Synthesis of high spatial and spectral resolution imagery from multiple image sources

The simulation of imagery that will be produced by a new sensor is an important element in the design process. To properly account for a new sensor's spatial and spectral degradation, it is necessary to supply as input to the simulation a relatively high spatial and spectral representation of the type of scene to be imaged. The performance of the sensor under design is then evaluated by comparison of the simulated degraded image with the input scene and/or by comparison with simulated images from existing sensors. In this paper we demonstrate how a realistic scene with high spatial and spectral resolution can be synthesized from color aerial photography and AVIRIS hyperspectral imagery. Image processing techniques for fusion of aerial photography with AVIRIS imagery that take into account the topography of the scene are described. Sample composite images for a site near Cuprite, Nevada, are presented along with evidence that spectral signatures are preserved after applying the synthesis procedure.