High-resolution Satellite Imagery for Spatial Information Generation in Bhutan

High-resolution satellite imagery is a viable source of imagery for spatial data generation in a developing country such as Bhutan. Half-metre to 1m resolution HRSI has the potential to be used for topographic map compilation and 2.5m stereo imagery could be employed for DEM generation and for mapping in more remote, non-urban and non-agricultural areas. This paper overviews an ongoing project, the main aim of which is to verify the potential of HRSI for 3D spatial information generation in Bhutan. A further aim is to assist the National Land Commission of Bhutan by way of technology transfer in the form of training and the provision of software tools and sample HRSI data to enable an up-skilling of Commission personnel. This capacity building component of the project has so far included evaluation of geopositioning accuracy, the generation of DEMs and orthoimagery, and 3D feature extraction via monoplotting. The latter has been applied to tasks as varied as road centreline mapping and the coarse verification of cadastral data. In summarising the project the authors will touch upon aspects related to the terms of reference of the Special Studies Group “Technology Transfer Caravan”, namely the transfer of knowledge and technology with special consideration being directed to the needs of developing countries.