Accurate DEM and Ortho-Rectified Image Production from ALOS/PRISM

We have established a technology for accurate DEM and ortho-rectified image production from a set of ALOS/PRISM images. ALOS/PRISM has three independent cameras for viewing nadir, forward and backward producing triplet images along the satellite track. This unique configuration gives a strong advantage compared to conventional stereo imaging systems in terms of producing accurate DEMs and ortho-rectified images. Our technology is based on a triplet image matching process that dramatically improves image-matching quality. Using this technology, we have developed a software suite for DEM and ortho-rectified image production. According to our evaluation, DEM elevation accuracy is 5 - 6 m RMSE and horizontal accuracy of the ortho-rectified images is about 11 m.