Pose estimation using feature correspondences and DTM

A novel algorithm for pose estimation using feature correspondences and Digital Terrain Map (DTM) is proposed. A constraint is formulated by using corresponding features from two consecutive frames together with the information provided by the elevation map. The proposed constraint is nonlinear and is solved by using a simple numerical method. The proposed approach does not require an intermediate explicit reconstruction of the 3D world. The feasibility of the algorithm is studied using both synthetic data of a virtual terrain and experimental data obtained from a terrain model and a robotic camera.