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Real-time Aquisition and Processing of Image Data

 

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Real-time Acquisition and Processing of Image Data

Background: CAST researchers Turn on JavaScript! and Turn on JavaScript! have created a program to increase public access to real-time remote sensing data from the Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM) sensor onboard the Landsat 7 satellite. The Real-time Acquisition and Processing of Imagery Data (RAPID) program, provides "same day service" conversion of Earth orbiting Thematic Mapper satellite data into easy to use, publicly available information that can be downloaded from the World Wide Web. "The technology will demonstrate how remotely sensed data can truly solve near real-time needs that exist within the state of Arkansas," said Chris Doescher of the USGS EROS Data Center in South Dakota, co-leader of the AmericaView project.

Real-Time Applications: Two examples of RAPID's use for post-disaster planning for flooding in eastern Arkansas in March 2002 and April 2004 can be found on the Arkansas Geographic Information Office website.

Processing: Before RAPID, Landsat imagery was ordered online. The data was then processed at the USGS EROS Data Center, and delivered, via ground delivery, to the user. The entire process took 2-4 weeks, so real-time applications were out of the question for most Landsat data users. The RAPID system receives a direct FTP "Push" of unprocessed (Level-0) Landsat data from EROS and processes the data with a series of scripted, automated tasks. First the incoming raw data is transfered from the incoming FTP directory and geometrically processed using the ephemeris data from the Landsat satellite. The output data, Level-1 format, is projected to UTM NAD 1983, and is typically online, and available in GeoTiff format within 10 minutes of data reception from EROS Data Center. Next, precision correction is done on the data using a set of ground control coordinate points. These points are used in conjunction with digital elevation data to create precision, ortho-corrected imagery. These products are typically available within 2.5 hours of reception. Finally, a series of data products are developed including real-color composites as well as pan-fused, higher spatial resolution images. These are available within 3 to 6 hours of data reception.

 

Above, Regina Alexander of Osceola High School, Orry Trotter of Kingsland High School, and Nicholas Broughton, also of Kingsland, shown here attending the EAST Technology Camp at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, were the first users of RAPID data. Their summer project involved developing a new maps of their towns. In the photos, they are integrating Landsat 7 data available from the RAPID project with their maps... 4 hours after the imagery was acquired by the satellite!