A new method of data transformation for satellite images: II. Transformation equations for SPOT, NOAA, IKONOS, Quick Bird, ASTER, MSS and other images and application

By applying the same principles and techniques as described in the first paper, the data transformation equations for SPOT, NOAA, IKONOS, Quick Bird ASTER, and MSS are discussed and presented here. As in TM images, the general radiance level L, the visible-infrared radiation balance B and the band radiance variation vector (direction and speed) V images are all extracted from the above satellite images. All transformed black and white L, B and V images and their colour composites have their universality and individuality. The universality is that the transformed images accord with the three-to-three corresponding regular triangle scheme described in paper I and that the colours on their colour composite are pure, saturated, plentiful, brilliant, information-equilibrated, meaning-definite and close to colours of ground features in nature. The individuality is that the transformed images all have their own regional and seasonal characteristics. The universality is only determined by the coefficients of transformation equations and not dependent upon the original gray level values of image scene in any region and any season. Meanwhile the individuality is only determined by the preservation of regional and seasonal characteristics contained in the original gray level values of concrete image scenes. This paper also deals with the application of the transformed images in image enhancement, ground features interpretation, classification and digital analysis. In addition, some application examples are also offered. Finally the peculiarities and some shortcomings of this method are also summarized.