Comparison of Different Algorithms to Orthorectify WorldView-2 Satellite Imagery

Due to their level of spatial detail (pixel dimensions equal to or less than 1 m), very high-resolution satellite images (VHRSIs) need particular georeferencing and geometric corrections which require careful orthorectification. Although there are several dedicated algorithms, mainly commercial and free software for geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing applications, the quality of the results may be inadequate in terms of the representation scale for which these images are intended. This paper compares the most common orthorectification algorithms in order to define the best approach for VHRSIs. Both empirical models (such as 2D polynomial functions, PFs; or 3D rational polynomial functions, RPFs) and rigorous physical and deterministic models (such as Toutin) are considered. Ground control points (GCPs) and check points (CPs)-whose positions in the image as, well as in the real world, are known-support algorithm applications. Tests were executed on a WorldView-2 (WV-2) panchromatic image of an area near the Gulf of Naples in Campania (Italy) to establish the best-performing algorithm. Combining 3D RPFs with 2D PFs produced the best results.