Automatic registration of SeaWiFS and AVHRR imagery

An automatic approach for integrating images from multitemporal and multisensor remote sensing is outlined based on coastlines derived from satellite images. One point on a coastline is taken as a candidate point of ground control points (GCPs). A correlation-relaxation (CR) technique is used to search for the corresponding point in the second image. A decision rule is used to guarantee the correctness of GCPs which are used to compute a polynomial equation for registering two images. The relationship between the accuracy of registration and the number of GCPs indicates that a large number of GCPs will lead to more accurate image registration. The correctness of GCPs can also improve the accuracy of geometric registration. The approach can be used particularly well to register images of coastal areas. Examples are given for registration of SeaWiFS and AVHRR imagery.