Extraction of urban features in Strasbourg, France: comparison of two fusion algorithms for Quickbird MS and pan data

Urban areas might be defined as complex and dynamic system that needs specific and reliable products to be observed and managed. Very high resolution (VHR) satellite, such as Quickbird image, provides sub-meter spatial resolution images in the panchromatic mode and multispectral images. Hence, the idea of fusing synthetic multispectral images with a highest spatial resolution, enable the creation of usable products for urban planning and operational purposes. Such kind of techniques provides imagery products that need to be assessed in terms of quality and reliability towards urban practices and purposes. This paper compares quantitatively and qualitatively two fusion methods over the Strasbourg area (France). It defines a more complete set of parameters for the use of fusion in urban areas studies and leads to quality conclusions regarding global and local assessments.