Model-supported exploitation of aerial images

Model-supported exploitation is a new paradigm in image understanding research. In this paradigm, three main technical areas have been identified: semi-automatic construction of site models, automated positioning of images to the sites, and monitoring the movable objects and construction activities. In this paper, we summarize recent progress in the detection and counting of vehicles in selected locales, monitoring and characterization of vehicle groupings. We present the algorithms used and the results obtained. The detection and counting method employs geometrical models and uses a spatial contour matching approach. The configuration detection method exploits knowledge of geometrical models in the frequency domain. The issues of parameters learning as well as sensitivity of the detection performance to misspecification of model and tuning parameters are briefly discussed.