Geometric Evaluation of Gaofen-7 Stereo Data

Abstract

Abstract. China’s first sub-metre stereo satellite, GaoFen-7, was launched on 7 November 2019. One of the main criteria for a stereo mapping satellite is the geometric accuracy of the images. In this paper, we present a systematic evaluation of the geometry accuracy of Gaofen-7 on two scenes over the centre of Munich, Germany. The geometry accuracy is evaluated in a three-step workflow: 1) direct georeferencing accuracy; 2) image orientation using bundle adjustment with ground control points; 3) height accuracy of the generated digital surface model (DSM). In addition to dense LiDAR point clouds, ground control points were measured in the field. These were used as references. The results show that RPC bundle adjustment with 0 order bias correction is sufficient to achieve sub-metre absolute accuracy. The height accuracy of the generated digital surface models varies with land cover type, ranging from 0.9m (NMAD) in open areas to 4.5m in urban areas.