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PRINCIPLES OF
SATELLITE IMAGE INTERPRETATION

Hariesh P, S/E ‘SD’,

T & ED, NRSC

Interpretation of Satellite Images

Satellite images are representations of landscape

containing detailed record of features, patterns, trends
on the earths surface at the moment of acquisition.

Feature patterns indicate their physical,

biological and cultural aspects, their state and
condition the analyst is interested to know about

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Intrepretation of Satellite Images

An image interpretation analyst systematically

examines satellite images in conjunction with other
auxiliary and makes an interpretation of the physical
nature of the features and other phenomenon on the
surface of earth.

Interpretation is of varying degrees of complexity

starting from simple qualitative visual interpretation
to a more detailed quantitative derivation of
information

Visual interpretation of remote sensing data?

To extract meaningful information from the imagery.

Interpretation and analysis of remote sensing

imagery involves the identification and/or
measurement of various targets in an image in order
to extract useful information about them. Targets in
images may be any feature or object which can be
observed in an image.

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Trained Specialist apart form his/her field of

specialization need to possess the following
aspects to become a professional analyst :

Keen power of observation

Imagination
Great deal of Patience

Amount of Information derived from

Imagery is Proportional to the :
Knowledge
Skill
Experience of the analyst.

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Image Interpretation Tasks

Detection
The process of examining the data which
show that some thing is present or absent.
Recognition
Implies a higher level of knowledge.
Identification
The process where enough information is
provided to clearly identify the object or
feature perceived or detected.
Analysis
Process of perceiving the information
beyond detection and identification of the
features for further details.

Image Interpretation Tasks

Comparision and Deduction

Enumerate: to count no of targets or objects
Measurement: to measure distance or calculate
area
Delineation: to separate distinct classess
Thematic Mapping

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Normally, to proceed further from detection

to identification 3 times the spatial resolution
is required.
Similarly, 1 – 2 times of magnitude increase
in spatial resolution is necessary to clearly
analyse the identified image.

Resolution (in meters) required for interpretation tasks

Target Dectection General Precise Description Analysis
Identification Identification
Bridges 6 4.6 1.5 0.9 0.3
Communications 3 0.9 0.3 0.15 0.04
Radar
Airfield facilities 6 4.6 3 0.3 0.15
Aircraft 4.6 1.5 0.9 0.15 0.03
Surface ships 7.6 4.6 0.6 0.3 0.08
Nuclear weapon 2.4 1.5 0.3 0.03 0.01
components
Vehicles 1.5 0.6 0.3 0.05 0.03
Ports and 30.5 15 6 3 0.3
Harbours
Railway yards 30.5 15 6 1.5 0.6
and shops
Roads 9 6 1.8 0.6 0.15

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Elements required for visual interpretation

of remote sensing data are
Tone
Shape
Size
Pattern
Texture
Shadow
Association

TONE

Tone refers to colour (color

composite) or grey shade
(single band) of objects in an
image. Generally, tone is the
fundamental element for
distinguishing between
different features. Variations
in tone also allows the
elements of shape, texture,
and pattern of objects to be
distinguished.

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Shape refers to the general form, SHAPE

structure, or outline of individual
objects. Shape can be a very
distinctive clue for interpretation.
Straight edge shapes typically
represent urban or agricultural
(field) targets, while natural
features, such as forest edges, are
generally more irregular in shape,
except where man has created a
road or clear cuts. Farm or crop
land irrigated by rotating sprinkler
systems would appear as circular
shapes.

SIZE
Size of object in an image is a
function of scale. It is important to
assess the size of a target relative to
other objects in a scene, as well as
the absolute size, to aid in the
interpretation of that target. A quick
approximation of target size can
direct interpretation to an
appropriate result more quickly. For
example, if an interpreter had to
distinguish zones of land use, and
had identified an area with a
number of buildings in it, large
buildings such as factories or
warehouses would suggest
commercial property, whereas
small buildings would indicate
residential use.

61-centimeter pan-sharpened image of the Great Pyramid in Giza, Egypt, collected by

QuickBird (February 2, 2002)

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Saudi Arabia by IRS 1C LISS III

PATTERN

Pattern refers to the spatial

arrangement of visibly
discernible objects. Typically
an orderly repetition of similar
tones and textures will produce
a distinctive and ultimately
recognizable pattern. Eg.,
Orchards with evenly spaced
trees, urban streets with
regularly spaced houses and
drainage pattern.

The circular features indicate sprinkler irrigation

systems. Dark color indicates fallow land.

1-meter resolution color image of the Gold Coast of Australia by IKONOS

(May 8, 2000)

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TEXTURE
Texture refers to the
arrangement and frequency
of tonal variation in
particular areas of an
image. Rough textures
would consist of a mottled
tone where the grey levels
change abruptly in a small
area, whereas smooth
textures would have very
little tonal variation.
Smooth textures are most
often the result of uniform,
even surfaces, such as
fields, asphalt, or
grasslands. Eg., Forest
canopy (rough texture).
Texture is one of the most
important elements for
distinguishing features in
radar imagery.

A typical high resolution SAR image.

Image Courtesy: Sandia National Laboratories

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SHADOW
Shadow is also helpful in
interpreting as it may provide
an idea of the profile and
relative height of a feature.
However, shadows can also
reduce or eliminate
interpretation in their area of
influence, since targets within
shadows are much less (or not
at all) discernible from their
surroundings. Shadow is also
useful for enhancing or
identifying topography and
landforms, particularly in radar
imagery.

1-meter resolution image shows downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada (March 18, 2000)

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Shimla by IRS 1D LISS III

ASSOCIATION

Association takes into account the

relationship between other
recognizable objects or features in
proximity to the target of interest. The
identification of features that one
would expect to associate with other
features may provide information to
facilitate identification. Eg.,
commercial properties may be
associated with proximity to major
transportation routes, whereas
residential areas would be associated
with schools, playgrounds, and sports
fields.

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Oblique Image

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SITE / LOCATION

Site/location also helps in

identifying objects as
some features exits in
certain geographic
locations. Eg., Snow
cover can be expected on
Himalayan region but not
in southern India.

Mt. Everest at 4 m by Ikonos

24 July 2004
14 Jun 2001

Athens Olympic Sports Complex 15 March 2003

by IKONOS satellite

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Suitability of TM single bands to different themes

Themes B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B7
(0.45-0.52) (0.52-0.60) (0.63-0.69) (0.76-0.90) (1.55-1.75) (2.08-2.35)
Water bodies P P M G G G

Water characteristics G G P N N N

Drainage patterns P P M G G M

Soil boundaries P M G M G M

Forest areas M M M G G M

Agricultural areas P M M G G M/G

Urban / Residential M/G G G P P P/ M

areas
Quaries P P P G M M

Good, Medium, Poor, Not Usable (Wavelength in micro meters)

Various TM - FCCs and their use

Category 432 321 532 543 453 345

Urban features 1-2 6 5 2 1 1-2
Water sediment 2 1 3 5-6 5-6 4
pattern
Drainage 1 6 2 3 2 4
Field boundaries 2 6 4 3 3 5
Water Vegetation 2 6 5 3 1 4
boundaries
Soil patterns 1 5 6 2-3 2 2-3
Forest Vegetation 2 6 5 1 1 4
type
Small ponds 4 6 5 3 3 2

1 = Most easily interpreted 6 = Least easily interpreted

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Image Interpretaion Strategies

direct recognition: application of experience, skill and
judegement to associate image pattern and response with
information classes
Field observation: if not able to discern the objects or patterns
then go field to indentify it.
Inference: use of a visible response of a feature to infer
relationship with other that is not visible.
Deterministic Approach: Rigorous approach using
mathematical and statistical formulaes for deriving precise
information
Probabilitisc approach: attempts to narrow down the range of
possibilities by integrating the non image information into the
interpretation process.
Collateral Information: from literature, maps, and field
observations, local information.

Image Interpretation Keys

Set of guidelines based on the diagnostics characteristics of
objects used to assist interpreters in collecting, classifying and
organize the features based on their physical responses aiding
in precise information derivation.
Selective Keys: typical illustration and description of features
based on their shape, size and spectral signatures

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Image Interpretation Keys

Elimination Keys: the user selects a bigger set of features as
candidates for a particular class and selects by method of
elimination from general and specific.

Dichotomous Key: interpreter continually selects one of the

two contrasting alternatives progressively eliminating all but
one.

Thank you

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References
1. www.univsul.org/.../Photo%20Interpretation.pdf%20Lec.9%20&%2010.pdf
2. rsclass.gis.umn.edu/documents/11.%20Photo%20Interpretation-2.pdf
3. J. A Richards, “Remote Sensing with Imaging Radar”, Chapter 8,Springer , 2009.
4. https://engineering.purdue.edu/~ace/sar/sar.html

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