At present, mosaic images of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been released while mosaic images of all other Emirates will be released in due course.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced the completion of an updated map of the Abu Dhabi and Dubai using the UAE’s first high-resolution satellite image Mosaic, captured by KhalifaSat. The system captures a matrix of individual digital images to create a single high-resolution picture of the UAEs terrain.
This imaging system by MBRSC will provide a view of the UAEs topography, using remote sensing systems, image processing, geographic information systems and artificial intelligence. While the service currently provides detailed high-resolution satellite image mosaic of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the mosaic of all Emirates will be released soon.
Mosaic differs from other satellite images as it has higher image resolution and clarity due to the use of Geo-referencing system and other modern technologies.
The new system is part of the MBRSCs efforts to support federal and local government entities, research and academic institutions as well as the private sector in understanding the geography, topography and environmental impacts of large areas in the UAE more accurately.
Mosaic will be provided to all government and non-governmental entities free of charge for the purpose of benefiting the agencies and enhancing their role in the UAE society. Accordingly, MBRSC will provide high-resolution images from the Mosaic system, after conducting a comprehensive survey of the area requested by the entity, according to the nature of their activity.
HH Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director General, MBRSC, said: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre seeks to contribute effectively to the community through projects that support the development sectors in the UAE. Over the past few years, MBRSC has established itself as an efficient and leading space centre for the Middle East region, weighed in by the impact of its projects and technologies in non-space sectors as well. The launch of KhalifaSats first satellite image Mosaic is of strategic importance to support the infrastructure of all vital sectors in the UAE and promote strategic decisions by key stakeholders operating in the country.
Explaining the methodology of the new imaging system, Ammar Saif AlMuhairi, Head of Image Processing Section, MBRSC, said: The Mosaic imaging system at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre goes through systematic stages of image extraction. Firstly, individual images scattered over an area are taken by the satellite during a given period. The system then geo-assigns these images using a coordinate reference system to ensure the highest possible resolution. The image correction phase is followed by enhancing contrast and various corrections to make sure that all images are free of distortions. Finally, the colours of the satellite images are matched and blended, followed by the testing of the outcome by the relevant team, and ensuring its correctness before finally releasing it.
The MBRSC owns remote sensing satellites, like the DubaiSat 1 and 2 satellites and its successor KhalifaSat. These satellites have helped produce several scientific reports and studies that are dedicated to observing and monitoring the Earth, and also provides satellite images.
