Satellite imagery of coastlines

Abstract

An advanced technique for satellite imagery of lengthy coastlines with complex configuration using Earth remote sensing satellites equipped with optical-electronic scanners characterized by ultrahigh spatial resolution has been developed. It has been proposed to image coastal areas directly in the process of satellite retargeting (i.e., with non-zero angular velocities). The paper provides an assessment of comparative efficiency of the technique implemented using automatic satellite attitude program control in the process of retargeting, both in terms of improving the efficiency of satellite imagery, and in terms of coverage in one-orbit period. Approximate methods for lengthy objects with complex configuration using cubic splines are described. When planning such imagery, besides the standard set of parameters (lighting conditions, swath width, onboard equipment constraints, instrument errors, etc.), it is necessary to consider the limits for the angular region and angular velocities of retargeting types of imagery were modelled, as well as the features of imagery with significant deviations of the viewing axis from nadir. The results of modelling various types of imagery for a given area using measurement data of cloud amount are presented.