Parametric geometric correction of airborne thematic mapper imagery

Abstract. The geometric correction of airborne scanner imagery has conventionally been performed in a non-parametric manner using ground control. Parametric geometric correction methods are less reliant on ground control and have potential for automation.Recently the possibility of correcting parametrically airborne scanner imagery has become viable because of advances in the availability and accuracy of devices that may be used to measure the exterior orientation of an airborne platform. This paper describes a study initiated by the U.K. Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) to develop and investigate a provisional parametric correction system. Flight trials were flown at an altitude of 1000 m and exterior orientation parameters measured by an inertial navigation system were used to produce parametrically corrected images. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of the parametric correction approach.