Registration of a LANDSAT Image to DTM (Digital Terrain Matrix) - An Error Analysis

A mathematical model is postulated and tested that will enable a user to relate a digital LANDSAT image to a digital terrain matrix (DTM). The practicality of the procedure is examined and evaluated. One reason for registering a Landsat digital image to a DTM is to add another dimension to the signature used in scene classification. Ground elevation associated with a pixel can be converted to a terrain slope that, along with orientation with respect to the sun, can be used as an additional component in a pattern recognition exercise. Pixel heights can also be used to restrict the pattern recognition scheme to test over the most likely subset of classes when scene classes can be organized by terrain heights a priori. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the accuracy with which the elevation assignments can be made when the registration process described herein is used.