EM 1110-2-2907
1 October 2003
Chapter 4
Data Acquisition and Archives
4-1 Introduction.
a. USACE Image Acquisition Standard Operating Procedure. Image data
should be acquired following the established protocol developed by ERDC's TEC
quisition and archival practice. There are numerous advantages in using TIO's
image procedure. The most significant advantage in using TIO's protocol is cost
savings. This savings is the result of on-going contracts between satellite data
vendors and the federal government. In addition to a reduced cost, TIO is able to
broaden the image-share licensing allowing USACE full access to previously pur-
chased data. The image-share licensing agreement is funded by NIMA who in
turn allows all DoD and Title 50 Intelligence members full use of imagery data. In
other words, once a USACE researcher has acquired imagery all other USACE
districts can legally access these data at no charge. These data are also available to
contractors working under a USACE contract.
b. SOP. The standard operating procedure (SOP) for acquiring new data is de-
fined by the EM 1110-1-2909 (Appendix I), which states that no imagery shall be
purchased from a commercial vendor without first coordinating with TIO
(Appendix G). TIO has streamlined image data purchases and provides quick and
efficient turn-around. The only exception to this SOP is in the case of acquiring
free imagery downloaded from the Internet. A handful of governmental and
commercial agencies (such as NASA and SpaceImaging) have made select
satellite images available at no cost. These sites may require a login and can
provide software for viewing data free of charge.
Ordering Commercial Satellite Imagery
"No imagery shall be purchased from a commercial vendor without first
coordinating with the TIO. Any U.S. Army organization with commercial
satellite imagery requirements must forward their commercial satellite
imagery requirements to TEC for research, acquisition, and distribution of the
data."
Contact TEC's Imagery Office, using one of the following methods:
Web Site: WWW.tec.army.mil/tio/index.htm
Email: TIO@tec.army.mil
ERDC (Engineer Research and Development Center) includes the seven Corps of Engineers research
laboratories.
TEC (Topographic Engineering Center) serves the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Defense.
TIO (TEC Imaging Office) monitors and coordinates all USACE image requirements with commercial
vendors and public data libraries.
4-1
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