[Error]Cannot open the dem file of the mosaic dataset while processing the block adjustment!

[LMinb]

Recently, we tried to use ArcGIS Pro 2.8.3 to Ortho Mapping and Mosaic the WFV image of Gaofen-6 satellite. Since there is no predefined template for GF6 WFV data Type in Sensor Type of Ortho Mapping, "Import and use existing image collection" was used to import the manually created GF6 WFV Mosaic Dataset. Then we add GCP in Ortho Mapping Workspace, add DEM.tif data in Contents→Elevation Surfaces→Ground, then click Adjust, select RPC Transformation Type to run. The following error occurs in Logs:

[Error]Cannot open the dem file of the mosaic dataset while processing the block adjustment!
[Error]Block adjustment failed!
Failed to execute (ComputeBlockAdjustment).

We want to know: 1. Whether it is possible to Ortho Mapping and Mosaic satellite data types (such as GF6 WFV) that are not defined in "Sensor Type" in ArcGIS Pro 2.8.3. If it is possible, is there any solution to the previous error? We tried to modify file names and the XML file of GF6 WFV data to be similar to GF1 WFV data (supported sensor type), and selected GF1 WFV sensor type to import the data, but it doesn't work. 2. We successfully run the Ortho Mapping process on the PMS data of Gaofen-2 satellite, and adopt SRTM data with a resolution of 30 meters for DEM. It is found that in the mountainous area with large terrain relief, the generated GF2 DOM still has deformation when compared with the base map of ESRI's World Imagery. I wonder whether the Ortho Mapping process (RPC method) in ArcGIS Pro 2.8.3 uses RPC+DEM+GCP to correct each pixel or just RPC+average elevation+GCP (the latter is similar to Georeference).

[PeterBecker · Accepted solution]

Hi,
When orthorectifying satellite imagery in ArcGIS Pro, the DEM needs to be added to the mosaic dataset at the time of creation. The DEM is used to support RPC adjustment and so is a mandatory requirement. Without the DEM added to the mosaic dataset, the adjustment process will fail. In regards to your last comment/question, ArcGIS uses RPC+DEM+GCP. Please note that the accuracy of the orthorectification will be directly related to the accuracy of your DEM. So in the case of SRTM, the accuracy of that DEM is low in mountainous areas. To improve orthorectification accuracy, a more accurate DEM is required. Hopefully this helps.
ChrisP

[LMinb]

I tried to set the DEM when creating the Mosaic Dataset and it really worked, thank you so much.