PE&RS January 2000

Interview: Understanding the Future of Commercial Remote Sensing
In a recent interview with John Copple, president of Space Imaging; and ERDAS President Lawrie Jordan PE&RS discussed the future of commercial remote sensing imagery.

Space Imaging President John Copple	ERDAS President Lawrie Jordan

PE&RS:  How will commercial satellite imagery change the life of the common person? Who can/should take advantage of access to the imagery?

COPPLE: "CARTERRA imagery from the IKONOS satellite will change peoples’ lives by allowing urban planners, disaster relief agencies, local governments and other organizations to do things never before possible - things that improve the quality of life for people across the globe."

"Using CARTERRA image products created by IKONOS and other satellites in Space Imaging’s constellation, farmers can more precisely monitor the health of crops and estimate yields, scientists can look at environmentally sensitive areas and predict trends, government officials can monitor and plan enlightened land use policies, city planners can further the development of new housing communities, phone companies will be able to optimize the placement of towers so that cell phones never drift out of coverage areas, and insurance companies can measure and map damage to properties after natural disasters. With the ability of IKONOS to collect images with incredibly fine detail across very expansive areas, Space Imaging can also help planners determine land boundaries in nations moving toward private ownership."

PE&RS:  What are the implications for privacy now that this new technology is available commercially?

COPPLE: "Space Imaging has no interest in exploring the privacy of individual citizens.  We sell information products that are intended to help businesses and governments make better business decisions.  Our primary focus is to help map, measure, monitor and manage our natural and man-made assets."

PE&RS:  Could this technology be used for surveillance of people?

COPPLE: "CARTERRA imagery from IKONOS is not a useful tool for surveillance of people. The satellite passes overhead and takes a static image so it is not an effective way of tracking movement. In addition, the images cannot distinguish individuals so tracking of people is impossible."

"Since the IKONOS satellite does not collect imagery in real-time but rather as distinct points in time as the satellite travels over the Earth, we can’t easily monitor peoples’ activities. There are video cameras on highways, in airports and at automated banking machines that are much more useful for that purpose because they actually have the ability to see peoples’ individual features."

PE&RS:  Will these photos lead to more accurate maps?

COPPLE: "One of the most exciting applications of our imagery is creating accurate image maps.  Many countries all over the world have never had accurate maps, or never had maps at all. Some countries’ maps haven’t been updated for 50 years or more.  CARTERRA imagery from IKONOS will enable countries to have updated maps for the first time.  In addition, since our products can be created as image maps, people will have a better visual sense of the world they live in and the world around them."

"Generally, by the time maps are published, they are almost immediately out of date due to the change occurring to our planet on a daily basis - new roads and highways are being built, reservoirs are being replenished and expanded, parks are being created.  Digital satellite imagery, which is updated constantly, will be a more reliable source of information about our planet for map-makers."

"Map-makers will have a much easier job of creating consistently accurate maps with high-resolution IKONOS imagery because it is the highest-resolution imagery cartographers have ever had access to, and because it is so consistently high in quality. Essentially it will take a lot of the guesswork and individual interpretation out of mapmaking."

"In addition, because of the IKONOS satellite’s pattern of imaging the same spots on a regular schedule, it will be easier than ever to track changes in natural and man-made features and update maps quickly and accurately." (click here for satellite photo of Beijing)

PE&RS:  High-resolution aerial photography has been available for more than 50 years. How and why would high-resolution satellite imagery be an improvement?

COPPLE: "The IKONOS satellite’s technical capabilities provide images that enable more efficient map production processes. The satellite’s ability to collect both panchromatic and multispectral images of the same place from the same perspective is unequaled in aerial photography.  In addition, the satellite is constantly collecting data, allowing for more rapid delivery of up-to-date image products.  All of these factors combined provide more value in the products we deliver."

PE&RS:  What advantages do these images have over other types of remote sensing data when creating maps?

COPPLE: "Compared to traditional satellite remote sensing, IKONOS provides significantly higher image resolution - one-meter for panchromatic and four-meter for multispectral.  This higher level of detail is required for making detailed, feature-oriented maps.  Our imagery also provides excellent accuracy without the need for ground control, and that is made possible through superior satellite positioning and pointing angle achieved through GPS and star tracker technology.  The multispectral qualities of the imagery make it ideal for feature identification and differentiation, which is important for map making.  Additionally, our satellite provides global coverage and thus can collect imagery of remote areas of the world that may be otherwise inaccessible due to rugged terrain or other inhibiting factors, such as the high cost or danger associated with flying an airplane over these areas.  Finally, Space Imaging’s sophisticated, highly automated ground processing software and hardware enable us to complete projects quickly for customers so that they receive up-to-date, current maps."

PE&RS:  Are the photos utilized in raw form or are they integrated with maps and other types of data?

COPPLE: "The images can be utilized in their raw form or digitally integrated with other data. In many cases, the imagery is integrated with other data such as demographic and weather data to create information products.  Customers have a need for end-to-end solutions with various products integrated together. CARTERRA imagery and information products from Space Imaging can satisfy a broad range of customer requirements."

"Customers can also order false-color images from IKONOS that can spotlight different materials on the earth’s surface, such as forests, chemical spills and rock."

New Tools for High-Resolution Data:

PE&RS:  Will the tools in ERDAS IMAGINE differ for high-resolution imagery than the ones used in traditional remote sensing?

JORDAN:  "Yes. The fundamental driving force behind the design of ERDAS IMAGINE is flexibility in working with any type of data, without restriction. Though its roots are in traditional remote sensing, ERDAS IMAGINE has evolved over time to handle new image processing and GIS demands. Recent additions to the software are specifically designed for use with high-resolution imagery, namely photogrammetry, three-dimensional geographic imaging, and knowledge- or rule-based classification."

"As a broad generalization, traditional remote sensing dealt with two-dimensional imagery and regional phenomena, such as land cover derived from Landsat imagery. However, high-resolution techniques need to address the three-  dimensional micro-terrain that touches aspects of daily living. This includes subtle variations in the ground’s surface, vegetation, and many, many man-made objects. With this close look, regions become a complex assembly of objects and features, most of which are three-dimensional and have complex spatial interactions. The newest release of ERDAS IMAGINE software, version 8.4, handles the high-resolution imagery environment very efficiently."

PE&RS:  How will ERDAS IMAGINE software take advantage of the three-dimensional characteristics inherent in IKONOS data?

JORDAN:  "ERDAS IMAGINE uses three-dimensional characteristics in a variety of ways. First, the software uses a rigorous sensor modeling and photogrammetric adjustment tailored for IKONOS, which is critical for any additional geometric processing whether its orthorectifica-tion, elevation extraction, or stereo. Secondly, our new Stereo Analyst product will readily use overlapping IKONOS data for stereo feature collection. This will enable users to visualize in stereo and collect features that have three-dimensional characteristics in absolute map coordinates. Once the terrain and objects are collected, ERDAS software can be used to drape the image over the terrain and render the objects in an interactive three-dimensional representation. This is not limited to fly-throughs and visualization - three-dimensional analysis is also possible."  

PE&RS:  How will the new tools in ERDAS IMAGINE change the way we classify imagery-based information?

JORDAN:  "Classification techniques for lower resolution, regional imagery (such as a Maximum Likelihood classification of Landsat data) are well documented and have been a major component of remote sensing systems for years. However, classification of objects and complex relationships inherent in high-resolution imagery present a new challenge."

"A major step toward meeting this challenge is in the release of ERDAS IMAGINE 8.4 and the introduction of the IMAGINE Expert Classifier¾ a rule-based expert system developed specifically for processing imagery and GIS information. This software provides the framework to model the non-linear decision making process of expert image interpreters and remote sensing specialists. It also provides an environment where existing programs, models, and GIS information can easily be integrated into the image classification process. This methodology goes beyond processing of mere pixel reflectance values to include alternative parameters, such as shape, context, fuzzy logic, and proximity of features in imagery and GIS data, to be used by spatial models and other external programs. The IMAGINE Expert Classifier also allows users to calculate the level of probability of the results, based on the confidence of the inputs and rules." (click here for sample DOQ image)

PE&RS:  What are some of the new tools in ERDAS IMAGINE that will help end users properly interpret the data?

JORDAN:  "While experienced ERDAS IMAGINE users are familiar with its rigorous techniques for error checking, sensor modeling, and the extensive visual feedback provided by the software, we are also striving to develop new tools that meet the needs of less experienced or novice users. One such tool is stereo visualization. Because our eyes are naturally accustomed to viewing in three-dimensions, we can often misinterpret a seemingly flat, detailed overhead image. A stereo representation will eliminate this problem by displaying a realistic view of the landscape with recognizable three-dimensional objects in the terrain."

"Another tool is the IMAGINE Expert Classifier, mentioned previously. Expert systems have proven to be effective in medical diagnoses. For GIS and remote sensing applications, the IMAGINE Expert Classifier will allow users at any level of experience to achieve accurate and meaningful results quickly, compared to other techniques such as neural nets. Unlike neural nets, which tend to get "lost," the expert system maintains an audit trail of the results and the reasoning behind them, insuring accountability and repeatability for other areas."

Relationships:

PE&RS:  What is the relationship between Space Imaging and ERDAS?

COPPLE: "ERDAS provides software for image processing and analysis, feature extraction, change detection, map updating and three-dimensional visualization - these are all functions that our customers are already or will be performing using our imagery products.  ERDAS software allows data from all types of imaging sensors - panchromatic, multispectral, and radar - to be exploited and analyzed very rapidly and very easily.  This will provide a significant benefit to our customers, many of whom will not have used satellite imagery before.  ERDAS software has already been integrated into Space Imaging’s CARTERRA Analyst product, which integrates geographic information systems, remote sensing, imagery analysis, photogrammetry and cartography tools into a single workstation.  We are proactively pursuing additional ways to work together to provide value-added products to our customers and the industry."

JORDAN:  "ERDAS and Space Imaging are strategic business and technology partners. We share a mutual goal of enabling imagery users to take full advantage of high-resolution data by providing them with appropriate tools and services for their needs. Specifically, ERDAS and Space Imaging are jointly pursuing global business development activities with a series of initiatives to integrate ERDAS’ and Space Imaging’s products and services. One of our first initiatives was the CARTERRA Analyst, which integrated ERDAS software into a product that combines geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, imagery analysis, photogrammetry and cartography tools into a single workstation."

PE&RS:  Does the government fund Space Imaging and the IKONOS satellite? Do Space Imaging and ERDAS have any affiliation with the government?

COPPLE: "Space Imaging is a privately owned company funded with private sources.  The government does not fund Space Imaging or IKONOS. Various government entities, such as NASA, are customers of Space Imaging, but do not have an ownership stake. Investors in the IKONOS system are Lockheed Martin Corp., Raytheon Company, Mitsubishi Corporation, Singapore’s Van Der Horst Ltd., Korea’s Hyundai Space & Aircraft, Europe’s Remote Sensing Affiliates, Swedish Space Corp. and Thailand’s Loxley Public Company Ltd."

JORDAN:  "ERDAS is a privately held, U.S.-based small business. We have no venture capital and no government funding, other than ordinary income from the sale of our commercial-off-the-shelf software products and services. However, ERDAS is very fortunate to receive invaluable advice and input from various government organizations, on how we can tailor our existing and future products to meet the special requirements of government users. A good example is our IMAGINE NITF module that now handles IKONOS imagery. The cooperation and feedback we receive from the high quality professional staff at organizations such as NIMA and others, always results in a flow-down of technical benefits to our global installed base of over 30,000 users."

Regulation of the data:

PE&RS:  What is Space Imaging’s understanding of government shutter controls, and is the company comfortable with them?  Do you think that shutter control will undermine the U.S. commercial imagery market?

COPPLE: "This is a question better suited for the U.S. government, but the IKONOS satellite system is very flexible. If directed by the government to limit imaging, Space Imaging can do one of three things. The sensor can be ‘turned off,’ coverage over a particular area of the Earth can be limited, or the distribution of imagery can be limited."

"Space Imaging has the technology and the contractual relationship with all customers to comply with all U.S. laws. We do not believe these restrictions will have an impact on the commercial imagery market."

PE&RS:  How will you reconcile NOAA regulations regarding nondiscriminatory access to imagery with exclusive data provider

agreements that provides imagery to customers that does not go into your general database?

COPPLE: "The current U.S. laws are aimed at encouraging private investment in remote sensing technology.  However, the policy (under the Landsat Remote Sensing Act of 1992) that created this opportunity also is in conflict with the objectives because of legacy issues regarding government funding of remote sensing satellites.  These legacy issues serve to put the government in competition with private industry.  Over the long-term, for the industry to meet the objectives of creating technology through privately funded efforts, the government support of providing imagery at the cost of reproduction will have to be changed."

PE&RS:  There are tactical and strategic benefits to many other states in using this imagery, other than the current U.S. restrictions, how will you handle requests for this data?  For example, do you anticipate any exclusive coverage arrangements with other countries?

COPPLE: "Currently there are no restrictions on imaging any countries. The only restriction by the U.S. government is that images of Israel cannot be distributed at a resolution any better than two meters.  Like all other U.S. companies, Space Imaging must abide by the export laws and regulations of our country."

PE&RS:  How do we keep foreign governments and terrorists from acquiring sensitive images that could compromise national security?

COPLLE: "Space Imaging intends to distribute images to all commercial and non-commercial organizations on a worldwide basis unless otherwise specifically prohibited by U.S. laws."

"We have always understood that the IKONOS satellite’s image collection or distribution could be constrained where there was an immediate and substantial threat to a significant national security or foreign policy commitment of the U.S.  Space Imaging expects, however, that such restrictions would be invoked only under the most extraordinary circumstances."

"Space Imaging has put processes in place to provide confidence that we won’t sell imagery to terrorists or others that are restricted by law from purchasing U.S. products.  We are working with our value-added resellers to ensure that only valid customers are purchasing our images."

"Space Imaging will not sell imagery to defined terrorist nations or violate UN or bilateral trade restrictions."

JORDAN:  "The U.S. Government has been working closely with the U.S. industry on this issue for some time now, and good progress has been achieved. Of course, the overriding priority is to maintain our national security, period. There is an increasing awareness in our information-driven global society, that economic security equals national security. Therefore, it is vital that United States industry continue to play a leadership role in this area. In doing so, we believe that our national security will be significantly enhanced rather than reduced."

Marketing:

PE&RS:  What will Space Imaging charge for the new imagery?  Is Space Imaging planning to provide a lower-priced product to serve the (non-professional) consumer market?  For example, the person who wants an image of his home, farm, etc.

COPPLE: "For the commercial market, Space Imaging licenses its products at a significant discount relative to comparable products that may be available from other sources. Standard products are generally sold based on a uniform price-per-unit geographic area, with price points based on minimum purchases. For North American commercial sales, product prices for delivery from archive fall in the range of $30-300 per square mile, with the lower range reflecting radiometrically- and geometrically- corrected imagery (for example CARTERRA Geo), and the higher range encompassing orthorecti-fied products which apply geometric corrections to account for terrain and other scale variations to produce map-accurate imagery.  There will be an initial minimum order of $1000 for imagery of North American locations."

PE&RS:  How is data being provided to end-users?

COPPLE: "CARTERRA image products are largely delivered to customers via CD-ROM.  Eventually, we plan to sell images via the Internet but the bandwidth isn’t quite ready to support high-volume delivery of image products via the Web."

PE&RS:  Are ERDAS and Space Imaging working together to provide bundled software-data solutions for the non-professional end-user?

COPPLE: "ERDAS and Space Imaging are discussing several kinds of new joint opportunities for providing software-data solutions to customers who are not accustomed to using highly complex image processing systems."

JORDAN:  "CARTERRA Analyst was our first joint effort that begins to address the needs of a wide range of users. Currently we are expanding this initiative to include several new, highly-automated tools for rapid viewing and information extraction."

PE&RS:  Will the government be purchasing this imagery? How will they be using these images?

COPPLE: "There are myriad applications for local governments, including road and highway mapping, transportation network planning, emergency response planning, environmental monitoring, tax and property assessment and urban planning.  National government applications include regional and national mapping, natural disaster preparation, and national asset monitoring."

PE&RS:  What is your feeling about the relative market of U.S. scenes versus international scenes?  What percentage of your market do you think is U.S. buyers and what percentage is international?  Will there be a big market for U.S. companies with commercial concerns overseas?

COPPLE: "I believe the US market is the largest market, but there are currently many sources of data for the U.S. because there are fewer restrictions on data collection and distribution here, while access to some other parts of the world is sometimes limited.  I believe this will result in more initial demand for imagery of nternational areas. However, over the long-term, I expect the markets will equalize due to the relative size of the US market compared to the international markets."

"With the growth in global corporations and increased access to companies in the international marketplace, I believe there will be large demand for information products for companies doing business globally, such as construction and oil and gas."

PE&RS:  Currently, Space Imaging enjoys a unique position as the only provider of 1-meter resolution commercial satellite imagery.  As the competition increases, how might your marketing strategy change? Do you specifically view Landsat data as being in competition with or a compliment to commercial data?

COPPLE: "As competition in the one-meter resolution imaging market increases, Space Imaging will respond to market demands and requirements."

"IKONOS and Landsat imagery products are complementary in nature and serve different application areas.  The resolution of Landsat imagery is 25 meters and is ideal for wide-area applications including regional mapping, environmental studies and natural resource monitoring. One-meter resolution imagery from IKONOS is great for more detailed analysis.  Our customers generally need a range of image products to suit their diverse needs."

Looking ahead:

PE&RS:  What are the plans for new satellites and how do they anticipate the technology will be improved? Is Space Imaging committed to building and launching a follow-on satellite? If so, how might its products be similar to or differ from what IKONOS is currently providing?

COPPLE: "Space Imaging’s five-year business plan calls for replacement satellites. Since the life span of IKONOS is 5-7 years, it’s prudent to plan for the next generation system. We are in the process of defining requirements for the next generation system. Any decision on actual procurement or funding is pending the start of commercial operations of IKONOS. We will use market response to IKONOS to shape our requirements."

PE&RS:  What new applications of satellite imagery are on the horizon?

COPPLE: "New applications on the horizon are as vast as one’s own imagination. Some of the uses we’ve already heard customers talk about include tourism, entertainment, recreation (hiking, skiing, etc.), in-vehicle navigation, and myriad others."

JORDAN:  "The future holds great promise for new applications of imagery. Really, anyone who wants up-to-date information about the Earth’s surface can use imagery. Applications such as real estate development, insurance, local government, education, and virtual "town hall" planning meetings for neighborhoods, etc., have great potential for significant growth through the use of imagery. And with the Internet, people can access imagery from any available PC." (click here for IKONOS satellite image of Washington DC)

PE&RS:  What changes in the software development industry will have an impact on satellite imagery users in the future?

COPPLE: "During the last few years, the significant increase in the capabilities and usability of applications software to simplify the analysis of remote sensing imagery has greatly increased the demand for imagery products.  Increased image processing speed, improved software usability and capability, and decreased image storage costs have already made it easier and more convenient for people to manipulate and use satellite imagery.  We look forward to continued strides in software applications to make our imagery more usable for the everyday PC user."

JORDAN:  "We are making it easier to access and use software, by integrating it into existing environments people work in, such as the web. Users will not have to be experts or specialists to use the new tools."

"We are also incorporating a component-based architecture into products. Initially, this will be available in products like ERDAS MapSheets and ArcInfo 8 Desktop. Component-based architecture provides a rapid development platform for new applications that enable ERDAS, its partners, or any of its users to quickly respond to changing needs or new demands. A key here is interoperability. People need to be able to work across different platforms, and access common information, imagery and data."

"One of the really exciting new things we’re building now is a web-based collaborative computing environment for remote sensing and GIS. This "virtual white-board" will display geographic imagery and GIS layers for a large audience within a "geographic chat room" for real-time viewing and interaction."
 

Eastman Kodak Company Designed the Camera that Delivers the Images Imagine a telescope no bigger than a small desk, yet powerful enough to tell the difference between a car and a truck from low earth orbit, over 400 miles in space. That was the challenge facing the designers and engineers of IKONOS However, some potential customers for IKONOS’ high-resolution images might be surprised to hear that the custom designed and built camera came from a well-known source:  the Eastman Kodak Company. Kodak’s Commercial and Government Systems Division is no stranger to high-profile missions, with a 40-year heritage of designing and building spaceborne imaging systems for NASA and the U.S. government.  Contributions include the lunar orbiters of the ’60s, the Hubble Space Telescope back-up primary mirror, digital imaging sensors for the Mars Pathfinder and Surveyor missions, and the telescope for the recently deployed Chandra X-ray Observatory. So, how does the camera aboard IKONOS work?  Like other space-based cameras, the system includes an optical telescope, black-and-white and color arrays, as well as processing electronics.  However, the system used in IKONOS achieves a new level of sharpness for a remote sensing satellite.  The uniqueness of the design begins with how the mirrors are arranged.  The Optical Telescope Assembly features a complex and rarely implemented three-mirror design.  Each curved mirror has a complex geometric surface designed to eliminate astigmatism, a common defect of two-mirror designs as well as the human eye.  Along with two smaller, flat mirrors, the overall 10-meter focal length is reduced to a telescope only 1.5 meters long. The fabrication process for the mirrors was also a challenge.  By lightweighting the main mirror to 15% of its initial weight and other advanced techniques, the overall weight of the telescope was kept to a mere 240 pounds.  Each mirror was final polished to near atom-level accuracy using a procedure knows as ion figuring, a Kodak-developed process which removes unwanted glass one molecule at a time.  The end result is almost completely free of any optical distortions.  In fact, if IKONOS’ primary mirror was enlarged to 100 miles in diameter, the largest bump would be no higher than 0.08 inches. Not surprisingly, alignment of these mirrors is equally critical. In fact, the alignment is so fine that the remaining alignment error is equivalent to placing a single human hair under one end of a 20-foot long plank. Should any correction be necessary during IKONOS’ operational life, focus can be adjusted remotely by ground control. Once the images have passed through the telescope, they enter the Focal Plane Unit.  Here a series of black-and-white and color arrays capture both types of images simultaneously.  The arrays convert the light into electronic charges, which become represented as digital values through analog to digital signal processing.  In addition to red, green and blue color bands, the IKONOS camera also has a near-infrared band for applications requiring an extended spectral range.   Finally, Kodak’s Digital Processing Unit compresses and formats the digital imagery for transmission to ground stations located throughout the world.  Image data is compressed at the rate of 115 million pixels per second using Kodak patented algorithms, without any loss of picture quality.

Special thanks to the following people who contributed to this article:

Linda Lidov, Public Relations Manager, Public Affairs Department, Space Imaging
Rich Miller, Account Executive, Metzger Associates
Dana M. Wormer, Corporate Communications, ERDAS, Inc.
Kimberly A. Tilley, Executive Editor, PE&RS.