Simultaneous image fusion and reconstruction using wavelets applications to SPOT + LANDSAT images

In this paper we present a technique, based on multiresolution wavelet decomposition, for the merging and data fusion of two images. The images to merge are a high-resolution panchromatic image and a low-resolution multispectral image. The method consists of adding the wavelet coefficients of the high-resolution image to the multispectral (low-resolution) data. We applied the method to merge SPOT and LANDSAT (TM) images. The current data fusion methods may not be satisfying because they can distort the spectral characteristics of the multispectral data. The technique presented here is clearly better than the standard IHS and LHS mergers in preserving both spectral and spatial information. The fusion of reconstructed images and the application of the technique to astronomical images are commented on.