Geometric Calibration and Validation of Kompsat-3A AEISS-A Camera

Area of Science:

• Earth Observation
• Remote Sensing Technology
• Aerospace Engineering

Background:

• Kompsat-3A, launched in March 2015 by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), is an advanced Earth observation satellite.
• It features the Advanced Electronic Image Scanning System-A (AEISS-A) camera, offering Panchromatic (PAN) at 0.55m, multispectral (MS) at 2.20m, and thermal infrared (TIR) at 5.5m resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the geometric calibration and validation of the Kompsat-3A satellite.
• To assess the positional and planimetric accuracy of imagery acquired by Kompsat-3A.

Main Methods:

• Geometric calibration procedures including boresight calibration, CCD alignment, focal length determination, CCD line merging, and band-to-band registration.
• Validation of positional accuracy using hundreds of global test sites across various image acquisition modes without Ground Control Points (GCPs).
• Assessment of planimetric accuracy through bundle adjustments with GCPs.

Main Results:

• Successful geometric calibration and validation of the Kompsat-3A satellite.
• Demonstrated high positional accuracies without GCPs across diverse global test sites.
• Validated planimetric accuracy using bundle adjustments with GCPs.

Conclusions:

• The geometric calibration and validation work confirms the reliable performance of the Kompsat-3A satellite.
• Kompsat-3A imagery meets accuracy standards for various remote sensing applications.
• The satellite is suitable for global mapping and monitoring tasks requiring precise geospatial data.