DEM shading method for the correction of pseudoscopic effect on multi-platform satellite imagery

Abstract

The pseudoscopic effect in satellite imagery causes perception problems for rugged terrain. The topographic relief is perceived in reverse in images with southeast illumination because of the position of land shadows and the mechanisms of human vision and depth perception. This article presents a correction method for false topographic perception phenomena. Superposition of the orthoimage and the correctly shaded digital elevation model (DEM) provides the correct three-dimensional visualization of the relief. This study demonstrates the applicability of this processing technique for the correction of such effects to provide cartography with a more useful interpretation. The resolution of the DEM employed should be in accordance with the spatial resolution of each image. The opacity level proposed for the overlapping DEM is 50%, 30% and 45% for each image type. The selection of the most appropriate local incidence angle is determined by the level of terrain roughness in the work area.