EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF DIGITAL DATASETS IN TERMS OF AVIATION SAFETY DERIVED FROM STEREO SATELLITE IMAGERY IN SARAWAK, MALAYSIA'S AIRPORTS

Abstract

High-resolution satellite imagery offers new possibilities in geospatial data acquisition, particularly in 3D city modeling, topographic mapping, and aviation safety. This study evaluates the quality of digital datasets generated from satellite imagery for five airports in Sarawak, as part of the eTOD (Electronic Terrain and Obstacle Data) project conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). The airports under examination include Miri Airport (WBGR), Bintulu Airport (WBGB), Mukah Airport (WBGK), Sibu Airport (WBGS), and Kuching Airport (WBGG). A comprehensive assessment was conducted to evaluate accuracy and reliability by combining stereo satellite imagery with on-site validation. The study yielded digital datasets of exceptionally high accuracy and reliability. The overall error rate remained below 3%, with a mean error value of 0.96 meters across all five airports. Notably, it has been observed that using satellite images as the only data source creates difficulties in detecting Power Transmission Lines and Poles that require precise detection. A multifaceted approach was adopted to increase the detection accuracy, involving site verification measurements, incorporation of external source data (Sarawak Energy Company), and manual interpretation. In conclusion, this study underscores the significant potential of very high-resolution satellite imagery for creating precise and reliable digital datasets for aviation safety. Additionally, the study's emphasis on detecting Power Transmission Lines highlights the need for advanced methods to improve accuracy in challenging scenarios. These findings not only contribute to enhancing aviation safety but also provide valuable insights into the utilization of satellite imagery for similar applications worldwide.