Surface-based Geometric Registration of Aerial Images and LIDAR Data

Precise geometric registration is required in multi-source data fusion process to obtain synergistic results successfully. However, most of the previous studies focus on the assumption of perfect registration or registration in a limited local area with intuitively derived simple geometric model. In this study, therefore, we developed a robust method for geometric registration based on a systematic model that is derived from the geometry associated with the data acquisition processes. The key concept of the proposed approach is to utilize smooth planar patches extracted from LIDAR data as control surfaces to adjust exterior orientation parameters of the aerial images. Registration of the simulated LIDAR data and aerial images was performed. The experimental results show that the RMS value of the geometric discrepancies between two data sets is decreased to less than ${\pm}0.30\;m$ after applying suggested registration method.