Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop Camera calibration program in the United States: past, present, and future U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop Background: USGS camera calibration responsibility Responsibility transferred to the USGS in 1973 Laboratory calibration using multi-collimators Calibration instrument designed for metric 230- x 230-mm film-base aerial cameras
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop Background: Evolution of digital technology: Photogrammetric scanners over fifteen years ago Small-format cameras being used for years by a small sector of the mapping community Large-format aerial cameras have been in development for years and have emerged Non-optical sensors playing a bigger role 1-meter and sub-meter products from satellites
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop Background: USGS failure to be prepared for digital cameras resulted in: Lack of experience with digital cameras Lack of instrumentation to continue calibrations Lack of upgrade strategy from analog to digital Lack of standards and policies
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop Complicating issues: Inability to perform laboratory calibration on small format digital cameras Different designs of digital cameras Different hardware/software solutions Integration of cameras with other systems such as IMU and airborne-GPS equipment
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop The bottom line for calibration: Ensuring quality of the end-product But: Who does it? How is it done?
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop Current approval authorities: For now: USGS (cameras) USGS and other agency contracting offices (product characterizations) Future may include: Government-approved independent evaluators/consultants UL-type organization
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop How? Component calibration (camera calibration) System calibration (LIDAR systems) Process evaluation (error budget analysis) Product characterization (satellite products) ISO certification (quality management plan)
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop USGS camera calibration efforts: Stabilization of analog calibration instrument Development and installation of interim calibration capability for small-format cameras Development of in-situ calibration site and software
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop Analog calibration:
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop Analog calibration: Maintain current policy Continue to provide camera calibrations on a cost recovery basis
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop Interim digital capability at EDC:
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop Interim digital capability: Testing stability of calibrations with USGS camera Calibration of other cameras on a research basis Comparison of results with other laboratory calibration methods Comparison of results with in-situ calibration approach
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop In-situ calibration: Initial operating capability to include site preparation, software development, and testing with USGS camera Operational testing with other cameras for comparisons in stability Extension of software to allow other in-situ sites
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop SSC Remote Sensing Radial Target and Edge Response Targets Product Characterizations over NASA Stennis Test Range
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop Product Characterizations: Performed under USGS/NASA agreement First round funded by USGS Data acquisition over Stennis test site Data provider generates end-product to be evaluated (e.g., 1-foot resolution DOQ) NASA performs evaluation USGS provides acceptance letter
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop Future work: Perform radiometry testing Comparison of calibration methods Evaluation of product characterizations Development of in-situ calibration standards Development of related standards
Radiometric and Geometric Calibration Workshop Contact information: George Lee, USGS, , Greg Stensaas, USGS, , Vicki Zanoni, NASA, ,