High-Resolution Satellite Imaging in Remote Regions: A Case Study in Bhutan

Abstract

In remote developing countries, such as Bhutan, it is common for existing maps to be either out-of-date or to not exist. Featuring forest covered peaks and broad valleys with a 2000 m elevation range, the rugged mountainous and largely inaccessible landscape is not well suited to traditional topographic surveying and mapping. It does, however, provide a unique and challenging environment for the generation of image-based products. This paper demonstrates that even with limited ground control, satellite imagery has the potential to rectify the situation and vastly enhance mapping prospects in remote regions. By compensating exterior orientation biases inherent in the recorded sensor orientati..