An integrated INS/GPS approach to the georeferencing of remotely sensed data

Abstract

A general model for the georeferencing of remotely sensed data by an onboard positioning and orientation system is presented as a problem of rigid body motion. The determination of the six independent parameters of motion by discrete measurements from inertial and satellite systems is directly related to the problem of exterior orientation. The contribution of each measuring system to the determination of the three translational and three rotational parameters is treated in detail, with emphasis on the contribution of inertial navigation systems (INS) and single- and multi-antenna receivers of the Global Positioning System (GPS). The advantages of an integrated INS/GPS approach are briefly discussed. Positioning and orientation accuracies obtainable from available systems are then highlighted using selected results to emphasize significant points. The implementation of the general georeferencing concept is demonstrated by brief descriptions of a number of projects in which The University of Calgary group is currently involved. They include aerial photography applications, airborne tests with pushbroom imagers, motion compensation for SLAR systems, and the development of a mobile survey system for a road inventory GIs using digital frame cameras. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of some application areas which ofter a high potential for future development.