There are often multiple ways in which a mosaic dataset can be optimized for better performance or quality. In some workflows, this optimization does not need to be done at the start, but can be implemented after the images are served. This is sometimes referred to as providing a graded service, where the grade of the service improves over time. The advantage of this approach is that imagery can be quickly served when value is highest and then optimized.
Optimizations can include the following:
- Changing the format of the imagery to a format that is faster to access.
- Refining the geometry of the imagery—Typically, for both satellite and aerial imagery the initial images are only known with approximate orientation parameters and can later be refined by using better ground control or postprocessing of sensor parameters or refining the terrain model.
- Refining the radiometry of the imagery—In some cases, obtaining the most visually appealing imagery can require additional processing of the source imagery or determination of better enhancement parameters.