Generation of Digital Elevation Models by Fusion of Image and Terrain Laser Scan Data. There are currently two separate approaches to obtaining digital elevation models of the terrain surface by remote sensing, image based methods using aerial or satellite images and scanner techniques by terrain laser scanners. Each method provides elevations with high accuracy, but both require significant input from an operator during processing. It is proposed to take advantage of the synegies of these two ....Generation of Digital Elevation Models by Fusion of Image and Terrain Laser Scan Data. There are currently two separate approaches to obtaining digital elevation models of the terrain surface by remote sensing, image based methods using aerial or satellite images and scanner techniques by terrain laser scanners. Each method provides elevations with high accuracy, but both require significant input from an operator during processing. It is proposed to take advantage of the synegies of these two forms of data by combining the processing into a single solution for elevation determination by data fusion. This approach will improve the quality and efficiency of elevation determination.Read moreRead less
High-Accuracy Geopositioning from High-Resolution Satellite Imagery. The new technology of high-resolution satellite imaging (HRSI) is revolutionising geospatial information generation for digital mapping, GIS and remote sensing. This project will investigate the metric potential of HRSI and specifically high-accuracy 3D geopositioning. The research will address fundamental issues of imaging sensor orientation modelling, multi-image matching and terrain model extraction. New and refined algorith ....High-Accuracy Geopositioning from High-Resolution Satellite Imagery. The new technology of high-resolution satellite imaging (HRSI) is revolutionising geospatial information generation for digital mapping, GIS and remote sensing. This project will investigate the metric potential of HRSI and specifically high-accuracy 3D geopositioning. The research will address fundamental issues of imaging sensor orientation modelling, multi-image matching and terrain model extraction. New and refined algorithms and computational schemes will be formulated and implemented in software. These developments will then be evaluated through comprehensive experimental testing using Ikonos and Quickbird satellite imagery, with the expected project outcomes being new, experimentally validated computational models, which will advance geospatial information generation from HRSI.Read moreRead less
Fusion of Laser Ranging Data and Imagery for Generation of 3D Virtual Models. The creation of image texture-mapped, three-dimensional (3D) digital models of object scenes is becoming increasingly more important in virtual reality generation. Visually realistic computer models find application in reverse engineering and industrial metrology and design, but their utility is often limited by shortcomings in accuracy and completeness. This project aims, through a fusion of laser scanner data and dig ....Fusion of Laser Ranging Data and Imagery for Generation of 3D Virtual Models. The creation of image texture-mapped, three-dimensional (3D) digital models of object scenes is becoming increasingly more important in virtual reality generation. Visually realistic computer models find application in reverse engineering and industrial metrology and design, but their utility is often limited by shortcomings in accuracy and completeness. This project aims, through a fusion of laser scanner data and digital photogrammetric imagery, to develop improved mathematical models and computational systems to facilitate advances in automated 3D object reconstruction for high-definition, metrically accurate photo-realistic digital models. The principal outcome from the project will be enhanced 3D computer modelling for engineering applications.
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Coral Reefs - Innovative Satellite Image Mapping Techniques. Two primary outcomes are expected from this project, the first is aimed at solving a fundamental challenge to understanding and managing coral reefs in Australia and worldwide. The optimal reef mapping method(s) will enable coral reef monitoring and management programs in Australia and internationally to make full use of satellite and airborne image data sets. Secondly, the project will significantly advance the capabilities of remote ....Coral Reefs - Innovative Satellite Image Mapping Techniques. Two primary outcomes are expected from this project, the first is aimed at solving a fundamental challenge to understanding and managing coral reefs in Australia and worldwide. The optimal reef mapping method(s) will enable coral reef monitoring and management programs in Australia and internationally to make full use of satellite and airborne image data sets. Secondly, the project will significantly advance the capabilities of remote sensing applications in coral reefs, by providing a unique international test of current state of the art algorithms.In combination, these outcomes will enable Australia to continue to play a role as the world's leading developer and provider of solutions for coral reef monitoring and management.Read moreRead less
Data integration, scale and classification of remotely sensed imagery. This project will investigate and resolve the specific problems associated with processing, interpreting and classifying high-resolution satellite imagery. Previous work has shown that current algorithms developed for lower resolution remote sensing data are not appropriate for processing higher resolution data. New algorithms will be developed for geometrically and radiometrically processing high-resolution satellite data ....Data integration, scale and classification of remotely sensed imagery. This project will investigate and resolve the specific problems associated with processing, interpreting and classifying high-resolution satellite imagery. Previous work has shown that current algorithms developed for lower resolution remote sensing data are not appropriate for processing higher resolution data. New algorithms will be developed for geometrically and radiometrically processing high-resolution satellite data so that it can be interpreted in conjunction with other similar data, or existing lower resolution data. Consequently, the potential uses of high resolution satellite imagery will be greatly increased, allowing many more users to access the advantages of this unique source of data.Read moreRead less
Tracking formation-flying of nanosatellites using inter-satellite links. This project aims to realise real-time kinematic precise orbit and attitude determination of nano satellites. Formation flying, based on distributed miniaturised satellites such as Cubesats, is envisioned to revolutionise the way the space-science community conducts autonomous missions. The project will develop a purely kinematic concept exploiting the full capabilities of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) carrier- ....Tracking formation-flying of nanosatellites using inter-satellite links. This project aims to realise real-time kinematic precise orbit and attitude determination of nano satellites. Formation flying, based on distributed miniaturised satellites such as Cubesats, is envisioned to revolutionise the way the space-science community conducts autonomous missions. The project will develop a purely kinematic concept exploiting the full capabilities of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) carrier-phase measurements for instantaneous precise orbit and attitude determination of the Cubesats. The project will also pioneer the use of the satellite based augmentation systems (SBAS), supporting the future Australian SBAS program, and the development of integrated algorithms for space-based, Precise Point Positioning with fixed ambiguities supported by SBAS.Read moreRead less
Ultrahigh-resolution remote sensing for assessing biodiversity hotspots. Robust indicators are central to the complex problem of conserving vegetation biodiversity. The project aims to address this by developing advanced techniques for interpreting data from ultrahigh-resolution remote sensing of essential indicators in Australian biodiversity hotspots. The expected benefit is to significantly advance international efforts in the large-scale validation of biodiversity indicators mapped from sate ....Ultrahigh-resolution remote sensing for assessing biodiversity hotspots. Robust indicators are central to the complex problem of conserving vegetation biodiversity. The project aims to address this by developing advanced techniques for interpreting data from ultrahigh-resolution remote sensing of essential indicators in Australian biodiversity hotspots. The expected benefit is to significantly advance international efforts in the large-scale validation of biodiversity indicators mapped from satellites.Read moreRead less
Integrated GPS and interferometric SAR techniques for ground subsidence monitoring. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is commonly used for measuring ground subsidence due to underground mining and similar activities. However, GPS techniques cannot easily survey a dense enough grid of points to monitor subsidence across a wide area. This project aims to densify the GPS field measurements with the interferometric processing of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images. The outcomes of this research ....Integrated GPS and interferometric SAR techniques for ground subsidence monitoring. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is commonly used for measuring ground subsidence due to underground mining and similar activities. However, GPS techniques cannot easily survey a dense enough grid of points to monitor subsidence across a wide area. This project aims to densify the GPS field measurements with the interferometric processing of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images. The outcomes of this research include optimal integration models, operational software systems and quality-control measures. A test area south of Sydney, where subsidence caused by underground coal mining is having significant detrimental effect on surface infrastructure, will be monitored over a three-year period.Read moreRead less
Quantifying Uncertainty in Predictions of Global Change. This project will develop and apply quantitative risk management models to assess whether data sources used in the predictions of global changes, in: (i) land use and land cover; (ii) biodiversity; and (iii) carbon emissions, are adequate. It will focus on the issues of data accuracy, scale and temporal resolution in order to assess whether spatial data sources meet environmental decision-making needs. The research has the potential to ( ....Quantifying Uncertainty in Predictions of Global Change. This project will develop and apply quantitative risk management models to assess whether data sources used in the predictions of global changes, in: (i) land use and land cover; (ii) biodiversity; and (iii) carbon emissions, are adequate. It will focus on the issues of data accuracy, scale and temporal resolution in order to assess whether spatial data sources meet environmental decision-making needs. The research has the potential to (a) aid the federal and state government(s), and international agencies, in making informed policy / management decisions and to increase their effectiveness in implementing international treaties and protocols; and (b) help ensure the future capacity of terrestrial ecosystems to provide resources for the world's growing population and their ability to absorb the associated carbon emissions.Read moreRead less
MoistureMonitor: A multi-mission soil moisture monitoring system for a water limited future. A long-term soil moisture record for Australia is critical to understanding climate change feedback mechanisms and their impacts on water management. This project will validate, downscale and harmonise soil moisture retrievals from three satellite missions across this decade, each using a new and different low resolution antenna technology and interpretation approach. Moisture Monitor, the framework to d ....MoistureMonitor: A multi-mission soil moisture monitoring system for a water limited future. A long-term soil moisture record for Australia is critical to understanding climate change feedback mechanisms and their impacts on water management. This project will validate, downscale and harmonise soil moisture retrievals from three satellite missions across this decade, each using a new and different low resolution antenna technology and interpretation approach. Moisture Monitor, the framework to deliver this soil moisture record, will be verified using airborne campaigns and hydrological monitoring infrastructure in the Murrumbidgee catchment. Important outcomes will be validation of a new soil moisture satellite and development of a high resolution soil moisture product for improved land and water management and policy for Australia.Read moreRead less