DigitalGlobe QuickBird Instrument / Product Descriptions

DigitalGlobe QuickBird:
Instrument / Product Descriptions
Released: June 10, 2007

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DigitalGlobe QuickBird Instrument / Product Descriptions

Executive Summary
This document describes QuickBird satellite instrument and product characteristics. It was
prepared in accordance with the format of the GMES-CMDA-EOPG-IS-08-03 document.
This product description is intended to be considered by GMES for informational
purposes only, and is applicable only for DigitalGlobe's QuickBird sensor. This product
description document contains modifications of existing QuickBird documentation in order to
meet GMES' required format. Not all descriptions included in this document are
considered "standard" measurements or characteristics for the QuickBird sensor and therefore
none of these descriptions will be considered as binding "contractual specifications" for the
purpose of QuickBird product deliveries. The specifications provided herein are for
information purposes only and are subject to change. Standard "contractual specifications"
will be jointly agreed upon by DigitalGlobe and ESA prior to the delivery of any QuickBird
products. All specifications and products described herein, and/or products delivered in
accordance with the specifications herein, are intended for internal use only and may not be
disseminated publicly for a fee or otherwise.

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DigitalGlobe QuickBird Instrument / Product Descriptions

1.1 Infrared and Visible Optical Sensors

When applicable and if available, for each mode of the sensor (e.g. wide swath, different
hyperspectral modes), the value of the following parameters and their relative
uncertainty/accuracy shall be provided:
1.1.1 MISSION CHARACTERISTICS
Code
Parameter
Definition

VALUE
Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty
Code
Parameter
Definition

VALUE
Semimajor
axis,
eccentricity,
inclination,
orbit type/
description,
altitude,
uncertainties

IVOS-01
Mission status
The status describes whether the satellite still has to be launched [specify
future launch date], or the mission is currently in its commissioning
phase [specify launch date and end of commissioning phase], or in
its operational phase [specify launch date and beginning of operational
phase], or it is a past mission [specify launch date and end of mission].
Launch Date - October 18, 2001
Operational Date January 1, 2002
NA
Operated daily since launch.
NA
IVOS-02
Orbit elements, general orbit type and satellite altitude
Semimajor axis [km], eccentricity, inclination [deg].
For example whether the orbit is sun-synchronous, retrograde etc. The
operational altitude [km] (reference mean value) of the satellite above the Earth
surface.
6821.5 km, 0.00109, 97.2 deg, sun-synchronous at 10:30AM local mean time
at descending node, 450 km altitude at equator.
Uncertainties (orbit maintenance tolerances): +/- 1.5 km semi-major axis, +/0.0001 eccentricity, +/- 0.1 deg inclination, +/- 15 minutes local mean time,
+/- 1.5 km altitude.

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1.1.2 GEOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS AT NADIR

Code
Parameter
Definition

IVOS-03
Instantaneous geometric field of view (IGFOV) [m2 at altitude H in
km]
The geometric size of the image projected by the detector on the ground
through the optical system. When expressed in linear or area units such as
meters or hectares, it is an altitude dependent measure of the ground
resolution of the instrument. This is also called pixel footprint, and it should
not be confused with the Ground Sample/ing Distance. (Ref: Joseph, G. 2004.
How well do we understand Earth observation electro optical sensor
parameters? Post-Launch
Calibration of Satellite Sensors. Taylor and Grancis group: London.)
(Note that imagery must be re-sampled to 0.5 meters for non-US Government
customers)

VALUE

The IGFOV is 61 cm at nadir for the panchromatic band.

The IGFIV is 2.44 m at nadir for the four multi-spectral bands.

Validated

Yes, through review of focal plane/CCD design. The focal plane utilizes line
arrays with 100% fill factor.

Monitored

No, not after CCD fabrication

Uncertainty

Not applicable

Code
Parameter
Definition

IVOS-04
Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) [m]
Ground Sample Distance (GSD) refers to the size of the pixels expressed in
ground units. The pixel size has not to be confused with the spatial resolution
which instead identifies the minimum separation between two objects at
which the resulting images of the objects appear distinct and separate.

VALUE

Pan: 61 cm (nadir) to 72 cm (25 deg off-nadir)

Multi-spectral bands: 2.44 m (nadir); 2.88 m (25 deg off-nadir)

Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

Validated during ground test and on-orbit. Value does not change with time
Quarterly
Less than 1 cm

MS: 2.44 m (nadir) to 2.88 m (25o off-nadir)

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Code
Parameter
Definition

IVOS-05
Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) at IGFOV [value at specific
frequency]
The Modulation Transfer Function describes the response of the imaging
sensor as a function of the spatial frequency. It is calculated by performing
the normalized Fourier Transform of the Point Spread Function. The point
spread function (PSF) describes the response of an imaging system to a point
source or point object. A related but more general term for the PSF is a
system's impulse response. Another related quantity is the Contrast Transfer
Function (CTF). MTF describes the response of an optical system to an
image decomposed into sine waves. CTF describes the response of an optical
system to an image decomposed into square waves. In other words, the
Modulation Transfer Function at IGFOV can be defined as the ratio of the
intensity variation of the ground scene to the intensity variation of the image
at a spatial frequency equal to the IGFOV.

VALUE
Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

MTF at Nyquist: 0.19

Yes, via ground targets for pan, by analysis for Multi-spectral bands
Annually
Less than 0.02 1-sigma

Code
Parameter
Definition

IVOS-06
MTF calculation procedure
Please provide a description of the MTF calculation procedure used to
derive the value specified in IVOS-05.
For our panchromatic bands, we calculate MTF from measurements of
painted edge targets on the ground, and compare to mathematical model
based on physical parameters of the sensor. We use two different algorithms
for converting edge response measurements to MTF. Our in-house
algorithm, based on Canova, et al., (Proc. SPIE, Vol. 3750, pp. 368-375) and
fits special functions to the edge response. These functions are then
analytically converted to MTF. The second algorithm has been supplied to
us by the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and uses a Fast Fourier
Transform technique, averaging over many measurements. Each has its
advantages, but both give similar results. For the multispectral bands, we
calculate MTF from a physical/mathematical model, which agrees well with
the panchromatic measurements when applied using the pan sensor
parameters.
n/a
1.04m
n/a
n/a
1.04m
IVOS-07
Effective IFOV (EIFOV) [value at specific frequency]

VALUE

Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty
Code
Parameter

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Definition

This is defined as the resolution corresponding to a spatial frequency

(ground resolution) for which the system MTF is 50%. (Ref: Joseph, G.
2004. How well do we understand Earth observation electro-optical sensor
parameters?. Post-Launch Calibration of Satellite Sensors. Taylor and
Grancis group: London.)

VALUE
Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

Pan: 1.2m; Multi-spectral: < 3.2 m both a nadir

By analysis from MTF measurements of ground targets
No
Not calculated.

Code
Parameter
Definition

VALUE
Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

IVOS-08
Radiometrically accurate IFOV [value at specific frequency]
The resolution for which the MTF is higher than 0.95. (Ref: Joseph, G. 2004.
How well do we understand Earth observation electro-optical sensor
parameters?. Post-Launch Calibration of Satellite Sensors. Taylor and
Grancis group: London.)
Pan: 12m: Multi-spectral: < 16 m both at nadir
By analysis from MTF measurements of ground targets
No
Not calculated.

Code
Parameter

IVOS-09
Band to band registration [pixels at 1 sigma]

Definition

Distortions and differences between the various instruments bands due to the
detector (e.g. focal plane alignment and stability). The multispectral registration
is the maximum distance between the pixel centers of each multispectral
band corresponding to a selectable point. This error is measured relatively
from a reference band (TBD) to the others bands.

VALUE

Maximum misregistration in a typical strip from any color band to the pan
band does not exceed 2.5 PAN pixels, or 1.525 meters

Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

YES, by performing band to band correlation on multiband images of natural

ground cover. The PAN band is used as the reference band against the other
four multispectral bands (B, G, R, N)
YES, characterized immediately post launch and monitored annually
thereafter
+/- 0.75 PAN pixels, or 0.4575 meters

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Code
Parameter
Definition

IVOS-10
Centering accuracy [m at 1 sigma]
Centering accuracy is associated with the programming function and
concerns the ability of the system to optimally point a target on ground. This is
the difference between a theoretical centre of an image at the programming
step and his real position in the acquired image.

VALUE
Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

Corrected to the geolocation accuracy provide in IVOS-10

Code
Parameter
Definition

IVOS-11
Direct Geo-location accuracy [m at 1 sigma]
The location error stands for the deviation between the real position of any
point on an image and its estimated position using the ancillary data of
the product without ground control points. The value of this error is
expressed for positions on the reference ellipsoid and an altitude given by a
DTM.
During the last two years, the 90 percentile of average geolocation errors has
varied from 13 to 21 meters projected to nadir.

VALUE
Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty
Code
Parameter
Definition

VALUE

Validated

YES, by checking against ground control points inside imagery.

YES, characterized post launch, then monitored monthly and quarterly
thereafter. Approximately 20-25 strips per month are examined.
+/- 1 PAN pixels, or 0.61 meters
IVOS-12
Geo-Location accuracy for Orthorectification accuracy [m at 1 sigma]
The orthorectification process corrects the data for terrain displacement and
radial distortion. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) or Digital Terrain
Model (DTM) is required to ortho-rectify an image. Ground control points
must include a vertical dimension (x, y, and z coordinates).
For product level Orthorectified 1:50,000, the product accuracy at 1 sigma is
11.83 meters.
For product level Orthorectified 1:12,000, the product accuracy at 1 sigma is
4.37 meters.
For product level Orthorectified 1:5,000, the product accuracy at 1 sigma is
1.97 meters.
For product level Orthorectified 1:4,800, the product accuracy at 1 sigma is
1.89 meters.
Yes- When Control points are used for orthomosaics, check points are
reserved for confirming the accuracy of the final product. The final products
accuracy is measured against these check points to ensure that the accuracy
meets the required levels as stated above.
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Monitored

Yes- Monitored through the validation process for those ortho mosaics where
check points are available for every product.

Uncertainty

Yes- limited by combined uncertainty of control points and terrain model

Code
Parameter
Definition

IVOS-13
Orthorectification procedure
Description of the applied orthorectification procedure specifying the
algorithm, sensor model and used Digital Elevation Model (DEM) or Digital
Terrain Model (DTM).
DigitalGlobe utilizes proprietary algorithms and software during the
generation of orthorectified products. The following describes the general
ortho product generation process.

VALUE

During the product generation process, the DigitalGlobe system uses a single
re-sample process (i.e. input imagery is re-sampled only once during product
generation). The single re-sample process is to ensure that the highest level of
data integrity is maintained. For orthorectified products, all products pass
through a model refinement stage. During the model refinement state, tie
point generation and GCP marking is performed on the raw uncompressed
data. This stage also provides DigitalGlobe with the ability to ensure an
accurate model for every product requiring either a control source or tie
points. Single image orthorectified products ordered with an accuracy
requirement of 1:50,000 for QB or 1:12,000 for WV1 require only a fine
DEM to be applied during orthorectification. Multi image products with the
same accuracy requirement do require tie points be generated to ensure
image-to-image alignment.
During the orthorectification process, DigitalGlobe utilizes the rigorous
sensor model embedded with our proprietary software. In addition to the
rigorous sensor model, DigitalGlobe uses SRTM90 or NED (if available)
DEMs for all ortho processing. These DEMs represent DigitalGlobes default
elevation model for use during orthorectification. Upon completion of the
model refinement stage, all products transition into image correction. At this
point, normal processing resumes.

Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

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Code
Parameter
Definition

IVOS-14
Jitter effect analysis
The jitter effects in an image concerns very high frequencies which occur
during the acquisition and cannot be corrected by calibration (e.g.
microvibrations). Please include within this report and relevant information.
Jitter is < 0.3 pan pixels per integration time

VALUE

Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

Validated through MTF measurements

Annually, has not changed since launch.
Negligible, none detected by MTF measurements

1.1.3 RADIOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS

Code
Parameter
Definition

IVOS-15
Noise equivalent reflectance (NE) [no unit] or Noise equivalent
Radiance Difference (NEL) [Wm-2steradian-1m-1]
This can be defined as the minimum change in reflectance (temperature) that
can be detected by the sensor. (Ref: Joseph, G. 2004. How well do we
understand Earth observation electro-optical sensor parameters?. Post-Launch
Calibration of Satellite Sensors. Taylor and Grancis group: London.)

VALUE

Pan
Blue
Green
` Red
NIR(1)
Maximum integration time, zero radiance
Noise Equivalent Radiance Difference

0.14
0.21
0.12
0.13
0.053

Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

Yes, by analysis of noise measurements of a dark image.

Annually
Not calculated

Code
Parameter
Definition

IVOS-16
Saturation radiance setting [mW/cm2/steradian/m]
The maximum value of radiance which can be measured by the detector.
Saturation is the condition where energy flux exceeds the sensitivity range of
a detector.

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VALUE

Pan
Blue
Green
Red
NIR1

37.9
42.5
26.2
32.1
24.4

Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

Yes. By on-orbit absolute radiometric calibration

See IVOS-18
Not calculated

Code
Parameter

IVOS-17
System signal to noise ratio at two radiance values for the different
bands of the instrument [ratio]
Self explanatory

Definition

VALUE

Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty
Code
Parameter
Definition
VALUE
Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

SNR @ 1/2 Dynamic Range

Pan
Blue
Green
Red
NIR(1)
SNR @ 1/4 Dynamic Range
Pan
Blue
Green
Red
NIR1

210
247
270
268
250
129
166
184
183
172

Yes, by analysis of noise measurements of a dark image combined with vendor

measured detector response.
Annually
Not calculated
IVOS-18
Number of quantization bits [number ob bits]
The signal measured by the sensor is transformed to digital counts, which are
represented by a number of bits called quantization bits
11 bits in all bands.
Yes, by design
No
None

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Code
Parameter
Definition

VALUE

IVOS-19
Any additional compression (e.g. jpg), compression noise
Data size reduction due to compression.
The performance of our compression algorithms is scene-specific. We do not
have data from the same imagery for both uncompressed and compressed
imagery so post-launch quantitative measurement is not possible. Pre-launch
simulations showed RMS radiometric errors of 3-10 digital numbers on high
dynamic range scenes. After compression, transmission, and decompression
image quality remains high and has not changed over the mission life.

Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty
Code
Parameter
Definition

IVOS-20
Absolute calibration

VALUE
Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

Less 8.6 % absolute

Validated by NASA JACIE
Validated for 5 years after launch no measureable change.
See VALUE

Relation between quantity values provided by measurement standards

and the corresponding indications of a measuring system, carried out under
specified conditions and including evaluation of measurement uncertainty.
The absolute calibration is determined by the coefficients needed to transform the
acquired data into values obtained via accurate ground reference measurements
and taking into account all systems errors. A different set of coefficients is
used for each spectral band.

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1.1.4 SPECTRAL CHARACTERISTICS

Code
Parameter
Definition

IVOS-21
Effective bandwidth
Centroid and variance for each band (Ref. Palmer (1984). Effective
Bandwidths for Landsat-4 and Landsat-D Multispactral Scanner and
Thematic Mapper Subsystems. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and
Remote Sensing, Vol. Ge-22, no. 3, pp. 336-33 8.)
Center wavelength (nm)
Mean of 50% response points
Pan
Blue
Green
Red
NIR(1)

VALUE

Spectral Bandwidth (nm)

Between 50% response points
Pan
Blue
Green
Red
NIR(1)

Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

725
479
547
654
815

398
68
99
71
114

On ground measurement
No
<2 nm

1.1.5 ORBIT CONTROL CHARACTERISTICS

Code
Parameter
Definition
VALUE
Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

IVOS-22
Position and Velocity Orbit accuracy [m and m/s]
Horizontal and vertical (radial) orbit position and velocity accuracy.
Post-processed orbit accuracy: 0.9 meter position accuracy, each axis
(radial, along-track, cross-track) 1-sigma uncertainty level.

Velocity accuracy has not been quantified.

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1.1.6 COVERAGE AND TEMPORAL CHARACTERISTICS

Code
Parameter
Definition

Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

IVOS-23
Instantaneous field of view (IFOV) [m2]
The instantaneous field of view (IFOV) is the angle over which a
measurement is being made by a detector at any instant (i.e. swath).
Detector IFOV at nadir: see IVOS-03. The swath at nadir is one detector
by 27,568 pan pixels and 6,892 multi pixles, or 61 cm by 16.5 km for pan
and 2.44m by 16.5 km for MS.
By design and telescope distortion measurements
No
Negligible

Code
Parameter

IVOS-24
Instantaneous Access area [m2]

Definition

The total area on the ground that could potentially be seen at any
moment by turning the spacecraft or instrument.

VALUE

QB images are typically taken within 30 deg of nadir, but can be taken
anywhere on the earth as seen from 450km altitude.

Validated

Yes, by normal operations

Monitored
Uncertainty

Yes, by normal operations

Not applicable

Code
Parameter

IVOS-25
Duty cycle [percentage]
This is the fraction of the total time that the instrument us operating during
an orbit.
<4% duty cycle
Yes
As part of regular operations
Not application

VALUE

Definition
VALUE
Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty
Code
Parameter
Definition

VALUE
Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

IVOS-26
Temporal resolution with same incidence angle and time of
acquisition [time]
This temporal resolution is defined as the shortest time separation
between two acquisitions of the same location on Earth captured with the
same incidence angle and at the same time of the day.
18 days (277 revs) to ground track repeat within 10 km at equator
247 days (3801 revs) to exact groundtrack repeat
Yes, by normal operations
Yes, by normal operations
Not applicable
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Code
Parameter
Definition

VALUE
Validated
Monitored
Uncertainty

IVOS-27
Temporal resolution with different incidence angle and time of
acquisition [time]
This temporal resolution is defined as the shortest time separation
between two acquisitions of the same location on Earth captured with a
different incidence angle and at a different time of the day.
2-3 days depending on latitude
Yes, by normal operations
Yes, by normal operations
Not applicable

2.1 Proof of Quality

Quality Control is responsible for carrying out four primary functions. Considered together,
these processes provide for overall verification and confidence in the DigitalGlobe
Production System. The following table provides an overview of these processes.
Geometric Quality
Assessment
(GQA)

Rapid alert that systematic issues impacting accuracy need to be

investigated and resolved

Alert to problems in the product generation system

Recognition of systematic problems that impact a whole class of
products (e.g., all basic products, all images over a certain cover type)
Failures can be trended over time to provide opportunities for system
improvement
The Quality Assurance Component (QAC) contains functionality and
rules for checking product in an automated fashion, as well as a user
interface for carrying out manual product sampling review.
Sampling percentages are configurable and currently set based on
historical product percentage failure rates, customers complaints and our
experience and confidence in the system.
Checks all orders against specific business critical rules; a) compliance to
GSD restrictions, b) compliance against the Israel Restricted Zone, c)
verification of customer AOI fulfillment
Product review and sampling handled via DG proprietary software
component

Product QA
Sampling

Cloud Cover
Review (CCA)

Assessment that the automated CCA tool is producing acceptable results

Input for tuning of automated CCA algorithm

Quality Issues
Review

Opportunities for system improvement or fixes

Feedback from customers regarding the issues they are facing

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