Automatic digital terrain model generation using Cartosat-1 stereo images

Cartosat-1 is the first Indian Remote Sensing satellite, developed for topographic mapping, able to collect in-track high-resolution stereo images with a 2.5m pixel size. In the framework of the Cartosat-1 Scientific Assessment Programme (C-SAP), the Politecnico di Milano University (Italy) evaluated the performances of the Cartosat-1 satellite in the generation of digital terrain models (DTMs) from stereo-couples. The purpose of this paper is to describe in detail the outcomes for the Salon de Provence (France) test site, with respect to existing standards and products actually used in France and also to provide a comparison with the global Shuttle Radar Topography Mission’s DTM freely available from by NASA.