• Home
• /
• UAE

Photos: Stunningly detailed maps of Abu Dhabi, Dubai released

Dubai - According to the MBRSC, the mosaic maps of all other emirates will be released "soon".

A UAE satellite has pieced together stunningly detailed maps of Abu Dhabi and Dubai through an imagery system known as 'mosaic'.
The system used by KhalifaSat captures a matrix of individual digital images to create a single high-resolution picture of the UAE's terrain.
This imaging system will provide a comprehensive view of the UAE's topography, using remote sensing systems, image processing, geographic information systems and artificial intelligence.
This is how it works: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) collects images of a specific geographic area through the KhalifaSat at specific intervals ranging from days or months. These images are then combined to form one single comprehensive image with a high visual resolution of up to 0.7 metres. 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.
According to the MBRSC, the mosaic maps of all other emirates will be released "soon".
The system aims to support federal and local government entities, research and academic institutions and the private sector understand the geography, topography and environmental impacts of large areas in the UAE more accurately.
The updated maps will be provided to all government and non-government entities free of charge. Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director-General, MBRSC, said the launch of KhalifaSat's 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".
This type of satellite imagery is relevant to stakeholders in infrastructure, urban planning, environment and climate change sectors, energy, education, technology, roads and transportation, among others in the UAE.
Scientific methodology
Ammar Saif AlMuhairi, head of Image Processing Section, MBRSC, explained: "The mosaic system 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 and its successor KhalifaSat. They have helped produce several scientific reports and studies that are dedicated to observing and monitoring the Earth, and also provides satellite images.
sahim@khaleejtimes.com