Ikonos

Characteristics

The Ikonos satellite, launched in September 1999, acquires black and white images with a resolution of 1 m and colour images (4 bands) with a resolution of 4 m. The images cover a surface area of 11km x 11 km.

Ikonos can be programmed and its viewing instrument pointed as needed which means the same site can be revisited in less than 3 days.

Ikonos images are sold per km2: the user defines an area of interest of any shape but with a minimum surface area which can be made up of one or more parts of a scene.

Products

Ikonos images are available with different levels of geometric processing:

The Geo products are corrected according to a specific ellipsoid and projection chosen by the user.

Ortho products are corrected for distortions due to the relief by means of a DEM based on Ikonos data or supplied by the user. Only the Precision and Precision Plus products use ground control points.





Satellite Image - Dubai - © Space Imaging

Product		Horizontal accuracy (CE 90)	Compatible scale	Examples of applications
Geo		15 m*	N/A	Photo-interpretation and analyses which do not require a high degree of location accuracy
o r t h o	Standard Ortho	50 m**	1:100 000	Basic mapping projects
	Reference	25.4 m	1:50 000	Mapping of large areas and GIS applications for the media, insurance companies and other commercial markets

	Pro	10.2 m	1:12 000	Environmental impact studies, transport and urban planning, for local and regional authorities, agriculture, telecommunications and services for users
	Precision	4.1 m	1:4 800	Urban mapping, GIS applications requiring a high degree of location accuracy
	Precision Plus	2 m	1:2 400	Urban mapping, GIS applications requiring a high degree of location accuracy

* Exclusive of terrain effects
** May be up to 75 m CE90 in undeveloped areas with high terrain relief (e.g., Andes or Himalayan mountain ranges)

Top