Sensitivity Study for Urban Change Analysis Comparing Landsat-ETM+ and Terra-ASTER Data

摘要

Data of Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) and Terra Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) have been examined to reveal differences and similarities concerning urban change analysis. A mosaic from two ASTER scenes and a Landsat ETM+ scene were compared on the basis of invariant targets. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the influence of geometric and spectral differences between these two sensors. It could be shown that - despite comparable sensor concepts - dissimilarities in geometric and spectral properties lead to measurable variations in statistical and thematic indicators. However, it is believed that notwithstanding these differences, a multi-temporal change analysis based on Landsat-TM, ETM+ and Terra-ASTER is a feasible approach to monitor urban change, if divergences are correctly understood and the related uncertainties can be quantified.