Automatic road detection Automatic cloud and cloud shadow detection

Norsk Regnesentral (Norwegian Computing Center, NR) is a private, independent, non‐profit foundation established in 1952. NR carries out contract research and development projects in the areas of information and communication technology and applied statistical modelling. The clients are a broad range of industrial, commercial and public service organizations in the national as well as the international market. Our scientific and technical capabilities are further developed in co‐operation with The Research Council of Norway and key customers. The results of our projects may take the form of reports, software, prototypes, and short courses. A proof of the confidence and appreciation our clients have for us is given by the fact that most of our new contracts are signed with previous customers. Norsk Romsenter (Norwegian Space Centre, NSC) is a government agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. NSC promotes the development, co‐ordination and evaluation of national space activities as well as supports Norwegian interests in the European Space Agency (ESA). Earth observation involves all activities related to collection of information on the Earth's surface or atmosphere from instruments on board satellites. The Norwegian Space Centre's application programme supports users, research communities and businesses in testing the potential of Earth observation from satellites. Priority is given to the development of applications having public benefit. Statens Vegvesen Vegdirektoratet (The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA)) is responsible for the planning, construction and operation of the national and county road networks, vehicle inspection and requirements, driver training and licensing. It is also authorized to grant subsidies for ferry operations. The objective of the NPRA is to develop and maintain a safe, ecofriendly and efficient transport system. This is being done on a sound, professional basis by interacting with politicians, users and other interested parties. Abstract Traffic statistics is a key parameter for operation and development of road networks. Vehicle counts based on automated satellite image analysis can provide useful additional information to traditional ground based traffic surveillance. A significant advantage of satellite based technology is that it does not require installation and maintenance of equipment in the road or expensive manpower costs related to acquisition of traffic counts using mobile counting devices. The SatTrafikk 2010 focused on deriving two key features needed in a traffic monitoring system. That is: (1) Automatic segmentation of the desired road, and (2) automatic detection of clouds and cloud shadows. The road segmentation is based on a snake model …