OSIrIS: a physically based simulation tool to improve training in thermal infrared remote sensing over urban areas at high spatial resolution

This paper describes an infrared image simulator for remote sensing applications, called OSIrIS (outdoor scene and infrared image simulation). It has been developed partly for training and reproduces with great details the physical phenomena that play a major role in complex urban environment. OSIrIS performs a synthesis of scene based on a 3-D description of the landscape with a high spatial resolution (0.5–10 m). The physical processes are briefly described and their importance with respect to the objectives are discussed. Thermal emission depends on temperature and generally dominates the signal. Temperature is governed by heat equation and is solved by the means of boundary conditions such as in-depth temperature and flux balance at surface. Main parameters are solar and atmospheric radiations, wind, heat conduction and changes in humidity. An innovative approach was developed to take into account variations in time of the interactions between the landscape and the physical processes. OSIrIS aims at simulating situations that are encountered in reality. It enables users self-formation, helping them understanding changes in image radiance as a function of the input parameters and their own simulation requirements. Examples are given that illustrate specific aspects of infrared images.