Overview
ISO/TS 19159-1:2014 - Geographic information - Calibration and validation of remote sensing imagery sensors and data - Part 1: Optical sensors - defines how to calibrate and validate airborne and spaceborne optical imaging sensors. The Technical Specification covers geometric, radiometric and spectral calibration, including laboratory and in situ calibration methods, and specifies how to validate the calibration information and capture associated metadata for frame cameras and line (2D CCD) scanners.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Calibration domains: geometry (positioning/IFOV), radiometry (irradiance, dark current, noise, DSNU) and spectral response.
- Instrument scope: airborne photogrammetric cameras and spaceborne optical sensors (frame and line cameras).
- Validation: procedures to assess the validity of calibration parameters and interim validation strategies between full calibrations.
- Metadata and conformance: standardized service metadata, data types and code lists for calibration procedures; conformance classes and an Abstract test suite (Annex A) guide implementation testing.
- Supporting annexes: normative Annexes include a data dictionary (Annex B) and self-calibration models (Annex C); informative Annex D discusses calibration and validation quality measures.
- Terminology and measures: standard definitions (e.g., GSD, IFOV, measurement uncertainty, measurement precision) to ensure common interpretation across projects.
Practical Applications
ISO/TS 19159-1:2014 is used to:
- Ensure traceable radiometric and geometric calibration of remote sensing imagery for mapping, DEM production, photogrammetry and multispectral analysis.
- Standardize calibration metadata for archive, distribution and reprocessing of imagery datasets.
- Support quality assurance in satellite and airborne sensor commissioning, periodic re-calibration and in situ validation campaigns.
- Guide sensor manufacturers, calibration facilities, national mapping agencies, remote sensing service providers and geospatial data producers in implementing consistent calibration/validation workflows.
Who Should Use This Standard
- Satellite operators and airborne survey companies
- Photogrammetry and remote sensing laboratories and calibration facilities
- GIS and geospatial data quality managers, mapping agencies and research institutions
- Sensor manufacturers and integrators implementing calibration metadata and conformance testing
Related Standards
- ISO 19115-2 (Metadata - Extensions for imagery and gridded data)
- ISO/TS 19130 (Imagery sensor models for geopositioning)
- Other planned parts of ISO 19159 (LIDAR, RADAR/SAR/InSAR, SONAR) extend calibration/validation guidance to non-optical sensors
Using ISO/TS 19159-1:2014 helps organizations achieve repeatable, documented calibration and validation of optical remote sensing imagery, improving data quality, interoperability and confidence for downstream geospatial applications.