9. Applications

DEM creation and photogrammetry

With VHR stereo imagery widely available, extraction of terrain information from this data source is now very established.

The Polar Geospatial Centre in USA has been involved in a project to extract elevation data for the whole Antarctic continent from VHR imagery using photogrammetric methods. This has resulted in the publication of the REMA dataset (Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica), which is an 8m resolution continuous elevation data source covering the majority of the Antarctic continent.

eg. PGC - https://www.pgc.umn.edu/guides/stereo-derived-elevation-models/introduction-to-stereoscopic-imagery/

Stereo VHR imagery has also been used to map smaller areas at higher resolution and precision. Most recently, South Georgia where it has been applied to improve the topographic information available for travel, science and environmental management purposes.

With a growing archive of VHR stereo imagery now available, it is possible to use DEMs extracted from the data in order to monitor change in glaciers and snow depth over an increasing time period.

Topographic mapping

With the increase in availability of VHR imagery, it can be used to map and update changing coastlines, and patterns of vegetation in the polar regions, particularly in places that are hard to reach by aircraft, drone or by foot.

Ecological survey and counting

Monitoring populations of wildlife such as seals, albatross, penguins and whales is possible given the high spatial resolution of the imagery.

Fieldwork planning and safe travel

When working in the polar regions, VHR imagery is invaluable for getting an idea of snow and ice conditions and plotting routes for safe travel.

Geological and vegetation mapping

From visualising features with band combinations to more sophisticated spectral analysis techniques, the are many ways in which we can utilise derive added value from the imagery.

Change detection

Using the archive of historical imagery now available via MAXAR, it's possible to monitor the changing environment of the polar regions at high levels of precision. For example, increasing vegetation cover, and retreating glaciers and ice cover.