ISO/TS 19159-1:2014

TECHNICAL ISO/TS
SPECIFICATION 19159-1
First edition
2014-07-15
Geographic information — Calibration
and validation of remote sensing
imagery sensors and data —
Part 1:
Optical sensors
Information géographique — Calibration et validation de capteurs de
télédétecion —
Partie 1: Capteurs optiques
Reference number
©
ISO 2014
© ISO 2014
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ii © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Conformance . 1
3 Normative references . 1
4 Terms and definitions . 1
5 Abbreviated terms and symbols . 8
5.1 Abbreviated terms . 8
5.2 Symbols .10
5.3 Variable names of the Jacobsen model .10
5.4 Conventions .10
6 Calibration .11
6.1 Project .11
6.2 Package OpticsSensor, Geometry .16
6.3 Package OpticsSensor, Radiometry .25
6.4 Package OpticsCalibrationFacility, Geometry .35
6.5 Package OpticsCalibrationFacility, Radiometry .41
6.6 Package OpticsValidation .45
7 Documentation .46
7.1 Semantics .46
7.2 Package Documentation .47
Annex A (normative) Abstract test suite .49
Annex B (normative) Data dictionary .54
Annex C (normative) Self calibration models .85
Annex D (informative) Calibration and validation quality measures .94
Bibliography .100
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2. www.iso.org/directives
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received. www.iso.org/patents
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical Barriers
to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 211, Geographic information/Geomatics.
ISO 19159 consists of the following parts, under the general title Geographic information — Calibration
and validation of remote sensing imagery sensors:
— Part 1: Optical sensors
Part 2 is planned to cover laser scanning, also known as light detection and ranging (LIDAR), SAR/InSAR
(RADAR) and SONAR (sound). Parts 3 and 4 are planned to cover RADAR (radio detection and ranging)
with the subtopics SAR (synthetic aperture radar) and InSAR (interferometric SAR) as well as SONAR
(sound detection and ranging) that is applied in hydrography
iv © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

Introduction
Imaging sensors are one of the major data sources for geographic information. Typical spatial outcomes
of the production process are vector maps, Digital Elevation Models, and three-dimensional city models.
There are typically two streams of spectral data analysis, that is, the statistical method, which includes
image segmentation, and the physics-based method, which relies on characterization of specific spectral
absorption features.
In each of the cases, the quality of the end products fully depends on the quality of the measuring
instruments that has originally sensed the data. The quality of measuring instruments is determined
and documented by calibration.
A calibration is often a costly and time-consuming process. Therefore, a number of different strategies are
used that combine longer time intervals between subsequent calibrations with simplified intermediate
calibration procedures that bridge the time gap and still guarantee a traceable level of quality. Those
intermediate calibrations are called validations in this part of ISO 19159.
This part of ISO 19159 standardizes the calibration of remote sensing imagery sensors and the validation
of the calibration information and procedures. It does not address the validation of the data and the
derived products.
Many types of imagery sensors exist for remote sensing tasks. Apart from the different technologies, the
need for a standardization of the various sensor types has different levels of priority. In order to meet
those requirements, ISO 19159 has been split into more than one part. Part 1 covers optical sensors, i.e.
airborne photogrammetric cameras and spaceborne optical sensors. Part 2 is intended to cover laser
scanning, also known as LIDAR (Light detection and ranging).
Parts 3 and 4 are planned to cover RADAR (radio detection and ranging) with the subtopics SAR
(synthetic aperture radar) and InSAR (interferometric SAR) as well as SONAR (sound detection and
ranging) that is applied in hydrography.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ISO/TS 19159-1:2014(E)
Geographic information — Calibration and validation of
remote sensing imagery sensors and data —
Part 1:
Optical sensors
1 Scope
This part of ISO 19159 defines the calibration and validation of airborne and spaceborne remote sensing
imagery sensors.
The term “calibration” refers to geometry, radiometry, and spectral, and includes the instrument
calibration in a laboratory as well as in situ calibration methods.
The validation methods address validation of the calibration information.
This part of ISO 19159 also addresses the associated metadata related to calibration and validation
which have not been defined in other geographic information International Standards.
The specified sensors include optical sensors of the frame camera and line camera types (2D CCD
scanners).
2 Conformance
This part of ISO 19159 standardizes the service metadata for the calibration procedures of optical remote
sensing sensors as well as the associated data types and code lists. Therefore conformance depends on
the type of entity declaring conformance.
Mechanisms for the transfer of data are conformant to this part of ISO 19159 if they can be considered to
consist of transfer record and type definitions that implement or extend a consistent subset of the object
types described within this part of ISO 19159.
Details of the conformance classes are given in the Abstract test suite in Annex A.
3 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable to its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 19115-2:2009, Geographic information — Metadata — Part 2: Extensions for imagery and gridded data
ISO/TS 19130:2010, Geographic information — Imagery sensor models for geopositioning
4 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
4.1
blooming
overflow of an over-saturated signal of one pixel to the neighbouring pixel
4.2
calibration
process of quantitatively defining a system’s responses to known, controlled signal inputs
[SOURCE: ISO/TS 19101-2:2008, 4.2]
Note 1 to entry: A calibration is an operation that, under specified conditions, in a first step, establishes a
relationship between indications (with associated measurement (4.16) uncertainties) and the physical quantity
(4.27) values (with measurement uncertainties) provided by measurement standards.
4.3
calibration curve
expression of the relation between indication and corresponding measured quantity (4.27) value
Note 1 to entry: A calibration curve expresses a one-to-one relation that does not supply a measurement (4.16)
result as it bears no information about the measurement uncertainty (4.38).
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 99:2007, 4.31]
4.4
calibration validation
process of assessing the validity of parameters
Note 1 to entry: With respect to the general definition of validation the “calibration validation” does only refer to
a small set of parameters (attribute values) such as the result of a sensor (4.32) calibration.
4.5
correction
compensation for an estimated systematic effect
Note 1 to entry: See ISO/IEC Guide 98-3:2008, 3.2.3, for an explanation of “systematic effect”.
Note 2 to entry: The compensation can take different forms, such as an addend or a factor, or can be deduced from
a table.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 99:2007, 2.53]
4.6
dark current
output current of a photoelectric detector (4.9) (or of its cathode) in the absence of incident radiation
Note 1 to entry: For calibration of optical sensors (4.32) dark current is measured by the absence of incident
optical radiation.
4.7
dark current noise
noise (4.22) of current at the output of a detector (4.9), when no optical radiation is sensed
4.8
dark signal non uniformity
DSNU
response of a detector (4.9) element if no visible or infrared light is present
Note 1 to entry: This activation is mostly caused by imperfection of the detector.
4.9
detector
device that generates an output signal in response to an energy input
Note 1 to entry: The energy input may be provided by electro-magnetic radiation. The output may be a measurable
and reproducible electrical signal.
[SOURCE: ISO/TS 19130:2010, 4.18, modified]
2 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

4.10
ground sampling distance
GSD
linear distance between pixel centres on the ground
Note 1 to entry: GSD is a measure (4.15) of one limitation to image resolution (4.30), that is, the limitation due to
sampling distance on the ground that corresponds to the pixel distances in the image plane.
Note 2 to entry: The GSD is the distance between the centre points of surface elements represented by adjacent
elements in the image matrix.
Note 3 to entry: The GSD depends on flying height, terrain height and observation angle.
Note 4 to entry: The GSD can also be named ground sample distance.
Note 5 to entry: This definition also applies for water surfaces.
[SOURCE: ISO/TS 19130:2010, 4.45, modified — Notes 1 to 4 have been added.]
4.11
in situ measurement
direct measurement (4.16) of the measurand in its original place
4.12
instantaneous field of view
IFOV
instantaneous region seen by a single detector (4.9) element, measured in angular space
[SOURCE: ISO/TS 19130-2:2014, 4.36]
4.13
irradiance
electro-magnetic radiation energy per unit area per unit time
Note 1 to entry: The SI unit is watts per square metre (W/m ).
4.14
keystone effect
distortion of a projected image caused by a tilt between the image plane and the projection plane
resulting in a trapezoidal shaped projection of a rectangular image
4.15
measure
value described using a numeric amount with a scale or using a scalar reference system
Note 1 to entry: When used as a noun, measure is a synonym for physical quantity (4.27).
[SOURCE: ISO 19136:2007, 4.1.41]
4.16
measurement
set of operations having the object of determining the value of a quantity (4.27)
[SOURCE: ISO/TS 19101-2:2008, 4.20]
4.17
measurement accuracy
accuracy of measurement
accuracy
closeness of agreement between a test result or measurement (4.16) result and the true value
Note 1 to entry: The concept “measurement accuracy” is not a quantity (4.27) and is not given a numerical quantity
value. A measurement is said to be more accurate when it offers a smaller measurement error (4.18).
Note 2 to entry: The term “measurement accuracy” should not be used for measurement trueness and the term
measurement precision (4.19) should not be used for “measurement accuracy”, which, however, is related to both
these concepts.
Note 3 to entry: “Measurement accuracy” is sometimes understood as closeness of agreement between measured
quantity values that are being attributed to the measurand.
[SOURCE: ISO 6709:2008, 4.1, modified — The preferred term is “measurement accuracy” rather than
“accuracy” and Notes 1 to 3 have been added.]
4.18
measurement error
error of measurement
error
measured quantity (4.27) value minus a reference quantity value
Note 1 to entry: The concept of “measurement error” can be used both
a) when there is a single reference quantity value to refer to, which occurs if a calibration is made by means of
a measurement (4.16) standard with a measured quantity value having a negligible measurement uncertainty
(4.38) or if a conventional quantity value is given, in which case the measurement error is known, and
b) if a measurand is supposed to be represented by a unique true quantity value or a set of true quantity values
of negligible range, in which case the measurement error is not known.
Note 2 to entry: Measurement error should not be confused with production error or mistake.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 99:2007, 2.16]
4.19
measurement precision
precision
closeness of agreement between indications or measured quantity (4.27) values obtained by replicate
measurements (4.16) on the same or similar objects under specified conditions
Note 1 to entry: Measurement precision is usually expressed numerically by measures of imprecision, such as
standard deviation, variance, or coefficient of variation under the specified conditions of measurement.
Note 2 to entry: The “specified conditions” can be, for example, repeatability conditions of measurement,
intermediate precision conditions of measurement, or reproducibility conditions of measurement (see ISO 5725-3).
Note 3 to entry: Measurement precision is used to define measurement repeatability, intermediate measurement
precision, and measurement reproducibility.
Note 4 to entry: Sometimes “measurement precision” is erroneously used to mean measurement accuracy (4.17).
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 99:2007, 2.15]
4.20
metric traceability
property of the result of a measurement (4.16) or the value of a standard whereby it can be related to stated
references, usually national or international standards, through an unbroken chain of comparisons all
having stated uncertainties
[SOURCE: ISO/TS 19101-2:2008, 4.23]
4.21
metrological traceability chain
traceability chain
sequence of measurement (4.16) standards and calibrations that is used to relate a measurement result
to a reference
Note 1 to entry: A metrological traceability chain is defined through a calibration hierarchy.
4 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

Note 2 to entry: A metrological traceability chain is used to establish metrological traceability of a measurement
result.
Note 3 to entry: A comparison between two measurement standards may be viewed as a calibration if the
comparison is used to check and, if necessary, correct the quantity (4.27) value and measurement uncertainty
(4.38) attributed to one of the measurement standards.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 99:2007, 2.42]
4.22
noise
unwanted signal which can corrupt the measurement (4.16)
Note 1 to entry: Noise is a random fluctuation in a signal disturbing the recognition of a carried information.
[SOURCE: ISO 12718:2008, 2.26]
4.23
pixel response non-uniformity
PRNU
inhomogeneity of the response of the detectors (4.9) of a detector array to a uniform activation
4.24
point-spread function
PSF
characteristic response of an imaging system to a high-contrast point target
[SOURCE: IEC 88528-11:2004]
4.25
positional accuracy
closeness of coordinate value to the true or accepted value in a specified reference system
Note 1 to entry: The phrase “absolute accuracy” is sometimes used for this concept to distinguish it from relative
positional accuracy. Where the true coordinate value may not be perfectly known, accuracy is normally tested by
comparison to available values that can best be accepted as true.
[SOURCE: ISO 19116:2004, 4.20]
4.26
quality assurance
part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled
[SOURCE: ISO 9000:2005, 3.2.11]
4.27
quantity
property of a phenomenon, body, or substance, where the property has a magnitude that can be expressed
as a number and a reference
Note 1 to entry: A reference can be a measurement (4.16) unit, a measurement procedure, a reference material, or
a combination of such.
Note 2 to entry: Symbols for quantities are given in the ISO 80000 and IEC 80000 series Quantities and units. The
symbols for quantities are written in italics. A given symbol can indicate different quantities.
Note 3 to entry: A quantity as defined here is a scalar. However, a vector or a tensor, the components of which are
quantities, is also considered to be a quantity.
Note 4 to entry: The concept “quantity” may be generically divided into, e.g. “physical quantity”, “chemical
quantity”, and “biological quantity”, or “base quantity” and “derived quantity”.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 99:2007, 1.1, modified — The Notes have been changed.]
4.28
reference standard
measurement (4.16) standard designated for the calibration of other measurement standards for
quantities of a given kind in a given organization or at a given location
4.29
remote sensing
collection and interpretation of information about an object without being in physical contact with the
object
[SOURCE: ISO/TS 19101-2:2008, 4.33]
4.30
resolution
smallest distance between two uniformly illuminated objects that can be separately resolved
in an image
Note 1 to entry: This definition refers to the spatial resolution.
Note 2 to entry: In the general case, the resolution determines the possibility to distinguish between separated
neighbouring features (objects).
Note 3 to entry: Resolution can also refer to the spectral and the temporal resolution.
[SOURCE: ISO/TS 19130-2:2014, 4.61, modified: Notes 1 to 3 have been added]
4.31
resolution
smallest difference between indications of a sensor (4.32) that can be meaningfully distinguished
Note 1 to entry: For imagery, resolution (4.30) refers to radiometric, spectral, spatial and temporal resolutions.
[SOURCE: ISO/TS 19101-2:2008, 4.34]
4.32
sensor
element of a measuring system that is directly affected by a phenomenon, body, or substance carrying a
quantity (4.27) to be measured
Note 1 to entry: Active or passive sensors exist. Often two or more sensors are combined to a measuring system.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 99:2007, 3.8, modified — The Note has been changed.]
4.33
smile distortion
centre wavelength shift of spectral channels caused by optical distortion
Note 1 to entry: This distortion is often simply called smile.
4.34
spectral resolution
specific wavelength interval within the electromagnetic spectrum
Note 1 to entry: The spectral wavelength interval is the least difference in the radiation wavelengths of two
monochromatic radiators of equal intensity that can be distinguished according to a given criterion.
Note 2 to entry: Spectral resolution determines the ability to distinguish between separated adjacent spectral
features.
[SOURCE: ISO 19115-2:2009, 4.30, modified: Notes 1 to 2 have been added]
6 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

4.35
spectral responsivity
responsivity per unit wavelength interval at a given wavelength
Note 1 to entry: The spectral responsivity is the response of the sensor (4.32) with respect to the wavelengths
dependent radiance.
Note 2 to entry: The definition is described mathematically in IEC 60050–845. The spectral responsivity is
quotient of the detector (4.9) output d Y(λ) by the monochromatic detector input dX (λ) = X , (λ) • dλ in the
e e λ
wavelength interval dλ as a function of the wavelength λ
dY()λ
s()λ =
dX ()λ
c
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845]
4.36
standardization
activity of establishing, with regard to actual or potential problems, provisions for common and repeated
use, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context
Note 1 to entry: In particular, the activity consists of the processes of formulating, issuing and implementing
standards.
Note 2 to entry: Important benefits of standardization are improvement of the suitability of products, processes
and services for their intended purposes, prevention of barriers to trade and facilitation of technological
cooperation.
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 2:2004, 1.1]
4.37
stray light
electromagnetic radiation that has been detected but did not come directly from the IFOV (4.12)
Note 1 to entry: Stray light may be reflected light within a telescope.
Note 2 to entry: This definition is valid for the optical portion of the spectrum under observation.
4.38
uncertainty
parameter, associated with the result of measurement (4.16), that characterizes the dispersion of values
that could reasonably be attributed to the measurand
Note 1 to entry: The parameter may be, for example, a standard deviation (or a given multiple of it), or the half-
width of an interval having a stated level of confidence.
Note 2 to entry: Uncertainty of measurement comprises, in general, many components. Some of these components
may be evaluated from the statistical distribution of the results of series of measurements and can be characterized
by experimental standard deviations. The other components, which can also be characterized by standard
deviations, are evaluated from assumed probability distributions based on experience or other information.
Note 3 to entry: It is understood that the result of the measurement is the best estimate of the value of the
measurand, and that all components of uncertainty, including those arising from systematic effects, such as
components associated with corrections (4.5) and reference standards (4.28), contribute to the dispersion.
Note 4 to entry: When the quality of accuracy or precision (4.19) of measured values, such as coordinates, is to be
characterized quantitatively, the quality parameter is an estimate of the uncertainty of the measurement results.
Because accuracy is a qualitative concept, one should not use it quantitatively, that is associate numbers with it;
numbers should be associated with measures of uncertainty instead.
Note 5 to entry: Measurement uncertainty includes components arising from systematic effects, such as
components associated with corrections and the assigned quantity (4.27) values of measurement standards, as
well as the definitional uncertainty. Sometimes estimated systematic effects are not corrected for but, instead,
associated measurement uncertainty components are incorporated
Note 6 to entry: The parameter may be, for example, a standard deviation called standard measurement
uncertainty (or a specified multiple of it), or the half-width of an interval, having a stated coverage probability.
Note 7 to entry: Measurement uncertainty comprises, in general, many components. Some of these may be
evaluated by Type A evaluation of measurement uncertainty from the statistical distribution of the quantity
values from series of measurements and can be characterized by standard deviations. The other components,
which may be evaluated by Type B evaluation of measurement uncertainty, can also be characterized by standard
deviations, evaluated from probability density functions based on experience or other information.
Note 8 to entry: In general, for a given set of information, it is understood that the measurement uncertainty
is associated with a stated quality value attributed to the measurand. A modification of this value results in a
modification of the associated uncertainty.
[SOURCE: ISO 19116:2004, 4.26]
4.39
validation
process of assessing, by independent means, the quality of the data products derived from the system
outputs
Note 1 to entry: In this part of ISO 19159, the term validation is used in a limited sense and only relates to the
validation of calibration data in order to control their change over time.
[SOURCE: ISO/TS 19101-2:2008, 4.41]
4.40
verification
provision of objective evidence that a given item fulfils specified requirements
Note 1 to entry: When applicable, measurement (4.16)uncertainty (4.38) should be taken into consideration.
Note 2 to entry: The item may be, e.g. a process, measurement procedure, material, compound, or measuring
system.
Note 3 to entry: The specified requirements may be, e.g. that a manufacturer’s specifications are met.
Note 4 to entry: Verification should not be confused with calibration. Not every verification is a validation (4.39).
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC Guide 99:2007, 2.44, modified — Note 6 has been deleted.]
4.41
vicarious calibration
post-launch calibration of sensors (4.32) that make use of natural or artificial sites on the surface of the
Earth
5 Abbreviated terms and symbols
5.1 Abbreviated terms
ASTER Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer
[METI (Japan); NASA]
BRDF Bi-directional reflectance distribution function
CA Calibration and validation
CalVal Calibration and validation
CCD Charge coupled device
CEOS Committee on Earth Observation Satellites
8 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

CEOS WGCV Committee on Earth Observation Satellites Working Group Calibration Validation
ENVISAT Environmental Satellite
EO Earth observation
ERS European Remote Sensing Satellite (ESA)
ESA European Space Agency
FOV Field-of-view
GEO Group on Earth Observations
GEOSS Global Earth Observation System of Systems
GMES Global monitoring earth system
GPS Global positioning system
GS Ground segment
GUM ISO Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
METI Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan
MIR Mid infrared
MTF Modulation transfer function
NASA US National Aeronautic and Space Administration
NIR Near infrared (spectral region)
QA Quality assurance
QA4EO Quality assurance framework for earth observation
RMSE Root mean square error
RTC Radiative transfer code
SAA Solar azimuth angle
SMAC Simultaneous multiframe analytical calibration
SWIR Shortwave infrared
SZA Solar zenith angle
TIR Thermal infrared
TOA Top of the atmosphere
VAA View azimuth angle
VIM International Vocabulary of Metrology
VIS Visible
VZA View zenith angle
5.2 Symbols
Solar angle
Θ
s
E ()λ Solar irradiance at top of the atmosphere
s
hc /λ
Photon elementary energy
T (,λμ ) Gaseous transmittance of the downward path
gs
T (,λμ) Scattering transmittance for the downward path, black ocean and no Fresnel reflection
atm
S ()λ Spherical albedo
atm
ρλ() Lambertian surface reflectance (water body + foam)
w
5.3 Variable names of the Jacobsen model
BSXU x-value of the size of the effectively used original-CCD-size of the UltraCam
BSYU y-value of the size of the effectively used original-CCD-size of the UltraCam
FACR r’ (distance from image centre) in a camera head (original image)
FACRS x-component for an additional parameter
FACTS y-component for an additional parameter
FACRX x-component for a camera head
FACRY y-component for a camera head
RO r’ (distance from image centre) in the virtual image
RSING r’ (distance from image centre) in a camera head (original image)
WR viewing direction in the virtual image [tan]
WTX x-component of image centre of an image of a camera head (original image) [tan]
WTY y-component of image centre of an image of a camera head (original image) [tan]
WX x-component of the viewing direction in the virtual image
WY y-component of the viewing direction in the virtual image
A camera head is the part of a multihead camera where the original image is taken (6.2.8).
5.4 Conventions
Some of the classes and attributes are defined in other geographic information International Standards.
Those classes and attributes are identified by one of the following two-character codes.
CA = This part of ISO 19159
10 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

CI = ISO 19115-1
MD = ISO 19115-1
MI = ISO 19115-2
SD = ISO/TS 19130
6 Calibration
6.1 Project
6.1.1 General
This part of ISO 19159 standardizes the calibration of remote sensing imagery sensors and the validation
of the calibration information. The ISO 19159 series is split into more than one part, each of them
addressing a specific sensor type. This part of ISO 19159 addresses optical sensors i.e. airborne and
spaceborne cameras. They include digital frame cameras that take a two-dimensional image as a whole,
line cameras which apply the pushbroom or whiskbroom principle as well as sensors that are capable
of recording electromagnetic radiation of the infrared spectrum such as thermal, multispectral, and
hyperspectral cameras.
All measures of this part of ISO 19159 related to positional accuracy lead to quantitative results according
to ISO 19157 and ISO 19115-1.
Figure 1 depicts a package diagram that shows all intended parts of ISO 19159 at the time of publication
of this part of ISO 19159.
The CalibrationValidation package represents the top level with only a little additional information.
pkg CalibrationValidation (1)
CalibrationValidation
Optics LIDAR RADAR SONAR
OpticsSensor OpticsCalibrationFacility OpticsValidation OpticsDocumentation
Figure 1 — Package diagram of the package CalibrationValidation
The global settings of ISO 19159 (all parts) are explained in 6.1.2 to 6.1.5. Figure 2 depicts the top-level
class diagram of ISO 19159 (all parts). The specialization for CA_OpticalSensors is shown in Figure 3.
The Optics package and its subordinate packages cover the content of this part of ISO 19159. The LIDAR,
RADAR and SONAR packages show the titles of the intended additional parts of ISO 19159 (all parts).
class CA_CalibrationValidation (2)
«Abstract»
MD_ContentInformation
MD_Cov erageDescription
+ a ttrib uteT yp e :RecordT yp e
+ co nten tT yp e :M D_ Co ve rageConten tT yp eCod e
«Abstract»
CA_CalibrationValidation
CA_OpticalSensors
+ ca lib ra ti on Type :CA_ Ca li brati onT yp e
CA_PhotoFlight CA_Radiation CA_Target
+ num berOfP hotoFli ghts :In te ger + atmo sphe ri cCo ndi ti on :Cha ra cterStri ng + equi pm ent :Cha ra cterStri ng
+ photoS ca le :Real [1 .n] + atmo sphe ri cM odel :Cha ra cterStri ng + ta rge tIn cl in atio n :A ngl e
+ fl yi ngHei ght :Length [1 .n] + mo de lT yp e :CI_ Ci ta ti on + ta rgetAzim uth :A ngl e
+ fl yi ngA ltitudeAboveG round :Length [1 .n ] + so la rA zi mu th :A ng le + ta rgetAl ti tude :L ength
+ te rra in He i ght :Length + so la rInci dentA ngl e :A ngl e + skyVi ewFa ctor :Rea l
+ al ongS trip Overl ap :Real [1 .n ] + so la rZen ithAngl e :A ngl e + vi ewsh ed :Cha ra cterStri ng
+ acro ssStri pO ve rl ap :Real [1 .n ] + so la rIrrad ia nce :CA_ Irra di anceM odel + ta rgetEn vi ro nm ent :CA_ Ta rgetEn vi ro nm en t
+ base :Length [1 .n] + ta rgetA cce ssib ility :Cha ra cterStri ng
+ num berOfP hotos :In teger + ta rgetStabi lity :Cha ra cterStri ng
+ num berOfStri ps :Integer + tran sm i tta nceSunT oT arget :Rea l
+ num berOfP hotosAl ongS trip s :In te ge r + tran sm i tta nceT argetTo Sa te llite :Rea l
+ num berOfP hotosUsed :In te ge r + sunRad ia ti onAtT opO fA tm osphere :Rea l
Exam pl es fo r th e attrib ute
+ radi an ce AtSa te llite :Real
mo del Type (B RDF-mo del ) are
the se mi em pi ri ca l mo de l, th e
«CodeList»
li nea r em pi ri ca l mo del, a nd th e
CA_IrradianceModel
non-li near se mi em pi ri ca l
mo del .
+ sm ith_and_go ttlie b _1974
«CodeList»
+ ni ckel _l abs_1984
CA_CalibrationType
+ wehrli _198 5
+ ku ru cz_1995 + la bo ra to ry
+ thu illie r_ 1996 + te stRa nge
«CodeList»
+ thu illie r_ 2001 + in Si tu
CA_TargetEnv ironment
+ ku ru cz_2005 + onboa rd
+ wo rl d_rad ia ti o n_center + vi ca ri ou s + ho mo geneou s
+ so la r_di ffu se r_ pane l + cross + in ho mo geneous
+ other + othe r + othe r
Figure 2 — Top-level class diagram of ISO 19159 (all parts)
The classes and the attributes are explained in detail in Annex B.
12 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved

6.1.2 CA_CalibrationValidation
The class CA_CalibrationValidation has one attribute that characterizes the calibration process. The
attribute has the name calibrationType and the code list CA_CalibrationType.
6.1.3 CA_PhotoFlight
The class CA_PhotoFlight has all information about the photo flight that was made to derive the
calibration results from. The length n of each array denotes the number of images in the project.
The attributes numberOfPhotoFlights denotes the quantity of photo flights that are taken for performing
the calibration. The data type is Integer.
The attribute photoScale denotes the rounded average photo scale of the calibration project. The data
type is Real.
The attributes flyingHeight and flyingAltitudeAboveGround denote the average height of the sensor
platform above the reference height plane and above the ground. The data type is Length in both cases.
The attribute terrainHeight denotes the average height of the terrain where the calibration is performed.
The terrain height is modelled as one value because it is an aggregate value which is often for information
purposes or as an approximate value. The data type is Length.
The attributes alongStripOverlap and acrossStripOverlap denote the approximate values for the along
strip and the across strip overlap of the photogrammetric block. The data type of the attribute values
is Real.
The attribute base denotes the approximate distance between two neighbouring photos. The data type
is Length.
The attributes numberOfPhotos, numberOfStrips, numberOfPhotosAlongStrip, and numberOfPhotosUsed
denote quantities, i.e. the total number of photos in the photogrammetric block, the total number of
strips, the number of photos in the along strip direction, and the number of photos used for processing
the calibration respectively. The data type is Integer in all cases.
6.1.4 CA_Radiation
The class CA_Radiation has all information that is necessary to describe the radiative environment
during the calibration process.
The attribute solarZenithAngle defines the angle from the zenith towards the sun.
The attribute solarAzimuth defines the horizontal angle to the sun counted counterclockwise from
North.
The attribute atmosphericCondition allows for a general description of the status of the atmosphere
during the calibration. The data type is CharacterString.
The attribute atmosphericModel states the atmospheric model that is applied in the calibration process.
The attribute has the data type CharacterString.
Examples of character strings defining the attribute are 6sv1.1, acorn, actor, atrem(HyspIRI L2), disort,
flash, lowtran, modtran4, modtran5, sbdart, smac (SPOT VEGETATION L2), and tafkaa.
The attribute modelType states the BRDF (Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution Function) model that
is applied in the calibration process. The data type is CI_Citation. Examples of the model type are linear
semiempirical model, linear empirical model, and nonlinear semiempirical model. Normally the citation
will contain a reference to the scientific literature describing the model.
The attribute solarIncidentAngle defines the angle which is calculated from solar zenith angle, solar
elevation angle, target azimuth, and the target Inclination.
The attribute solarIrradiance defines the irradiance of the sun. The attribute has the data type CA_
IrradianceModel.
6.1.5 CA_Target
The class CA_Target has all information necessary to describe the targets used during the calibration
process.
The attribute equipment is a character string that allows description of additional equipment, for
example measurement instruments.
The attribute targetInclination defines the inclination (slope) of a ground target. The data type is Angle.
The attribute targetAzimuth defines the azimuth of the steepest inclination of the ground target. The
data type is Angle.
The attribute targetAltitude defines the ground elevation of the target. This attribute does not regard
vegetation and man-made objects. The data type is Length.
The attribute skyViewFactor defines the portion of the sky that is visible from the ground target. The
data type is Real.
The attribute viewshed defines the area that is visible from a fixed vantage point. The attribute value
is a name of a file that provides a two-dimensional representation of the viewshed. The data type is
CharacterString.
The attribute targetEnvironment characterizes the environment of target, namely homogeneous or
inhomogeneous. The data type is CA_TargetEnvironment.
The attribute targetAccessibility describes the accessibility of the target primarily regarding road
condition and eventual seasonal changes. The data type is CharacterString.
The attribute targetStability describes the mechanical stability of the target depending on weather
conditions like humidity, heat, and wind. The data type is CharacterString.
The attribute transmittanceSunToTarget describes the amount of radiation transmitted from the sun to
a target on Earth measured in a part of one hundred. The data type is Real.
The attribute transmittanceTargetToSatellite describes the amount of radiation transmitted from a
target on Earth to the satellite measured in a part of one hundred. The data type is Real.
The attribute sunRadiationAtTopOfAtmosphere describes the amount of radiation transmitted from
the sun to the top of the atmosphere of Earth measured in a part of one hundred. The data type is Real.
The attribute radianceAtSatellite describes the amount of radiation received at the satellite measured
in a part of one hundred. The data type is Real.
6.1.6 CA_OpticalSensors
Figure 3 depicts the top-level class diagram for the calibratio
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