Comparison of Planimetric and Thematic Accuracy of OrbView-3 and IKONOS Images

Spatial mapping from space using high-resolution satellite sensor data instead of conventional data collection techniques widely gained popularity. This study aims to analyze the planimetric and thematic accuracy of high-resolution OrbView-3 and IKONOS orthoimages. OrbView-3 and IKONOS images of a test area were acquired and these images were geometrically corrected using rational polynomial functions to conduct accuracy assessment. 40 Ground Control Points (GCPs) generated from static Global Positioning System (GPS) survey were used in the orthorectification procedure. 182 Test Points (TPs) produced from terrestrial surveying technique were used to analyze the accuracy of orthorectifications. Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values obtained for GCPs and TPs were used to determine the planimetric accuracy of these images. Thematic accuracy analyses were conducted in radiometric and spatial base. Transects, lines and polygons were created to analyze the radiometric quality of data sets and to determine minimum distinguishable distance and distinguishable area. Both planimetric and thematic accuracy analyses illustrated that OrbView-3 and IKONOS images could be used to create 1:10000 scale map of the concerned region with appropriate planimetric and thematic quality.