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U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
National Center for EROS
Remote Sensing Technologies Group
Mapping the Path toDigital Sensor Calibration
ASPRS Photogrammetry - Part2: Digital Sensor Calibration: Research, Policies, and Standards
March 2005
Greg StensaasUSGS EROS
2U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey
History
USGS has been calibrating aerial film cameras since 1973USGS actively involved with establishing requirements and standards for photo imagery for many years
Film camera standards since 1950’s with the National Bureau of StandardsNational Map Accuracy standards since the 1940’s
In 1999 ASPRS panel asked USGS to develop standards, policies and guidelines for the digital aerial mapping communityUSGS Land Remote Sensing Program has a cross-center project team actively working to answer ASPRS recommendations
3U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey
ASPRS Recommendations1. The USGS Optical Science Laboratory (OSL) should
continue to calibrate film mapping cameras using the present calibrator and the Simultaneous Multiframe Analytical Calibration (SMAC) program.
2. Initiate the design, development, and implementation of a digital camera calibration capability at the USGS (est. required investment - $4 M).
3. Conduct research efforts in order to support a reliable and cost effective transition to digital acquisition systems (est. required investment - $1 M)
4. Initiate the design, development and implementation of an in situ (flight) calibration process.
4U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey
ASPRS Recommendations5. The USGS Optical Science Laboratory (OSL) should
continue to calibrate film mapping cameras using the present calibrator and the Simultaneous Multiframe Analytical Calibration (SMAC) program.
6. Initiate the design, development, and implementation of a digital camera calibration capability at the USGS (est. required investment - $4 M).
7. Conduct research efforts in order to support a reliable and cost effective transition to digital acquisition systems (est. required investment - $1 M)
8. Initiate the design, development and implementation of an in situ (flight) calibration process.
5U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey
The USGS Responds…..
6U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey
One: Continue Operating OSL
1. “The USGS Optical Science Laboratory (OSL) should continue to calibrate film mapping cameras using the present calibrator and the Simultaneous Multiframe Analytical Calibration (SMAC) program.”Ongoing today
USGS has invested in upgrades and continues to do soHardware upgrades, electronics, software
USGS in year-long search for glass platesFinally identified Agfa plates that will workInvesting in multi-year glass plate supplyContinuing to investigate film and electronic alternatives
The USGS is committed to continuing OSL operations for foreseeable future
7U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey
Two & Three: Research/Build Digital Capabilities
2. “Initiate the design, development, and implementation of a digital camera calibration capability at the USGS (estimated required investment - $4 M).”
3. “Conduct research efforts in order to support a reliable and cost effective transition to digital acquisition systems (estimated required investment - $1 M)”USGS has already invested in the following research capabilities
Pictometry for Small/Medium-Format calibration cageOSU for In-Situ methodology for digital (and potentially film?)SDSU-developed MTF tools; lab & in-situ;
Requesting funding for additional capabilitiesAdditional development & validation in-situBuild & expand USGS sensor laboratory at EDCFurther work on MTF tool; radiometry?
(more in Future Plans – Jon Christopherson briefing)
8U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey
Four: In-Situ Calibration
4.“Initiate the design, development and implementation of an in situ (flight) calibration process.”USGS working with OSU, SDSU, industry, manufacturers to test and validate several different methodsDeveloped in-situ ranges for independent validation
Incorporates EROS instrumentation capabilitiesUSGS actively involved with industry and NASA SSC in Digital Airborne Product Verification (see Phil Rufe’s presentation)Digital Sensor manufacturers and work this and are interested in making things happenVery promising!
9U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey
Five: Satellite Data
5. “A calibration/verification process must be established for satellite imagery.”USGS, partnered with NASA and NGA, leading the Joint Agency Commercial Imagery Evaluation (JACIE) team.
On-going for four years nowHosted at USGS Headquarters in RestonJACIE evolving to address airborne and international datasetsUSGS leading CRSSP implementation
USGS also involved in other Satellite Cal/ValLandsat(s) 5 & 7, EO-1 ALI and Hyperion, LDCMInternational – Surrey Satellite, CBERS-2, ResourcesSat-1Active in CEOS WGCV, EuroSDR, ASPRS/ISPRSRObotic Lunar Observatory (ROLO)
10U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey
Six: Develop Standards
6. Develop a U.S. Standard for camera and sensor calibration. USGS has had standards for other data for years
Existing National Map Accuracy Standards served paper maps for decadesDOQ standards served initial digitized aerial imageryThe limited capabilities of the sensors and processes originally used in producing digital orthoimagery led to simpler standards (primarily geometry)
The USGS is leading an effort to define new Digital Remote Sensing Data standards
Desire ASPRS and industry participationPossibility for international standards w/ ISPRS
11U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey
Six: Develop Standards (cont.)
Inter-Agency Digital Imagery Work Group (IADIWG) established
• Cooperating agencies: BOR, BLM, COE, EPA, FSA, FWS, NIST, NGA, NOAA, NRCS, USFS, and USGS
• Kickoff meeting held and draft charter developed• Draft specifications, guidelines, and standards for digital
image acquisition being worked• Host workshop to review draft specifications, guidelines,
and standards – Summer 2005 • Draft Final presented to ASPRS PECORA 16 - October
2005• Other potential efforts
• Other digital data types and data formats• Help compile aerial data requirements and contract vehicles
• ASPRS PDAD Geospatial Image Quality Commission
12U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey
Seven: USGS Funding
7. Adequate funding should be sought in order to ensure the continued operation of the Optical Science Laboratory (OSL), as well as to provide for the improvements and extensions described in the preceding recommendations.OSL calibrations are paid by fees charged to camera owners
Fees likely to increase in FY06This will be first fee increase since 1999
USGS funding has been limitedMany tasks – limited fundsProject is established and ready for growth Optimistic for future
Inter-agency funding support?