Assessment of the Spatial Co-registration of Multitemporal Imagery from Large Format Digital Cameras in the Context of Detailed Change Detection

Large format digital camera (LFDC) systems are becoming more broadly available and regularly collect image data over large areas. Spectral and radiometric attributes of imagery from LFDC systems make this type of image data appropriate for semi-automated change detection. However, achieving accurate spatial co-registration between multitemporal image sets is necessary for semi-automated change detection. This study investigates the accuracy of co-registration between multitemporal image sets acquired using the Leica Geosystems ADS40, Intergraph Z/I Imaging DMC, and Vexcel UltraCam-D sensors in areas of gentle, moderate, and extreme terrain relief. Custom image sets were collected and orthorectified by imagery vendors, with guidance from the authors. Results indicate that imagery acquired by vendors operating LFDC systems may be coregistered with pixel or sub-pixel level accuracy, even for environments with high terrain relief. Specific image acquisition and processing procedures facilitating this level of coregistration are discussed.