Detection of Moving Objects in Earth Observation Satellite Images

TL;DR

This paper explores methods to detect and measure moving objects like vehicles and boats in Earth observation satellite images, specifically addressing challenges posed by mosaicked images without explicit timestamps.

Contribution

It demonstrates the feasibility of detecting and measuring moving objects in Planet Labs satellite images, even with mosaicked data lacking direct timing information.

Findings

Moving objects can be detected in mosaicked satellite images.

Velocity measurements of vehicles and boats are achievable.

Detection is feasible despite unique satellite imaging system challenges.

Abstract

Moving objects have characteristic signatures in multi-spectral images made by Earth observation satellites that use push broom scanning. While the general concept is applicable to all satellites of this type, each satellite design has its own unique imaging system and requires unique methods to analyze the characteristic signatures. We assess the feasibility of detecting moving objects and measuring their velocities in one particular archive of satellite images made by Planet Labs Corporation with their constellation of SuperDove satellites. Planet Labs data presents a particular challenge in that the images in the archive are mosaics of individual exposures and therefore do not have unique time stamps. We explain how the timing information can be restored indirectly. Our results indicate that the movement of common transportation vehicles, airplanes, cars, and boats, can be detected and measured.