Aspects of the Standardization of Sensor and Data Fusion of Remote Sensing Data

Owing to continuous developments in technology and new requirements single sensor measurements are faced with constraints in their accuracy and thus in the applicability of their results. An innovative method of improving the geometric and radiometric data quality is the fusion of data obtained from different digital sensors. Sensor fusion means merging data obtained from different individual physical sensors to provide more comprehensive information from a single ’logical’ or ’virtual’ sensor. Airborne and spaceborne high-resolution digital cameras, laser scanners, hyperspectral systems, radar and InSAR systems have been considered in this context.Common fusion methods are resolution improvement, fusion of altitude or distance information and texture information (orthophoto generation), pan-sharpening and tracking. The derivation of orientation information from fusion of different sensors is not regarded in this paper.Assessment criteria for fusion results of data obtained from different sources have so far only been established in a few cases. Within the INS project (German Institute for Standardization DIN, 2008) the scientific bases for standardization has been developed to provide manufacturers and users with rules for the quality of the end products – also with regard to the international market. Therefore sensors and methods for achieving possible fusion products were introduced and discussed. This formed the basis for the development of a working document for a draft standard for requirements for geometric fusion methods.