Mapping the Path to Digital Sensor Calibration

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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

Mapping the Path toDigital Sensor Calibration

ASPRS Photogrammetry - Part2: Digital Sensor Calibration: Research, Policies, and Standards

March 2005

Greg StensaasUSGS EROS

[email protected]

Greg StensaasUSGS EROS

[email protected]

2U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey

HistoryHistory

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


ASPRS RecommendationsASPRS Recommendations

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.

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.


ASPRS RecommendationsASPRS Recommendations

5. A calibration/verification process must be established for satellite imagery.

6. Develop a U.S. Standard for camera and sensor calibration.

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.


The USGS Responds…..The USGS Responds…..


One: Continue Operating OSLOne: 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 todayUSGS 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


Two & Three: Research/Build Digital CapabilitiesTwo & 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 cage

OSU for In-Situ methodology for digital (and potentially film?)

SDSU-developed MTF tools; lab & in-situ;

Requesting funding for additional capabilities

Additional development & validation in-situ

Build & expand USGS sensor laboratory at EDC

Further work on MTF tool; radiometry?

(more in Future Plans – Jon Christopherson briefing)


Four: In-Situ CalibrationFour: 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 capabilities

USGS 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!


Five: Satellite Data 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 now

Hosted at USGS Headquarters in Reston

JACIE evolving to address airborne and international datasets

USGS leading CRSSP implementation

USGS also involved in other Satellite Cal/Val

Landsat(s) 5 & 7, EO-1 ALI and Hyperion, LDCM

International – Surrey Satellite, CBERS-2, ResourcesSat-1

Active in CEOS WGCV, EuroSDR, ASPRS/ISPRS

RObotic Lunar Observatory (ROLO)


Six: Develop StandardsSix: 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


Six: Develop Standards (cont.)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


Seven: USGS FundingSeven: 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 FY06

This will be first fee increase since 1999

USGS funding has been limitedMany tasks – limited funds

Project is established and ready for growth Optimistic for future

Inter-agency funding support?

Documents

Mapping the Path to Digital Sensor Calibration