PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF IKONOS IMAGERY FOR MAPPING

Availability of high-resolution imagery, such as IKONOS (from Space Imaging Corp), has opened new possibilities for satellite-based mapping. This paper aims to share the practical experience of authors in using IKONOS imagery for mapping application in a production environment. Authors are involved in an IKONOS based land-cover mapping project jointly undertaken by Intergraph Philippines Corporation and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), of the Philippines. As IKONOS imagery applications are still in its immerging phase, it is felt that the experiences shared herewith will benefit those considering the use of IKONOS imagery as one of the data sources for mapping applications. This paper aims to present some of the features that differentiate IKONOS imagery for mapping applications from other commercially available satellite imagery. PROJECT AREA The project covers an area of approximately 1,400 square kilometres in Sorsogon province in South Luzon, Philippines. The prevalent land-cover features are diverse, such as, coastal areas, mangroves, agriculture area, townships, plantation and dense forest. The whole project area was imaged with 1-meter resolution panchromatic IKONOS imagery. Three sub-areas within the project area were also imaged with 4-meter multi-spectral IKONOS imagery. The areas imaged with the multi-spectral images primarily include mangroves and townships. The project uses IKONOS Carterra TM Geo imageries and a set of recently surveyed ground control points. The images are georeferenced and mosaiced to provide a backdrop for interactive land-cover mapping.