SPIDER - Improving spatial information extraction for local and regional decision makers using very-high-resolution remotely sensed data

Context and objectives

The purpose of the project is to investigate how present-day EO-technology can support local and regional decision-making, particularly in Belgium, and to develop prototype versions of value-added products that fulfil some of the information needs expressed by Belgian authorities at the local and at the regional level. To accomplish this goal the project addresses both technical and user oriented issues, and builds on the experience of five research teams, each with its own background and particular know-how. The most important objectives of the project are:

  • to define optimal methods for improved spatial information extraction from high- and very-high resolution data, based on innovative processing techniques, with emphasis on urban areas;
  • to identify useful EO-applications at the level of local and regional decision making that are made possible by applying the information extraction methods that are developed;
  • to define and develop value-added core data products that will support these applications.
  • Project outcome

    Expected scientific results

    1. Workflow for producing digital surface models and ortho-images from stereoscopic Ikonos data + accuracy analysis
    2. Semi-automated classification strategies for deriving urban land-cover information from very-high-resolution satellite data
    3. New techniques for mapping urban land-cover at sub-pixel scale, based on the combined use of high-resolution and very-high-resolution satellite data
    4. Survey report on the potential of very-high-resolution satellite imagery for applications with local and regional authorities
    5. Development of demonstrators: i) production of digital surface models, ortho-images and 3D-views for Ghent and Liège; ii) use of very-high-resolution satellite data for updating of large-scale databases (UrbIS, Brussels); iii) mapping of impervious surfaces for Brussels and surroundings at sub-pixel scale + impact of imperviousness on runoff in the Woluwe catchment
    Project leader(s): VUB - Cartography and GIS
    Belgian partner(s)
    WOLFF Eléonore ULB - IGEAT - ANAGEO (Analyse Géospatiale)
    DONNAY Jean-Paul ULg - Unité de Géomatique
    DE WULF Robert UGent - Remote Sensing / Spatial Analysis lab (REMOSA)
    GOOSSENS Rudi UGent - Department of 3D Data Acquisition
    Location: Region:
    • Brussels,Gent,Liège

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