[SatNews] BlackBridge has just completed the production and implementation of a consistent global control point database, Global Reference 2.0. This will significantly improve the positional accuracy of RapidEye imagery. 

BlackBridge’s extensive testing and experience processing thousands of ortho-images on a daily basis confirm that Global Reference 2.0 improves positional accuracy of orthorectified imagery to under 10 m RMSE on a global scale, with 80 percent under 7 m RMSE. This level of positional accuracy applies to ortho-products for every region of the world. Users of RapidEye products across the globe are already noticing the difference in the accuracy of their datasets and improvements to their workflows.



The majority of the dataset was derived using imagery collected by DigitalGlobe’s constellation of high-resolution Earth imaging satellites, while the remainder was extracted from airborne imagery. The alignment and compatibility of RapidEye ortho-products with other high-accuracy geospatial datasets have improved significantly. This now supports the production of more accurate value-added products.



Massimiliano Vitale, senior vice president of operations for BlackBridge, states that, "This level of accuracy is a major breakthrough. After expending significant effort on creation and testing, we are confident that the Global Reference 2.0 dataset positions BlackBridge to produce the most accurate ortho-products in our resolution range."