PROJECT REPORT ON

Development of Image Processing Models using IGIS

Software
AT
Regional Remote Sensing Service Centre
(ISRO)
(Department of Space)
Government of India
CAZRI Campus, JODHPUR

JODHPUR INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

(RAJASTHAN TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY)

Project Guide: Submitted by:

Vinod M Bothale MILIND MATHUR

Scientist/Engineer 'SG' VII Semester B.Tech.
Regional Remote Sensing Service Centre (RRSSC) Department Of CSE
Indian Space Research Organization ( ISRO) 06EJICS062
Jodhpur. JIET.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, I would like to thank our supervisor of this project, Mr. Vinod M Bothale
Sir for the valuable guidance and advice. He inspired me greatly to undertake this project. His
willingness to motivate me contributed immensely to execute our project.

I would also like to thank the Head Of The Department of computer science and engineering
Mrs. Mamata Garg for her everlasting support and motivation.

Besides, I would like to thank the Department of Space, ISRO for providing me a good
working environment.

The inspiration, encouragement and valuable suggestions have contributed tremendously to the
evolution of the ideas on the project.

Last but not the least, I wish to express gratitude to each and every person involved in giving
the project the final shape.

Thank You.

MILIND MATHUR

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 ABSTRACT

This project aims at developing a Windows based application for processing of images by their
enhancement, classification and filtering.

Why do we require image processing?

Basically, the data in the form of images are collected using remote sensing through satellites.
The images thus obtained are in binary form and have to be converted or processed to be in
human readable for carrying out further studies. As we know, satellite Images can be very
useful in providing valuable information. The human eye is not very sensitive to subtle changes
in brightness and color. We can use image processing to overcome this difficulty and to expose
the hidden treasures of information found in satellite images with the help of remote sensing.
Image Processing works because, unlike photographs, the colors in satellite and digital images
are represented by binary numbers. The image is made up of little squares called pixels, the
more pixels, the more detailed the image. Each pixel is represented by three numbers
corresponding to the three primary colors (viz. RGB). In this way we come up with a clear
image covering the required information.

The image processing algorithms that will be used in the project will be for enhancement,
classification and filtering of images for the format of images required. Contrast enhancement
along with linear stretching, logarithmic stretching and exponential stretching with the
facilities of range compression techniques too gives us a means of image processing. And,
Filtering an image using low pass, high pass and band pass filters along with its classification
are also parts of simply image modification.

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 INDEX

1) Indian Space Research Organization Pg 5

1.1) ISRO Launch Vehicles Pg 5

2) IGIS Software Pg 7
2.1) GIS functionalities Pg 7
2.2) Introduction to IGIS library Pg 8

3) Regional Remote Sensing Service Centre Pg 10

3.1) Objectives and Functions Pg 10

4) Introduction to Remote Sensing Pg 11

4.1) Components of Remote Sensing Pg 11
4.2) Applications of Remote Sensing Data Pg 12

5) What is GPS? Pg 15
5.1) Segments Pg 15
5.2) How GPS works? Pg 19
5.3) Applications Pg 20

6) Image Processing Pg 22
6.1) Image Enhancement Pg 23
6.2) Information Extraction Pg 26

7) Geographic Information System Pg 27

7.1) Need of GIS Pg 27
7.2) Advantages of GIS Pg 28
7.3) GIS Applications Pg 28

8) Snapshots Pg 30
9) Shortcuts Pg 56
10) Inferred pros and cons Pg 57
11) Conclusion Pg 58
12) References Pg 59

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 INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANISTION

The prime objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various
national tasks. The Indian space program was driven by the vision of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai,
considered as the father of Indian Space Programme. As stated by him:

There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us,
there is no ambiguity of purpose. We do not have the fantasy of competing with the
economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-
flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the
community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies
to the real problems of man and society.

1.1) ISRO Launch Vehicles

ISRO's Launch Vehicle programme started with development of SLV-3, first successfully
launched on July 18, 1980 followed by two more flights. The second launch vehicle was
Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle which had two successful flights. The development of
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle has been completed with two successful flights and is now
available for operational use. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is under
development.

ISRO Launch Vehicles

• SLV - 3
• ASLV
• PSLV
• GSLV

1. Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV)

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The Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation SLV or SLV-3 was a 4-stage
solid-fuel light launcher. It was intended to reach a height of 500 km and carry a payload of
40 kg. Its first launch took place in 1979 with 2 more in each subsequent year, and the final
launch in 1982. Only two of its four test flights were successful.

2. Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV)

The Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation ASLV was a 5-
stage solid propellant rocket with the capability of placing a 150 kg satellite into LEO.
This project was started by the ISRO during the early 1980s to develop technologies
needed for a payload to be placed into a geostationary orbit. Its design was based on
Satellite Launch Vehicle.

3. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation PSLV, is an expendable
launch system developed to allow India to launch its Indian Remote Sensing (IRS)
satellites into sun synchronous orbits, a service that was, until the advent of the PSLV,
commercially viable only from Russia. PSLV can also launch small satellites into
geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). The reliability and versatility of the PSLV is proven
by the fact that it has launched 30 spacecraft (14 Indian and 16 from other countries)
into a variety of orbits so far. In April 2008, it successfully launched 10 satellites at
once, breaking a world record held by Russia.

4. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation GSLV, is an
expendable launch system developed to enable India to launch its INSAT-type satellites into
geostationary orbit and to make India less dependent on foreign rockets. At present, it is
ISRO's heaviest satellite launch vehicle and is capable of putting a total payload of up to 5 tons
to Low Earth Orbit.

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 IGIS SOFTWARE

IGIS software is developed by Space Applications Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) along with its Geomatics technology partner Scanpoint Geomatics Limited,
Ahmedabad. Scanpoint Geomatics Limited is a Public Limited Company (formerly known
as Scanpoint Graphics Limited ) based at Ahmedabad, India. It is an ISO 9001-2000 certified
company, in the business of design and development of Graphics support and integrated
software products for GIS and Image Processing Applications, Customization of GIS packages
and Mapping Services.
The Geomatics application software gives the power to visualize the spatial data (Raster &
Vector ) geographically, manipulate raster and vector data for standard analysis. It facilitate
end user to create maps, images and provides all the tools needed to put data on a map and
display it in an effective manner. It solves the geo-locational and attribute based queries,
present the results of work in the form of publication-quality maps and create interactive
displays that link reports, graphs, tables, drawing, photographs, and other elements to the data.
It is customizable to tailor the interface to suit the needs of the organization, build new tools to
automate our work, and develop standalone applications based on mapping components. The
software is made available in the form of a library of reusable components for further
reengineering.

2.1) GIS Functionalities in IGIS

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IGIS Software, for GIS functionalities, provides access to the most commonly used file formats
using Import/Export tools for vector, raster and table data. It enables spatial and non-spatial
data creation and management using data creation and management tools for overseeing and
retrieving spatial and non spatial data stored into the RDBMS. Draw and Editing Geometries
using spatial editing tool to create vector data using the geometric objects. The software
supports spatial analysis using advanced analysis tools to perform geo-processing, overlay
analysis and proximity analysis (Buffer Rings).

The software contains spatial data visualization tools Zoom/Pan, Swipe, Identify,
Distance/Area measurement, transparency, find by location and annotation to name a few. User
can Query spatial and non spatial data using Query Builder. They can apply symbology and
annotations to spatial data using tools like legend creator and auto labels respectively. It
supports output presentation in the form of maps, reports and charts using map composition
tool, reports creation tool respectively.

IP Functionalities in IGIS

IGIS Software supports Import/Export for most commonly used imagery formats, generic
binary format and Indian satellite data. It provides tools for raster data creation, image
visualization and onscreen enhancement, image processing functions to perform atmospheric
correction, radiometric correction, image registration and rectification, coordinate transform
classification, enhancement, transformation, filtering, topographic analysis, image analysis,
change detection etc.

2.2) Introduction to IGIS Object Library

IGIS Object Library consists of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that provide the
functionalities for Geographical Information System (GIS) and Image Processing (IP) for
vector and raster data visualization, management and processing.

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Thus, in this direction IGIS Object Library, library consists of functions for spatial analysis
based on vector and raster data sets, database queries, and map production facilities and Image
Processing Functionalities.

The library contains all the components to quickly create a GIS/IP application. Applications
can be very quickly and easily be developed by using the GIS/IP callable object library.
Library can be categorized in various toolkits such as: GIS Toolkit, Database Toolkit, Drawing
Toolkit, Image Processing functions.

IGIS Object Library is a DLL that makes it easier for the developer to attach GIS/IP data,
manipulation / extraction support to any Windows Application.

About IGIS Object Library

IGIS Object Library is a DLL that makes it easier for the developer to attach GIS/IP data,
manipulation / extraction support to any Windows Application.

Purpose

The Developer Manual is a guide to use the APIs of the IGIS Object Library and is useful for
the users who want to create their own GIS/IP Applications. The customization facility
support is in two ways: Application based customization and SDK based customization.

Application based Customization

With this method of customization, user can quickly develop his/her own customized
application by using VBA and flexible customizable GUI provided by IGIS Software as per
domain requirements. This method of customization will give the quick customization facility
to user. User can develop his customization keeping IGIS Software as a base. This will make
basic functionality readily available to the user.

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 Regional Remote Sensing Service Centre
Recognizing the need and importance of natural resources management in the country,
Government of India has set-up the National Natural Resources Management System
(NNRMS). NNRMS is an integrated approach for management of natural resources, optimally
utilizing the advantages of conventional systems and the information derieved through remote
sensing. Department of Space (DOS) is the nodal department in Government of India for
evolution, establishment of NNRMS and all remote sensing related activities. With a view to
have optimum use of space technology for national development it was felt necessary to create
facilities for analysing remote sensing data to derive planning related inputs on natural
resources of our country. Towards this, DOS has established five Regional Remote Sensing
Service Centres (RRSSCs) in the country for speedy operationalization of remote sensing as
an integral component of natural resources inventory, monitoring and management. RRSSCs
enable the use of remote sensing technology at a reasonable cost to derive necessary
information on various aspects related to natural resources. These centres are located at
Jodhpur (Western Region), Dehradun (Northern Region), Kharagpur (Eastern Region),
Nagpur (Central Region) and Bangalore (Southern Region) and function under RRSSC,
Central Management Office, ISRO Headquarters, Antariksh Bhawan, Bangalore

3.1) OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONS

• Provide facilities for digital image analysis and Geographic Information System (GIS)
to the users
• Guide / assist users in application of digital image analysis techniques and GIS

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 • Develop and demonstrate techniques in the new area of applications
• Train scientists of user agencies in Remote Sensing Application, digital techniques,
GIS and theme based applications
• Provide support service to execute national projects and promote remote sensing
applications

Introduction to Remote Sensing

Remote sensing can be defined as the study of something without making actual contact with
the object of study. More precisely, it can be defined as:

"The acquisition and measurement of data/information on some property(ies) of a

phenomenon, object, or material by a recording device not in physical, intimate contact with
the feature(s) under surveillance"

Remote sensing involves making observations remotely, or without physical contact with the
object under investigation. The remote nature of these technologies allow us to make
observations, take measurements, and produce images of phenomena that are beyond the limits
of our own senses and capabilities.

Remote sensing tools can be used to study things on all scales, ranging from the smallest
particles within the atom to the universe as a whole. While remote sensing tools are often
associated with researchers and scientists who conduct scientific inquiry, they are also a
familiar part of our everyday lives and often turn up in places that may surprise the
unsuspecting observer.

4.1) Components of a Remote Sensing System

The four basic components of a remote sensing system include a target, an energy source, a
transmission path, and a sensor.

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The target is the object or material that is being studied. The components in the system work
together to measure and record information about the target without actually coming into
physical contact with it. There must also be an energy source which illuminates or provides
electromagnetic energy to the target. The energy interacts with the target, depending on the
properties of the target and the radiation, and will act as a medium for transmitting information
from the target to the sensor. The sensor is a a remote device that will collect and record the
electromagnetic radiation. Sensors can be used to measure energy that is given off (or emitted)
by the target, reflected off of the target, or transmitted through the target.

Once the energy has been recorded, the resulting set of data must be transmitted to a receiving
station where the data are processed into a usable format, which is most often as an image. The
image is then interpreted in order to extract information about the target. This interpretation
can be done visually or electronically with the aid of computers and image processing
software.

4.2) Applications of Remote Sensing data

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• Radar Conventional radar is mostly associated with aerial traffic control, early warning,
and certain large scale meteorological data. Doppler radar is used by local law
enforcements' monitoring of speed limits and in enhanced meteorological collection
such as wind speed and direction within weather systems. Other types of active
collection include plasmas in the ionosphere). Interferometric synthetic aperture radar is
used to produce precise digital elevation models of large scale terrain (See
RADARSAT, TerraSAR-X, Magellan).

• Laser and radar altimeters on satellites have provided a wide range of data. By
measuring the bulges of water caused by gravity, they map features on the seafloor to a
resolution of a mile or so. By measuring the height and wave-length of ocean waves,
the altimeters measure wind speeds and direction, and surface ocean currents and
directions.

• LIDAR Light Detection And Ranging - is well known in the examples of weapon
ranging, laser illuminated homing of projectiles. LIDAR is used to detect and measure
the concentration of various chemicals in the atmosphere, while airborne LIDAR can be
used to measure heights of objects and features on the ground more accurately than
with radar technology. Vegetation remote sensing is a principle application of LIDAR.

• Radiometers and photometers are the most common instrument in use, collecting
reflected and emitted radiation in a wide range of frequencies. The most common are
visible and infrared sensors, followed by microwave, gamma ray and rarely, ultraviolet.
They may also be used to detect the emission spectra of various chemicals, providing
data on chemical concentrations in the atmosphere.

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• Stereographic pairs of aerial photographs have often been used to make Topographic
maps by Imagery Analysts, Terrain Analysts in trafficability and highway departments
for potential routes.

• Simultaneous multi-spectral platforms such as Landsat have been in use since the 70's.
These thematic mappers take images in multiple wavelengths of electro-magnetic
radiation (multi-spectral) and are usually found on earth observation satellites,
including (for example) the Landsat program or the IKONOS satellite. Maps of land
cover and land use from thematic mapping can be used to prospect for minerals, detect
or monitor land usage, deforestation, and examine the health of indigenous plants and
crops, including entire farming regions or forests.

• Within the scope of the combat against desertification, remote sensing allows to follow-
up and monitor risk areas in the long term, to determine desertification factors, to
support decision-makers in defining relevant measures of environmental management,
and to assess their impacts.

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 What is GPS?

GPS is a satellite-based navigation system originally developed for military purposes and is
maintained and controlled by the United States Department of Defense. GPS permits land, sea,
and airborne users to determine their three-dimensional position, velocity, and time. It can be
used by anyone with a receiver anywhere on the planet, at any time of day or night, in any type
of weather.

There are two GPS systems: NAVSTAR - United State's system, and GLONASS - the Russian
version

5.1) Segments

GPS uses radio transmissions. The satellites transmit timing information and satellite location
information. The system can be separated into three parts:

Space Segment

Control Segment

User Segment

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 Figure 1 - GPS Segments

Space Segment

The space segment consists of the satellites themselves. According to the United States Naval
Observatory, there are currently 27 operational GPS satellites about 11,000 miles up in space.
This constellation (see Figure 2 below) provides between five and eight GPS satellites visible
from any point on the earth. The next scheduled launch is May 10, 2000.

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 Figure 2 - The Space Segment

It takes each satellite about twelve hours to orbit the earth. There are six orbital planes with at
least four satellites in each plane. GPS uses twenty-one operational satellites, with an
additional three satellites in orbit as redundant backup.GPS uses NAVSTAR satellites
manufactured by Rockwell International. Each NAVSTAR satellite is approximately 5 meters
wide (with solar panels extended) and weighs approximately 900Kg.GPS satellites orbit the
earth at an altitude of approximately 20,200Km.Each GPS satellite has an orbital period of 11
hours and 58 minutes. This means that each GPS satellite orbits the Earth twice each day.These
twenty-four satellites orbit in six orbital planes, or paths. This means that four GPS satellites
operate in each orbital plane.Each of these six orbital planes is spaced sixty degrees apart. All
of these orbital planes are inclined fifty-five degrees from the Equator

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Control Segment

The control segment is a group of ground stations that monitor and operate the GPS satellites.
There are monitoring stations spaced around the globe and one Master Control Station located
in Colorado Springs, Colorado (see Figure 3 below). Each station sends information to the
Control Station which then updates and corrects the navigational message of the satellites.
There are actually five major monitoring systems, the figure below does not include the
Hawaiian station.

Figure 3 - The Control Segment

User Segment

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The user requires a GPS receiver in order to receive the transmissions from the satellites. The
GPS receiver calculates the location based on signals from the satellites. The user does not
transmit anything to the satellites and therefore the satellites don't know the user is there. The
only data the satellites receive is from the Master Control Station in Colorado. The users
consist of both the military and civilians.

5.2) How GPS Works?

The principle behind GPS is the measurement of distance (or “range”) between the satellites
and the receiver. The satellites tell us exactly where they are in their orbits by broadcasting
data the receiver uses to compute their positions. It works something like this: If we know our
exact distance from a satellite in space, we know we are somewhere on the surface of an
imaginary sphere with a radius equal to the distance to the satellite radius. If we know our
exact distance from two satellites, we know that we are located somewhere on the line where
the two spheres intersect. And, if we take a third and a fourth measurement from two more
satellites, we can find our location. The GPS receiver processes the satellite range
measurements and produces its position.

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GPS uses a system of coordinates called WGS 84, which stands for World Geodetic System
1984. It allows surveyors all around the world to produce maps like the ones you see in school,
all with a common reference frame for the lines of latitude and longitude that locate places and
things. Likewise, GPS uses time from the United States Naval Observatory in Washington,
D.C., to synchronize all the timing elements of the GPS system, much like Harrison's
chronometer was synchronized to the time at Greenwich.

Now you should have a fairly clear picture of the GPS system. You know that it consists of
satellites whose paths are monitored by ground stations. Each satellite generates radio signals
that allow a receiver to estimate the satellite location and distance between the satellite and the
receiver. The receiver uses the measurements to calculate where on or above Earth the user is
located.

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5.3) Applications

The applications of the Global Positioning System fall into five categories: location,
navigation, timing, mapping, and tracking. Each category contains uses for the military,
industry, transportation, recreation and science.

Location

This category is for position determination and is the most obvious use of the Global
Positioning System. GPS is the first system that can give accurate and precise measurements
anytime, anywhere and under any weather conditions. Some examples of applications within
this category are:

1. Measuring the movement of volcanoes and glaciers.

2. Measuring the growth of mountains.
3. Measuring the location of icebergs - this is very valuable to ship captains helping them
to avoid possible disasters.
4. Storing the location of where you were - most GPS receivers on the market will allow
you to record a certain location. This allows you to find it again with minimal effort and
would prove useful in a hard to navigate place such as a dense forest.

Navigation

Navigation is the process of getting from one location to another. This was the what the Global
Positioning System was designed for. The GPS system allows us to navigate on water, air, or
land. It allows planes to land in the middle of mountains and helps medical evacuation
helicopters save precious time by taking the best route.

Timing

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GPS brings precise timing to the us all. Each satellite is equipped with an extremely precise
atomic clock. This is why we can all synchronize our watches so well and make sure
international events are actually happening at the same time.

Mapping

This is used for creating maps by recording a series of locations. The best example is surveying
where the DGPS technique is applied but with a twist. Instead of making error corrections in
real time, both the stationary and moving receivers calculate their positions using the satellite
signals. When the roving receiver is through making measurements, it then takes them back to
the ground station which has already calculated the errors for each moment in time. At this
time, the accurate measurements are obtained.

Tracking

The applications in this category are ways of monitoring people and things such as packages.
This has been used along with wireless communications to keep track of some criminals. The
suspect agrees to keep a GPS receiver and transmitting device with him at all times. If he goes
where he's not allowed to, the authorities will be notified. This can also be used to track
animals.

IMAGE PROCESSING

Image Processing is a collection of techniques for the manipulation of digital images by

computers. The raw data received from the imaging sensors on the satellite platforms contains
flaws and deficiencies. To overcome these flaws and deficiencies in order to get the originality
of the data, it needs to undergo several steps of processing. This will vary from image to image
depending on the type of image format, initial condition of the image and the information of
interest and the composition of the image scene. Digital Image Processing undergoes three
general steps:
 Pre-processing

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  Display and enhancement
 Information extraction

Flowchart

Pre-processing consists of those operations that prepare data for subsequent analysis that
attempts to correct or compensate for systematic errors. The digital imageries are subjected to
several corrections such as geometric, radiometric and atmospheric, though all these correction
might not be necessarily be applied in all cases. These errors are systematic and can be
removed before they reach the user. The investigator should decide which pre-processing
techniques are relevant on the basis of the nature of the information to be extracted from
remotely sensed data. After pre-processing is complete, the analyst may use feature extraction
to reduce the dimensionality of the data. Thus feature extraction is the process of isolating the
most useful components of the data for further study while discarding the less useful aspects

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(errors, noise etc). Feature extraction reduces the number of variables that must be examined,
thereby saving time and resources.

6.1) Image Enhancement

Image Enhancement operations are carried out to improve the interpretability of the image by
increasing apparent contrast among various features in the scene. The enhancement techniques
depend upon two factors mainly
 The digital data (i.e. with spectral bands and resolution)
 The objectives of interpretation

As an image enhancement technique often drastically alters the original numeric data, it is
normally used only for visual (manual) interpretation and not for further numeric analysis.
Common enhancements include image reduction, image rectification, image magnification,
transect extraction, contrast adjustments, band ratioing, spatial filtering, Fourier
transformations, principal component analysis and texture transformation.

Image Enhancement Techniques

Image Enhancement techniques are instigated for making satellite imageries more informative
and helping to achieve the goal of image interpretation. The term enhancement is used to mean
the alteration of the appearance of an image in such a way that the information contained in
that image is more readily interpreted visually in terms of a particular need. The image
enhancement techniques are applied either to single-band images or separately to the individual
bands of a multiband image set. These techniques can be categorized into two:
 Spectral Enhancement Techniques
 Multi-Spectral Enhancement Techniques

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1. Spectral Enhancement Techniques

a) Linear Contrast Stretch

This technique involves the translation of the image pixel values from the observed range
DNmin to DNmax to the full range of the display device (generally 0-255, which is the range
of values representable in an 8bit display devices) This technique can be applied to a single
band, grey-scale image, where the image data are mapped to the display via all three colors
LUTs.

b ) Gaussian Stretch
This method of contrast enhancement is base upon the histogram of the pixel values is called a
Gaussian stretch because it involves the fitting of the observed histogram to a normal or
Gaussian histogram.

2. Multi-Spectral Enhancement Techniques

Image Arithmetic Operations

The operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are performed on two or
more co-registered images of the same geographical area. These techniques are applied to
images from separate spectral bands from single multispectral data set or they may be
individual bands from image data sets that have been collected at different dates. More
complicated algebra is sometimes encountered in derivation of sea-surface temperature from
multispectral thermal infrared data (so called split-window and multichannel techniques).

a) Addition of images is generally carried out to give dynamic range of image that equals the
input images.

b) Band Subtraction Operation on images is sometimes carried out to co-register scenes of the
same area acquired at different times for change detection.

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c) Multiplication of images normally involves the use of a single 'real' image and binary
image made up of ones and zeros.

6.2) Information Extraction

Information Extraction is the last step toward the final output of the image analysis. After pre-
processing and image enhancement the remotely sensed data is subjected to quantitative
analysis to assign individual pixels to specific classes. Classification of the image is based on
the known and unknown identity to classify the remainder of the image consisting of those
pixels of unknown identity. After classification is complete, it is necessary to evaluate its
accuracy by comparing the categories on the classified images with the areas of known identity
on the ground. The final result of the analysis consists of maps (or images), data and a report.
These three components of the result provide the user with full information concerning the
source data, the method of analysis and the outcome and its reliability.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer based information system used to

digitally represent and analyse the geographic features present on the Earth' surface and the
events (non-spatial attributes linked to the geography under study) that taking place on it. The
meaning to represent digitally is to convert analog (smooth line) into a digital form.

"Every object present on the Earth can be geo-referenced", is the fundamental key of
associating any database to GIS. Here, term 'database' is a collection of information about
things and their relationship to each other, and 'geo-referencing' refers to the location of a layer

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or coverage in space defined by the co-ordinate referencing system.

Defining GIS
A GIS is an information system designed to work with data referenced by spatial /
geographical coordinates. In other words, GIS is both a database system with specific
capabilities for spatially referenced data as well as a set of operations for working with the
data. It may also be considered as a higher order map.

GIS technology integrates common database operations such as query and statistical analysis
with the unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by maps. These abilities
distinguish GIS from other information systems and make it valuable to a wide range of public
and private enterprises for explaining events, predicting outcomes, and planning strategies.
(ESRI)

A Geographic Information System is a computer based system which is used to digitally

reproduce and analyze the feature present on earth surface and the events that take place on it.
In the light of the fact that almost 70% of the data has geographical reference as it's
denominator, it becomes imperative to underline the importance of a system which can
represent the given data geographically.

A typical GIS can be understood by the help of various definitions given below:-
 A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool for mapping and
analyzing things that exist and events that happen on Earth
 Set of tools for collecting, storing, retrieving at will, transforming and displaying spatial
data from the real world for a particular set of purposes
 a computer based system that provides four sets of capabilities to handle geo-referenced
data :

• data input
• data management (data storage and retrieval)

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 • manipulation and analysis
• data output.

Hence GIS is looked upon as a tool to assist in decision-making and management of attributes
that needs to be analysed spatially.
7.1) Need of GIS?

Many professionals, such as foresters, urban planners, and geologists, have recognized the
importance of spatial dimensions in organising & analysing information. Whether a discipline
is concerned with the very practical aspects of business, or is concerned with purely academic
research, geographic information system can introduce a perspective, which can provide
valuable insights as

1. 70% of the information has geographic location as it's denominator making spatial
analysis an essential tool.
2. Ability to assimilate divergent sources of data both spatial and non-spatial (attribute
data).
3. Visualization Impact
4. Analytical Capability
5. Sharing of Information

7.2) Advantages of GIS

The Geographic Information System has been an effective tool for implementation and
monitoring of municipal infrastructure. The use of GIS has been in vogue primarily due to the
advantage mentioned below:
 Planning of project
 Make better decisions
 Visual Analysis
 Improve Organizational Integration

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7.3) GIS Applications

Computerized mapping and spatial analysis have been developed simultaneously in several
related fields. The present status would not have been achieved without close interaction
between various fields such as utility networks, cadastral mapping, topographic mapping,
thematic cartography, surveying and photogrammetery remote sensing, image processing,
computer science, rural and urban planning, earth science, and geography. The GIS technology
is rapidly becoming a standard tool for management of natural resources. The effective use of
large spatial data volumes is dependent upon the existence of an efficient geographic handling
and processing system to transform this data into usable information.
The GIS technology is used to assist decision-makers by indicating various alternatives in
development and conservation planning and by modeling the potential outcomes of a series of
scenarios. It should be noted that any task begins and ends with the real world. Data are
collected about the real world. Of necessity, the product is an abstraction; it is not possible (and
not desired) to handle every last detail. After the data are analyzed, information is compiled for
decision-makers. Based on this information, actions are taken and plans implemented in the
real world.

Major areas of application

 Different streams of planning:

Urban planning, housing, transportation planning architectural conservation, urban
design, landscape.
 Street Network Based Application:
It is an addressed matched application, vehicle routing and scheduling: location and site
selection and disaster planning.
 Natural Resource Based Application:
Management and environmental impact analysis of wild and scenic recreational
resources, flood plain, wetlands, acquifers, forests, and wildlife.

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  View Shed Analysis:
Hazardous or toxic factories siting and ground water modelling. Wild life habitat study
and migrational route planning.
 Land Parcel Based:
Zoning, sub-division plans review, land acquisition, environment impact analysis,
nature quality management and maintenance etc.
 Facilities Management:
Can locate underground pipes and cables for maintenance, planning, tracking energy
use.

SNAPSHOTS

Startup

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IDE: Workspace

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File Menu

Edit Menu

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Showing View Menu

Zoom Menu

Enhancement & Filter Menu

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34
Showing Classify Menu

Showing Processing Menu

Showing Draw Menu

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Showing Annotation Menu

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Showing Histogram and 3D Scatterplot analysis of the image.

Zoom In:

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After Zooming In.

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Equalizing the image.

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Square Root image enhancement.

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Logarithmic Enhancement of the Image.

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RGB To GrayScale Conversion of the Image

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Enhancement Feature - Inverting the Image

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Sharpening the TIF image.

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Edge Enhancement

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Gamma Correction

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After varying the Gamma values.

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Enhancing the TIF image - Gaussian

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The Image Filtering Feature - Convolution

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After effects of Filtering of image by convolution.

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Performing Unsupervised Classification

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After effects of Unsupervised Classification on the above image.

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After Varying the Threshold of the TIF Image.

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Draw

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Annotation

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SHORTCUTS

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Copy Ctrl+C

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Cut Ctrl+X

Paste Ctrl+V

Undo Ctrl+Z

Equalize Ctrl+E

Histogram Alt+H

Image Invert Alt+I

Linear Stretch Alt+L

Log Ctrl+L

Reset Image Ctrl+R

RGB to Grayscale Alt+R

Square Root Alt+S

New File Ctrl+N

File open Ctrl+O

File Print Ctrl+P

File Save Ctrl+S

Blur Alt+B

Edge Alt+E

Median Alt+M

Refresh Ctrl+F

Zoom to Full Extent Alt+F

No Enhancement Ctrl+Shift+E

Soften Image Ctrl+A

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Sharpen Image Ctrl+M

Unsupervised Classification Alt+U

Supervised Classification Alt+V

Signature Separability Alt+G

Brightness Control Ctrl+B

Contrast Control Ctrl+T

Haze Reduction Alt+Z

Threshold Ctrl+H

Upgrade Image Analysis Alt+Shift+U

Degrade Image Analysis Alt+Shift+D

Zoom In Shift+I

Zoom Out Shift+O

Inferred Pro’s and Cons

Pros Cons
The IGIS SDK has provided us with great Due to the high level of abstraction, we are
level of abstraction and thus saved us time unable to control the low level details as
and effort by avoiding the natty gritty seen in panning.
details of implementation.
IGIS provides a framework for The load time of the dll when customizing
implementing GIS for a single user or for is a little high.
multiple users. IGIS can be extended with
additional software such as Q-pad for
Windows® CE devices.
Unparalleled compatibility for vector, The interface for the IGIS Engine to be
raster and standard databases formats used in visual studio 2008 was missing.
assisting in the universalization of GIS. It
supports over 100 projection and
coordinate systems. IGIS is compliant with

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international standards like Open
Geospatial Consortium (OGC) and
International Standards Organization
(ISO).
Customization feature is provided so that Error Reporting is not user friendly. Eg it
we can build upon the existing IGIS shows the underlying sql querries with
software to build more customized and errors.
powerful software as per need.
IGIS supports various languages like vc++, The API documentation could have been
vb , vc# and Java. better.
It is very secure and uses postGRE
database manager to store its data. It also
has password authentication at two levels:
Project Owner ; IGIS Owner.

CONCLUSION

With the help of vigorous efforts from ISRO various satellites have been launched into space
and are readily sending data to their base stations. Despite the fact that enormous efforts have
gone into the modeling and experimentation regarding soil moisture, it still remains an
attractive subject of investigation, for its dependence on a variety of parameters.

The Image Processing Model has been developed using IGIS Software. The Importance of
Image Processing cannot be overemphasized due to the fact that binary data from the satellites
has to be converted to human readable form for its use. Image Processing is also seen to be
used to infer data from the images and plan accordingly ( for example we can use classification
of images and use the resultant for human resource management).

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The IGIS SDK provided was interfaced in visual c++ 2008 . Using the customization in the
IGIS the model “Image Processor” was successfully implemented. The pros and cons
encountered on the way are reported.

REFERENCES

[1] http://www.isro.org/
[2] http://www.scanpointgeomatics.com/
[3] http://www.msdn.microsoft.com/
[4] http://www.gisdevelopment.net/tutorials/
[5] IGIS Documentation

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