Urban Mapping using Satellite Time Series

Abstract

As described by [1], a “Satellite Image Time Series (SITS) is a set of satellite images taken from the same scene at different times. A SITS makes use of different satellite sources to obtain a larger data series with short time interval between two images… Sensors with high spatial and temporal resolutions make the observation of precise spatio-temporal structures in dynamic scenes more accessible. Temporal components integrated with spectral and spatial dimensions allow the identification of complex patterns concerning applications connected with environmental monitoring and analysis of land-cover dynamics.” When we analyse the development of urban areas, it becomes clear that satellite image time series are highly valuable data sources that can be exploited to describe besides vegetation cycles and land use changes - the dynamics of urban settlements and their infrastructure. Typical examples are given in [2] and [3].