The SDSU Image Processing Laboratory was started in 1988 to conduct research in satellite image processing. Our research focuses primarily on radiometric characterization and calibration of satellite and airborne visible and near infrared remote sensing imaging systems. Other area of research include estimation of sensor point spread functions (or modulation transfer functions), and geometric characterization of sensor systems.

While our work has primarily focused on the Landsat series of sensors, we also have experience with high resolution commercial sensors such as Ikonos, Quickbird, and Orbview, and other moderate resolution sensors such as ALI and Hyperion. Our projects have been primarily by USGS EROS (Sioux Falls, SD) and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD). Radiometric calibration of satellites involved characterization and correction of systematic degradations affecting the imagery. These degradations are caused by satellite instrument itself and the Earth's atmosphere.

Our work allows users to extract more information from remotely sensed data. Currently, we are working on ALIAS (Advanced Land Imager - Image Assessment System), TMIAS (Thematic Mapper - Image Assessment System) and MSIAS (MSS Image Assessment System). These projects are in joint collaboration with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and EROS Data Center