ISO 13473-3:2002

Overview

ISO 13473-3:2002 - Specification and classification of profilometers - is part of the ISO 13473 series for characterization of pavement texture using surface profiles. The standard defines requirements for profilometers used in pavement engineering to deliver meaningful, accurate measurements of microtexture, macrotexture and megatexture on paved road and airfield surfaces. It also provides classification schemes for profilometers by use and accuracy. Excluded are machined-surface profile analysis and road unevenness (see ISO 8608).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Profilometer classes by mobility: mobile (high-speed and low-speed) and stationary (fast and slow), with operational speed and lane-occupation considerations.
• Texture wavelength classes: defined wavelength bands (micro- to megatexture) and associated measurement responsibilities for each class.
• Sensor types & principles: laser, light‑sectioning (vision-based), stylus (contact), ultrasonic and other operational types are described and preferred terminology is given.
• Performance requirements: minimum vertical measuring ranges, vertical resolution, and uninterrupted horizontal evaluation lengths are specified for each wavelength class and mobility type. For example, the standard defines vertical resolution requirements from about 0.001 mm (for the shortest microtexture bands) up to 0.05 mm (for large megatexture).
• Measurement outputs: guidance on profile recording, Mean Profile Depth (MPD), amplitude distributions, spectral (octave/one‑third‑octave) analysis and derived statistics (r.m.s., skewness, kurtosis).
• Calibration and reporting: calibration procedures, reference surfaces (Annex A), and minimum reporting/specification details to ensure traceability and comparability of texture measurements.

Applications

• Instrument selection and procurement: match profilometer class and performance to survey objectives (e.g., routine road surveys, airport runway assessments, research).
• Quality control and asset management: texture monitoring for skid resistance, noise studies, and pavement maintenance prioritization.
• Test labs and calibration services: implementing calibration routines and reporting practices to meet traceable measurement standards.
• Research and development: validating new sensor concepts and comparing profilometer performance.

Who should use this standard

• Pavement engineers, road and airport authorities, test laboratories, profilometer manufacturers, procurement specialists, and researchers working on pavement texture, skid resistance and surface characterization.

Related standards

• ISO 13473-1 (MPD determination)
• ISO 13473-2 (terminology and basic requirements)
• ISO 8608 (road unevenness - excluded topic)
• Other surface metrology standards (e.g., ISO 4287) for machined surfaces

Keywords: ISO 13473-3, pavement texture, profilometer specification, profilometers, microtexture, macrotexture, megatexture, profilometer calibration, surface profiles, Mean Profile Depth (MPD).