ASPRS 2005 Annual Conference, Baltimore, Maryland Camera Calibration, Characterization and Contracting Guidelines: An Quality Assurance Perspective U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey

ASPRS 2005 Annual Conference, Baltimore, Maryland Why do we care? System performance Product specifications Contract monitoring Data quality Traceability and metadata

ASPRS 2005 Annual Conference, Baltimore, Maryland The Whole Spectrum: Camera certification System certification Product characterization Quality control of deliverables Approved processing methods Best practices by data providers ISO certification

ASPRS 2005 Annual Conference, Baltimore, Maryland Possible criteria for approved manufacturers: Review of factory calibration process Design and manufacturing controls Documentation and recommended guidelines Document controls: drawings, instructions, and procedures Maintenance agreements and warranties Availability of maintenance and repair services

ASPRS 2005 Annual Conference, Baltimore, Maryland Possible criteria for approved manufacturers: Availability of spare parts and viability of suppliers Nature of recalls and engineering changes Performance testing by manufacturers Testing of OEM components Published tests reports

ASPRS 2005 Annual Conference, Baltimore, Maryland Possible criteria for approved data providers: Inspection of service records Documentation of procedures and best practices Recorded compliance with manufacturers guidelines for maintenance and operation Training and experience Project management

ASPRS 2005 Annual Conference, Baltimore, Maryland Possible Quality Assurance Measures by USGS: Review of production process and quality assurance procedures in the selection process Periodic review of records maintained by data providers Periodic submission of in-situ calibration results Quality control of products by sample testing

ASPRS 2005 Annual Conference, Baltimore, Maryland Whats needed? Comprehensive quality assurance program which ensures: System performance Qualified personnel Documentation Best practices Standards and performance measures Data quality