Accuracy analysis of space three-line-array photogrammetry based on forward intersection

Positioning accuracy is one of the greatest concerns in space photogrammetry. A method about positioning accuracy estimation was put forward in this paper, and the error analysis was developed. According to the theory of forward intersection, the model of space photogrammetry based on three-line-array CCD was established, the formulas of precision estimation for three-line-array CCD imagery without ground control points were deduced form the model, and the primary error sources affecting the positioning accuracy of stereophotogrammetry were analyzed. Finally, the precision estimation was done using the simulated data, and the relation between the positioning accuracy and the main error sources which contained attitude angles (pitch, roll, and yaw), photogrammetric base, and focal length were studied in depth, and some technical requirements were put forward based on the analysis introduced in this paper.