There is a regular need among numerous agencies and companies to understand changing infrastructure across large geographic extents. These needs may include infrastructure assessment, hazard analysis, population density, etc. Structure update projects may employ acquired aerial imagery or proprietary satellite imagery in order to review positional, structural, or attribute updates. This presentation will discuss the use of satellite imagery as an alternative to aerial imagery, examining the advantages and drawbacks with regard to ensuring maximum data accuracy. The project area to be considered is a large gas transmission pipeline network located in North America. The attributes to be determined include the structure use type, dwelling unit count, and estimated normal occupancy, among others. In addition to quantitative or discrete remote sensing techniques, qualitative survey techniques will also be described. In conclusion, the use of satellite imagery will be assessed based on its overall utility, and under which conditions it may be more or less reliable.
