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full automation, methods have been proposed for semi-
automatic feature extraction in the environment of
human-machine interaction (Tao and Lin, 1994b).
However, research in these directions will still go a long
way before becoming practically suitable for production.
In the past four years, Chinese scientists have made
quite a number of research projects in image texture
analysis, including algorithms for MRF parameter
estimation and image texture classification methods
based on MRF parameters (Zheng and Zhou, 1995),
texture image segmentation algorithm based on Gibbs
distribution (Zhu, 1995), the possibility of application of
spatial grey correlation, fuzzy fusion analysis and fractal
geometry in image texture classification (Huang and
Zheng, 1995a,b,c), and image texture analysis methods
based on multi-fractal analysis and based on
texton(Zhang and Li,.1995a,b).
3. DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL ELEVATION MODELS
The establishment, storage, application and visualization
of DEM have always been a concern of Chinese
scientists. In the 1992 - 1996 period, in addition to the
DEM software further developed by WuDAMS package
on SGI work stations, DEM package on PCs considering
topographic features have also been worked out (Yuan
and Gong, 1995). Besides, research has also been
conducted into the methods for contour-generated DEM
considering the digital feature and geometric feature of
contours (Qiu, 1994). The mathematical morphology
approaches for generation of DEM from contour line
maps (Li et al., 1994c) and for regular compact storage
of triangulated irregular network (TIN) have been put
forward (Chen, 1992). A 3-D terrain visualization model
based on the combination of interpolation and Delaunay
Triangulation has been suggested (Tao, 1995).
4. DEVELOPMENT OF CLOSE RANGE
PHOTOGRAMMETRY
Close range photogrammetry and computer vision are
coming closer to each other, but in. China only in the
very recent years has more contact occurred between
people working in these two previously separate fields,
hence only some of the research and application
activities are listed here.
The general development trend in close range
photogrammetry in China is towards digital and real time.
The WuDAMS package possesses ability to process
close range image pairs. A PC-based automatic length
measurement system composed of several CCDs has
been used to measure the length of steel plate along the
cutting lines.
For new method and new algorithm in digital close range
photogrammetry, a CAD based line photogrammetry
method is given for automatic measurement and
reconstruction of industrial object primitives (Li and Zhou,
1994). A 3-D surface reconstruction algorithm based on
57
International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXI, Part B6. Vienna 1996
the photometer is suggested (Li et al., 1995). A method
of overall bundle adjustment of the panoramic
photograph by fish eye lens has been investigated (Liu et
al, 1993). Besides, the constraint conditions in the
calibration of stereo vision system (Feng, 1994) and the
principles of structured light photogrammetry based on
laser theodolite have been deducted (Feng et al., 1995).
For the application of close range photogrammetry, in
addition to many achitectural, archaeological, bio- and
medical applications, some experiments and
applications of light section photogrammetry (Feng and
Li, 1992) and Moire topography have been done in the
past four years (Feng et al., 1994).
5. DEVELOPMENT OF REMOTE SENSING
The development in this area features the development
of the new types of sensors and the launch of China
made remote sensing satellites. In the past ten years,
China has developed space-borne cameras, panoramic
scanners, CCD cameras, and multi-spectrum infrared
scanners for meteorological satellites. The spatial
resolution of the CCD reaches 4 - 5 meters. China's
space-borne cameras have been on retrievable missions
several times in the past four years, which are used for
the plotting of 1:100,00 topographic maps, target
interpretation and map revision purposes.
The airborne imaging spectrometer of China can cover
ninety-six bands and reach a spectral resolution of 10-20
nm. China has undertaken some exploration tasks for
Australia. The SAR inclination in L band is still under
research. But on the whole, the remote sensing satellite
in China has not yet formed a long term service system.
Up to now, the space-borne remote sensing in China still
mainly uses satellite image materials from overseas,
such as Landsat MSS, TM, SPOT, NOAA AVHRR, ERS-
1,2 and JERS-1. In the past four years, use has been
made of them to conduct land investigation, resource
and environment analysis and study, natural disaster
monitoring and prevention, weather forecasting,
geological investigation, agricultural crop output
estimation and urban housing studies in China.
Incomplete statistics shows that over sixty papers have
been published in this field. Important application
projects include natural disaster monitoring and
assessment systems, and agricultural output estimation
information systems for crops like corn, wheat and rice
in Songliao Plain, Huanghuaihai Plain, Jianghan Plain
and the Tai Lake area. The real time flood monitoring
system with airborne image radar and real time data
transmission is now in use. China has also joined the
experiment in its Guangdong province with the Canadian
GlobeSAR and the American space shuttle SIR-C/X
projects and gained ample results.
Research results have also been obtained in the
mechanism of remote sensing, and the techniques and
methods for image processing, in which field over thirty
papers have been published on journals like the
Remote Sensing of Environment China.
