procedures are image analysis and
interpretation.
4. Analysis and interpretation of digital
imagery
Image analysis and interpretation are two very
important stages in satellite image processing.
Analysis and interpretation of images can be:
visual or instrumental (computer). Both analyses
rely heavily on image resolution i.e. the ability of
distinguishing content in the images. The follow-
ing types of image resolution are of equal impor-
tance [6]:
– spatial resolution (distance to field),
– spectral resolution (type and amount of
spectral channels),
– radiometric resolution (related to signal
strength; stronger signal provides easier
automatic classification),
– temporal resolution (frequency of shooting).
Image analysis is the process of determining
the difference in properties and separation of ob-
jects or field areas according to specific properties.
These properties entail, for example, relief charac-
teristics (drainage density, depth of incision, slope
angle, etc.), differences in vegetation cover, the in-
tensity of shades in black and white images, or dif-
ferent colors on color, false color and composite
images, etc. Features or objects in remote sensing
images can be analyzed and interpreted provided
they have the following characteristics [3]:
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– targets may be a point, line or area and
– the target must be distinguishable; it must
contrast with other features in the image.
Basically, we distinguish two types of image
analysis – visual or logical analysis, and instru-
mental or formal analysis. The first type of analy-
sis involves human interpretation of differences
and distinguished properties of areas. One draw-
back of this method is the fact that human eye
has a limited ability to distinguish many different
shades of one property, as well as human subjec-
tivity in the evaluation of the properties. Another
form of analysis is commonly referred to as the
digital analysis, because it is performed on digi-
tal images using a computer. This makes analysis
somewhat easier because computers can be as-
signed algorithmic values of wavelengths of elec-
tromagnetic radiation, or previously mentioned
spectral response, by which a computer can “rec-
ognize” specific forms that appear in the image.
Image processing method used in this experiment
combined the two types of analysis. Instrumental
or digital analysis had a decisive influence on the
identification of objects in the images.
Both the visual and digital analyses have their
advantages and disadvantages. One of the ad-
vantages of visual analysis is that apart from the
image it does not require other resources, while
digital analysis requires specialized and costly
equipment. The best results are achieved through
a combination of these procedures.
In terms of remote sensing, interpretation im-
plies interpreting i.e. providing meaning to areas
of different properties obtained in the analytical
procedure. Interpretation is carried out exclusively
through logic. The process of interpretation neces-
sitates human input in terms of knowledge and abil-
ity to properly select data. Modern computer tech-
nology has enabled the identification of specific
areas detected in the image and their proper mark-
ing with appropriate symbols to be performed us-
ing computers. However, this procedure cannot be
considered an instrumental interpretation because it
requires human input i.e. actual classification and
interpretation of objects must be entered into a com-
puter by a human. The computer only identifies,
compares and groups the areas with same proper-
ties i.e. it performs instrumental analysis procedure.
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 technics technologies education management

Analysis and interpretation are two distinct pro-
cesses and stages in the process of remote sensing
only in cases when performing formal or instru-
mental analysis.
Information
Data is a representation of an object, phenome-
non or process in real time, while only a processed
data ready for use is referred to as information.
Information obtained by remote sensing are
specific compared to other environmental re-
searches. The results obtained through remote
sensing allow the synthesis of certain aerial data
as well as research of a much wider area compared
to field research [8]; they are much cheaper and
more rational compared to field work.
The end result and goal of image interpretation
and analysis, or the entire remote sensing process
represents useful information on ground objects.
The information obtained by remote sensing of an
area is qualitatively and quantitatively different from
the results obtained through other types of research.
A new quality of remote sensing data is ob-
tained by recording invisible parts of electromag-
netic spectrum. Remote sensing detectors are de-
signed to register specific EM radiation range, and
a combination of different sensors set to different
channels (bands) can improve the analysis and in-
terpretation of the recorded content.
Field measurements can never cover the en-
tire surface of the investigated area. By applying
remote sensing methods, logical or instrumental
analysis and interpretation, measurements are per-
formed on the entire image. Terrain serviceability,
weather conditions, period of the day and other
limiting factors pertaining to field work have no
effect on remote sensing measurements.
Quantitative and qualitative value of information
obtained by remote sensing, as well as other, differ-
ent categories of data, do not exclude the results of
traditional methods of measurement. They rather
complement each other, making them more objec-
tive and reliable. The use of remote sensing allows
for the entire surveying process to become more effi-
cient and rational. To best show the vast possibilities
of the use of satellite imagery in cartography, qual-
ity software solutions were applied in this experi-
ment to amend the missing content of topographic
maps. On the basis of satellite images of high spatial
resolution, using vector form, missing geographical
features were successfully mapped – annex 1, after
which that content was entirely transferred onto a
large-scale topographic map 1 : 50 000 (TK50), thus
amending the topographic map – annex 2.
Processing and analysis of Ikonos2 satellite
images for the purpose of amending topo-
graphic maps
Recordings obtained from aircraft and satellite
platforms are an important source of information
used for studying and representation of natural and
artificial occurrences of Earth’s surface. Under-
standing connections and relationships between
digital pixel values recorded on a sensor and field
information enables proper image interpretation
and analysis [10].
The subject of the experiment presented in this
paper is the satellite image of urban area, taken by
IKONOS2 satellite, a product of European Space
Imaging Company. It belongs to the GEO Ortho
Kit category of products, which means that it is
partially geo-referenced and fully orthorectified.
Table 1 shows image data.
Table 1. Basic image parameters [9]
Name Ikonos2
Company European Space Imaging
Spatial resolution 1m
Imagery product Geo Ortho Kit
Image type Panchromatic
Bit register 11-bit register
Map projection UTM
Ellipsoid WGS84
Orbit altitude 450 km
Optical axis tilt angle 73,0927°
Time of recording 2003-04-29 09:58 GMT
Scan direction Against orbit
Scan azimuth 254,2177°
The main reason for choosing this image is the
fact that it is a high-quality image, with high spa-
tial resolution of 1m.
In addition to the satellite image, an appropri-
ate topographic map was also provided for this
experiment. The TK50 topographic map contain-
ing the territory with unmapped geographic fea-
tures (Figure 3) was used for the purposes of map
amendment. One of the objectives of the research
presented in this paper was to determine the pos-

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sibilities and methods for TK50 amendment by

adding missing geographic features to its content.

Figure 3. Topographic map 1:50 000

The possibilities of presentation of spatial data
compiled in ArcGIS are numerous. Alphanumeric
Figure 2. A section of IKONOS2 satellite image data can be presented in the form of tables, graphs,
reports, drawings, etc. and digital data in the form
Initial and compulsory activity that precedes of maps of different formats, depending on respec-
the overall image processing and map update is tive requirements. The output can also be present-
the scanning process i.e. conversion of the working ed on photosensitive materials (using PostScript
material into digital form [2]. Since the satellite im- file), which is important in terms of reproduction.
age was delivered in digital form only topographic Apart from modules, which are integral part of
maps were scanned. Conversion of analog data into this software, ArcGIS can also contain the following
digital form was carried out using SHARP JX 6-10 modules: grid analysis, areal image analysis, and 3D
scanner in 300 dpi resolution. The scanner offers 1 analysis. This is an open source program that con-
200 x 1 200 dpi resolution, 16 million colors, and 9 tains modules that allow additional programming
600 x 9 600 dpi interpolated resolution [11]. operations, depending on respective needs.
The great possibilities in the use of satellite
imagery in cartographic practice, coupled with
the use of quality software solutions, are best re-
flected in the fact that the objective of the experi-
ment to amend the topographic map with missing
topographic data was achieved. On the basis of
satellite images of high spatial resolution a part of
an urban area was successfully mapped, in vec-
tor form – Appendix 1, after which the content
was fully transferred onto the TK50, and thus the
process of amendment of the missing content was
complete – Appendix 2. This process was carried
out using the ArcGIS software, which is one of the
most widespread commercial GIS (Geographic
Information System) software. It is mainly used
in the processing of geographic data, for different
purposes and in different resolutions. ArcGIS uses Figure 4. Partial image from IKONOS2 satellite
Windows operating system [12]. with vector content

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Figure 5 shows the vector content separately. Since the amendment of the TK50 using satel-
lite images was successfully carried out in this ex-
periment, it can be concluded that a smaller scale
amendment of the TK50, using this program, is
entirely feasible.

Appendix 1

Figure 5. Vector content

Bežanijska Kosa urban area – vector map

Appendix 2

Figure 6. Scanned portion of the old map

Updated topography map

Figure 7. New map with amended content and

corrections

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 technics technologies education management
5. Conclusion
Commercial satellite systems produce high
quality images with spatial resolution that can
reach values below one meter. Institutions in con-
trol of satellite systems, and in charge of sales and
distribution of satellite images, have increased the
level of image processing and now offer ready-
made satellite images in widely used formats and
widespread coordinate systems.
The achieved level of development of com-
puter equipment can ensure successful detection,
identification, technical analysis, and presenta-
tion of geographic features in the process of map
amendment.
Amendment of topographic maps with geo-
graphic features of topographic surface can be
carried out with required accuracy on the basis of
remote sensing i.e. by means of computer process-
ing and interpretation of images of different origin
(mostly satellite images) it is possible to gather
relevant geographical data and include them on a
map and therefore amend it.
With the increase of spatial resolution in sat-
ellite imagery and lower costs, aerial imagery is
now carried out almost exclusively for the purpos-
es of compiling large-scale survey maps and other
specific needs.
In future, the methodology of application of
satellite imagery in map amendment will have an
increasingly important role. It offers new possi-
bilities for data representation in digital form, and
therefore its main role was applied in TK50 map
amendment. With the advent of satellite imagery
of high spatial resolution – HRSI (such as IKO-
NOS, QuickBird, WorldView or GeoEye) these
images can be used for large-scale survey maps,
so it would be reasonable to expect their increased
use in the future.
Acknowledgements
The work reported in this paper is a part of the
investigation within the TR 36017 research proj-
ect supported by the Ministry for Science and
Technology, Republic of Serbia. This support is
gratefully acknowledged.
1560
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Corresponding author
Miodrag Regodic,
Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia,
University of Defence in Belgrade,
Serbia,
E-mail: mregodic62@gmail.com
Volume 8 / Number 4 / 2013