TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING METHOD USING SPOT IMAGERY 
Minoru Akiyama 
Map Information Manager 
Geographical Survey Insti tute, Japan 
ISPRS Comm. |V 
ABSTRACT: 
Since the SPOT-1 satellite was launched in 1986 SPOT images have been used for medium 
scale topographic mapping in various countries both in experimental level and production 
level. However, traditional photogrammetric techniques are not always applicable for 
SPOT image mapping. because there exist big differences between aerial photographs and 
SPOT images. In order to establish practical techniques for topographic mapping using 
SPOT images it is essential to standardize specification and procedure. In this regard. 
the Ministry of Construction of Japan and the Instituto Geografico Nacional of Peru have 
conducted a joint research from 1987 to 1990 aiming to develop and establish practical 
methods mainly applicable for medium scale mapping in developing countries. 
As results of the four year stüdy. draft of "Standard Procedure and Specification of 
Topographic Mapping using SPOT imagery" and "Manual for SPOT Image Interpretation” were 
obtained. Those documentations are expected to be used for overseas mapping and 
technology transfer programs in International Cooperation Aids of Japan. 
KEY WORDS: SPOT. Mapping, Specification, Standard Procedure, Interpretation Manual. 
1. INTRODUCTION From this point of view. the Ministry of 
Construction and the Instituto Geogtafi co 
SPOT HRV sensor was designed to be able to Nacional of Peru have conducted a joint 
obtain ‘stereo pair images of the earih's research from 1987 to 1990. The 
surface and expected to be used for objectives of the research are those as 
photogrammetric mapping. In order to follows. 
roalizo stereo plotting of SPOT data, 
several softwares running on analytical (1) Development of method to get the best 
plotters have been developed and quality images for interpretation. 
introduced on market so far. Moreover, (2) Accuracy analysis of "SPOT image 
many topographic maps have been produced plotting. 
using SPOT images in many countries both (3) Development of practical method to 
as in experimental work and in practical extract image control points. 
work. Thus. mapping method using SPOT (4) "Analysis for plotting limits of SPOT 
data is seemed to be established to some imagery. 
extent. However, topographic mapping is (5) Development of Practical method for 
very comprehensive technology which is field completion survey. 
composed not only of stereo plotting .but (6) "Collecting examples of "SPOT image 
also of photo interpretation, field interpretation. 
completion, compilation and reproduction. 
Therefore, the development of stereo As results of The four year‘ study, the 
plotting software is only a necessary following two documents were formed. 
condition but not a sufficient condition 
for the development of total method of (1) Standard Procedure and Specification 
mapping. of Topographic Mapping using SPOT 
imagery. 
SPOT images are very different from aerial (2) Manual for SPOT Image Interpretation. 
photographs not only in their geometrical 
property but also in their radiometric 
property. Observed wave bands are sifted 2. IMAGE ENHANCEMENT TECHNIQUE 
to longer side including near infrared 
band and excluding blue band. The 2-1 Study flow 
resolving power of SPOT images is 
officially stated as 10m for panchromatic Gray levels of SPOT data are concentrated 
mode and 20m for multi-spectral mode, to lower level and contains detector 
which is getting worse according to noises. This make an image very flat and 
weather and atmospheric condi tion. Those make interpretation difficult. Therefore, 
characteristics may affect image in prior of plotting, it is important to 
interpretation very strongly that there improve image quality by stretching image 
might need additional field completion contrast and removing detector noises. 
work and might reduce economical advantage 
of SPOT image mapping. Therefore, it is In order to determine appropriate pre- 
indispensable for establishing practical processing to produce good quality film 
method of topographic mapping using SPOT outputs out of SPOT data. several density 
data, that we have to clarify plotting transformation functions were examined and 
limi tati ons of SPOT data and to make up evaluated. 
new specifications of maps. 
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