National Image Interpretability Rating Scales
The aerial imaging community utilizes the National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale (NIIRS) to define and measure the quality of images and performance of imaging systems. Through a process referred to as "rating" an image, the NIIRS is used by imagery analysts to assign a number which indicates the interpretability of a given image. The NIIRS concept provides a means to directly relate the quality of an image to the interpretation tasks for which it may be used. Although the NIIRS has been primarily applied in the evaluation of aerial imagery, it provides a systematic approach to measuring the quality of photographic or digital imagery, the performance of image capture devices, and the effects of image processing algorithms.
Civil NIIRS Reference Guide
Imagery Resolution
Assessments and Reporting
Standards (IRARS) Committee
Imagery Interpretability Rating Scales
L. A. Maver, C. D. Erdman, K. Riehl
Itek Optical Systems, Lexington, MA
This paper describes the NIIRS and provides information on how
the scale is developed and used to facilitate its application to other imaging scenarios.
Quantifying/Predicting Image Interpretability
- Leachtenauer, Jon C. "National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scales Overview and Product Description." ASPRS/ACSM Annual Convention & Exposition Technical Papers. Bethesda: ASPRS/ACSM, 1996. 1:262-272.
- Irvine, John M., and Jon C. Leachtenauer. "A Methodology for Developing Image Interpretability Rating Scales." ASPRS/ACSM Annual Convention & Exposition Technical Papers. Bethesda: ASPRS/ACSM, 1996. 1:273-281.
- Leachtenauer, Jon C., and Nanette L. Salvaggio. "NIIRS Prediction: Use of the Briggs Target." ASPRS/ACSM Annual Convention & Exposition Technical Papers. Bethesda: ASPRS/ACSM, 1996. 1:282-291.
- Hothem, David, John M. Irvine, Ellen Mohr, and Kristina B. Buckley. "Quantifying Image Interpretability for Civil Users." ASPRS/ACSM Annual Convention & Exposition Technical Papers. Bethesda: ASPRS/ACSM, 1996. 1:292-298.
- Colburn, Linda P., John M. Irvine, John C. Leachtenauer, William A. Malila, and Nanette L. Salvaggio. "The General Image Quality Equation (GIQE)." ASPRS/ACSM Annual Convention & Exposition Technical Papers. Bethesda: ASPRS/ACSM, 1996. 1:299.
- Mohr, Ellen, Dave Hothem, John M. Irvine, and Carey Erdman. "The Multispectral Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale (MS IIRS)." ASPRS/ACSM Annual Convention & Exposition Technical Papers. Bethesda: ASPRS/ACSM, 1996. 1:300-310.
| Visible NIIRS |
Radar NIIRS |
Infrared NIIRS |
Multispectral NIIRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 1994 | August 1992 | April 1996 | February 1995 |
| Interpretability of the imagery is precluded by obscuration, degradation, or very poor resolution | Interpretability of the imagery is precluded by obscuration, degradation, or very poor resolution | Interpretability of the imagery is precluded by obscuration, degradation, or very poor resolution | Interpretability of the imagery is precluded by obscuration, degradation, or very poor resolution |
| Visible NIIRS |
Radar NIIRS |
Infrared NIIRS |
Multispectral NIIRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detect a medium-sized port facility and/or distinguish between taxi-ways and runways at a large airfield. | Detect the
presence of
aircraft
dispersal
parking areas.
Detect a large cleared swath in a densely wooded area. Detect, based on presence of piers and warehouses, a port facility. Detect lines of transportation (either road or rail), but do not distinguish between |
Distinguish
between
runways and
taxiways on the
basis of size,
configuration or
pattern at a
large airfield.
Detect a large (e.g., greater than I square kilometer) cleared area in dense forest. Detect large ocean-going vessels (e.g., aircraft carrier, super-tanker, KIROV) in open water. Detect large areas (e.g., greater than I square kilometer) of marsh/swamp. |
Distinguish
between urban
and rural areas.
Identify a large wetland (greater than 100 acres). Detect meander flood plains (characterized by features such as channel scars, oxbow lakes, meander scrolls). Delineate coastal shoreline. Detect major highway and rail bridges over water (e.g., Golden Gate, Chesapeake Bay). Delineate extent of snow or ice cover. |
| Visible NIIRS |
Radar NIIRS |
Infrared NIIRS |
Multispectral NIIRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detect large
hangars at
airfields.
Detect large static radars (e.g., AN/FPS-85, COBRA DANE, PECHORA, HENHOUSE). Detect military training areas. Identify an SA-5 site based on road pattern and overall site configuration. Detect large buildings at a naval facility (e.g., warehouses, construction hall). Detect large buildings (e.g., hospitals, factories). |
Detect the
presence of
large (e.g.,
BLACKJACK,
CAMBER,
COCK, 707,
747) bombers or
transports.
Identify large phased array radars (e.g., HEN HOUSE, DOG HOUSE) by type. Detect a military installation by building pattern and site configuration. Detect road pattern, fence, and hardstand configuration at SSM launch sites (missile silos, launch control silos) within a known ICBM complex. Detect large non-combatant ships (e.g., freighters or tankers) at a known port facility. Identify athletic stadiums. |
Detect large
aircraft (e.g., C-141, 707,
BEAR,
CANDID,
CLASSIC).
Detect individual large buildings (e.g., hospitals, factories) in an urban area. Distinguish between densely wooded, sparsely wooded and open fields. Identify an SS-25 base by the pattern of buildings and roads. Distinguish between naval and commercial port facilities based on type and configuration of large functional areas. |
Detect multilane
highways.
Detect strip mining. Determine water current direction as indicated by color differences (e.g., tributary entering larger water feature, chlorophyll or sediment patterns). Detect timber clear-cutting. Delineate extent of cultivated land. Identify riverine flood plains. |
| Visible NIIRS |
Radar NIIRS |
Infrared NIIRS |
Multispectral NIIRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify the
wing
configuration
(e.g., straight,
swept, delta) of
all large aircraft
(e.g., 707,
CONCORD,
BEAR,
BLACKJACK).
Identify radar and guidance areas at a SAM site by the configuration, mounds, and presence of concrete aprons. Detect a helipad by the configuration and markings. Detect the presence / absence of support vehicles at a mobile missile base. Identify a large surface ship in port by type (e.g., cruiser, auxiliary ship, noncombatant/merchant). Detect trains or strings of standard rolling stock on railroad tracks (not individual cars) |
Detect medium-sized aircraft
(e.g., FENCER,
FLANKER,
CURL, COKE,
F-15).
Identify an ORBITA site on the basis of a 12 meter dish antenna normally mounted on a circular building. Detect vehicle revetments at a ground forces facility. Detect vehicles/pieces of equipment at a SAM, SSM, or ABM fixed missile site. Determine the location of the superstructure (e.g., fore, amidships, aft) on a medium-sized freighter. Identify a medium-sized (approx. six track) railroad classification yard. |
Distinguish
between large
(e.g., C-141,
707, BEAR, A300 AIRBUS)
and small
aircraft (e.g., A-4, FISHBED, L-39).
Identify individual thermally active flues running between the boiler hall and smoke stacks at a thermal power plant. Detect a large air warning radar site based on the presence of mounds, revetments and security fencing. Detect a driver training track at a ground forces garrison. Identify individual functional areas (e.g., launch sites, electronics area, support area, missile handling area) of an SA-5 launch complex. Distinguish between large (e.g, greater than 200 meter) freighters and tankers. |
Detect
vegetation/soil
moisture
differences
along a linear
feature
(suggesting the
presence of a
fenceline).
Identify major street patterns in urban areas. Identify golf courses. Identify shoreline indications of predominant water currents. Distinguish among residential, commercial, and industrial areas within an urban area. Detect reservoir depletion. |
| Visible NIIRS |
Radar NIIRS |
Infrared NIIRS |
Multispectral NIIRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify all large
fighters by type
(e.g., FENCER,
FOXBAT, F-15,
F-14).
Detect the presence of large individual radar antennas (e.g., TALL KING). Identify, by general type, tracked vehicles, field artillery, large river crossing equipment, wheeled vehicles when in groups. Detect an open missile silo door. Determine the shape of the bow (pointed or blunt/rounded) on a medium-sized submarine (e.g., ROMEO, HAN, Type 209, CHARLIE 11, ECHO 11, VICTOR II/III). Identify individual tracks, rail pairs, control towers, |
Distinguish
between large
rotary-wing and
medium fixed-wing aircraft
(e.g., HALO
helicopter
versus
CRUSTY
transport).
Detect recent cable scars between facilities or command posts. Detect individual vehicles in a row at a known motor pool. Distinguish between open and closed sliding roof areas on a single bay garage at a mobile missile base. Identify square bow shape of ROPUCHA class (LST). Detect all rail/road bridges. |
Identify the
wing
configuration of
small fighter
aircraft (e.g.,
FROGFOOT,
F- 16,
FISHBED).
Detect a small (e.g., 50 meter square) electrical transformer yard in an urban area. Detect large (e.g., greater than 10 meter diameter) environmental domes at an electronics facility. Detect individual thermally active vehicles in garrison. Detect thermally active SS-25 MSV's in garrison. Identify individual closed cargo hold hatches on large merchant ships. |
Detect recently
constructed
weapon
positions (e.g.
tank, artillery,
self-propelled
gun) based on
the presence of
revetments,
berms, and
ground scarring
in vegetated
areas.
Distinguish between two-lane improved and unimproved roads. Detect indications of natural surface airstrip maintenance or improvements (e.g., runway extension, grading, resurfacing, bush removal, vegetation cutting). Detect landslide or rockslide large enough to obstruct a single-lane road. Detect small boats(15-20 feet in length) in open water |
| Visible NIIRS |
Radar NIIRS |
Infrared NIIRS |
Multispectral NIIRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distinguish
between a
MIDAS and a
CANDID by the
presence of
refueling
equipment (e.g.,
pedestal and
wing pod).
Identify radar as vehicle-mounted or trailer-mounted. Identify, by type, deployed tactical SSM systems (e.g., FROG, SS-21, SCUD). Distinguish between SS-25 mobile missile TEL and Missile Support Vans (MSVS) in a known support base, when not covered by camouflage. Identify TOP STEER or TOP SAIL air surveillance radar on KIROV-, SOVREMENNY-, KIEV-, SLAVA-, MOSKVA-, KARA-, or KRESTA-II-class vessels. |
Count all
medium
helicopters (e.g.,
HIND, HIP,
HAZE,
HOUND,
PUMA,
WASP).
Detect deployed TWIN EAR antenna. Distinguish between river crossing equipment and medium/heavy armored vehicles by size and shape (e.g., MTU-20 vs. T-62 MBT). Detect missile support equipment at an SS-25 RTP (e.g., TEL, MSV). Distinguish bow shape and length/width differences of SSNS. Detect the break between railcars (count railcars). |
Distinguish
between single-tail (e.g.,
FLOGGER, F-16,
TORNADO)
and twin-tailed
(e.g., F-15,
FLANKER,
FOXBAT)
fighters.
Identify outdoor tennis courts. Identify the metal lattice structure of large (e.g. approximately 75 meter) radio relay towers. Detect armored vehicles in a revetment. Detect a deployed TET (transportable electronics tower) at an SA-10 site. Identify the stack shape (e.g., square, round, oval) on large (e.g., greater than 200 meter) merchant ships. |
Detect
automobile in a
parking lot.
Identify beach terrain suitable for amphibious landing operation. Detect ditch irrigation of beet fields. Detect disruptive or deceptive use of paints or coatings on buildings/structures at a ground forces installation. Detect raw construction materials in ground forces deployment areas (e.g., timber, sand, gravel). |
| Visible NIIRS |
Radar NIIRS |
Infrared NIIRS |
Multispectral NIIRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distinguish
between models
of
small/medium
helicopters (e.g.,
HELIX A from
HELIX B from
HELIX C,
HIND D from
HIND E, HAZE
A from HAZE
B from HAZE
C).
Identify the shape of antennas on EW/GCI/ACQ radars as parabolic, parabolic with clipped comers or rectangular. Identify the spare tire on a medium-sized truck. Distinguish between SA-6, SA- I 1, and SA- 17 missile airframes. Identify individual launcher covers (8) of vertically launched SA-N-6 on SLAVA-class vessels. Identify automobiles as |
Distinguish
between
variable and
fixed-wing
fighter aircraft
(e.g., FENCER
vs.
FLANKER).
Distinguish between the BAR LOCK and SIDE NET antennas at a BAR LOCK/SIDE NET acquisition radar site. Distinguish between small support vehicles (e.g., UAZ-69, UAZ-469) and tanks (e.g., T-72, T-80). Identify SS-24 launch triplet at a known location. Distinguish between the raised helicopter deck on a KRESTA II (CG) and the helicopter deck with main deck on a KRESTA I (CG). |
Detect wing-mounted stores
(i.e., ASM,
bombs)
protruding from
the wings of
large bombers
(e.g., B-52,
BEAR, Badger).
Identify individual thermally active engine vents atop diesel locomotives. Distinguish between a FIX FOUR and FIX SIX site based on antenna pattern and spacing. Distinguish between thermally active tanks and APCs. Distinguish between a 2-rail and 4-rail SA-3 launcher. Identify missile tube hatches on submarines. |
Detect summer
woodland
camouflage
netting large
enough to cover
a tank against a
scattered tree
background.
Detect foot trail through tall grass. Detect navigational channel markers and mooring buoys in water. Detect livestock in open but fenced areas. Detect recently installed minefields in ground forces deployment area based on a regular pattern of disturbed earth or vegetation. Count individual dwellings in subsistence housing areas (e.g., squatter settlements, refugee camps). |
| Visible NIIRS |
Radar NIIRS |
Infrared NIIRS |
Multispectral NIIRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify
fitments and
fairings on a
fighter-sized
aircraft (e.g.,
FULCRUM,
FOXHOUND).
Identify ports, ladders, vents on electronics vans. Detect the mount for antitank guided missiles (e.g., SAGGER on BMP-1). Detect details of the silo door hinging mechanism on Type III-F, III-G, and 11-H launch silos and Type III-X launch control silos. Identify the individual tubes of the RBU on KIROV-, KARA-, KRIVAK-class vessels. Identify individual rail ties. |
Identify small
fighter aircraft
by type (e.g.,
FISHBED,
FITTER,
FLOGGER).
Distinguish between electronics van trailers (without tractor) and van trucks in garrison. Distinguish, by size and configuration, between a turreted, tracked APC and a medium tank (e.g., BMP-1/2 vs. T-64). Detect a missile on the launcher in an SA-2 launch revetment. Distinguish between bow mounted missile system on KRIVAK I/II and bow mounted gun turret on KRIVAK III. Detect road/street lamps in an urban residential area or military complex. |
Distinguish
between ground
attack and
interceptor
versions of the
MIG-23
FLOGGER
based on the
shape of the
nose.
Identify automobiles as sedans or station wagons. Identify antenna dishes (less than 3 meters in diameter) on a radio relay tower. Identify the missile transfer crane on a SA-6 transloader. Distinguish between an SA-2/CSA-1 and a SCUD-B missile transporter when missiles are not loaded. Detect mooring cleats or bollards on piers. |
Distinguish
between tanks
and three-dimensional tank
decoys.
Identify individual 55-gallon drums. Detect small marine mammals (e.g., harbor seals) on sand/gravel beaches. Detect underwater pier footings. Detect foxholes by ring of spoil outlining hole. Distinguish individual rows of truck crops. |
| Visible NIIRS |
Radar NIIRS |
Infrared NIIRS |
Multispectral NIIRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify the
rivet lines on
bomber aircraft.
Detect horn-shaped and W-shaped antennas mounted atop BACKTRAP and BACKNET radars. Identify a hand-held SAM (e.g., SA-7/14, REDEYE, STINGER). Identify joints and welds on a TEL or TELAR. Detect winch cables on deck-mounted cranes. Identify windshield wipers on a vehicle. |
Distinguish the
fuselage
difference
between a
HIND and a
HIP helicopter.
Distinguish between the FAN SONG E missile control radar and the FAN SONG F based on the number of parabolic dish antennas (three vs. one). Identify the SA-6 transloader when other SA-6 equipment is present. Distinguish limber hole shape and configuration differences between DELTA I and YANKEE I (SSBNs). Identify the dome/vent pattern on rail tank cars. |
Identify the
RAM airscoop
on the dorsal
spine of
FISHBED
J/K/L.
Identify limbs (e.g., arms, legs) on an individual. Identify individual horizontal and vertical ribs on a radar antenna. Detect closed hatches on a tank turret. Distinguish between fuel and oxidizer Multi-System Propellant Transporters based on twin or single fitments on the front of the semi-trailer. Identify individual posts and rails on deck edge life rails. |
| Visible NIIRS |
Radar NIIRS |
Infrared NIIRS |
Multispectral NIIRS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Differentiate
cross-slot from
single slot heads
on aircraft skin
panel fasteners.
Identify small light-toned ceramic insulators that connect wires of an antenna canopy. Identify vehicle registration numbers (VRN) on trucks. Identify screws and bolts on missile components. Identify braid of ropes (I to 3 inches in diameter). Detect individual spikes in railroad ties. |
Detect major
modifications to
large aircraft
(e.g., fairings,
pods, winglets).
Identify the shape of antennas on EW/GCI/ACQ radars as parabolic, parabolic with clipped corners, or rectangular. Identify, based on presence or absence of turret, size of aun tube, and chassis configuration, wheeled or tracked APCs by type (e.g., BTR-80, BMP- 1/2, MT-LB, Ml 13). Identify the forward fins on an SA-3 missile. Identify individual hatch covers of vertically launched SA-N-6 surface-to-air system. Identify trucks as cab-over-engine or engine-in-front. |
Identify access
panels on
fighter aircraft.
Identify cargo (e.g., shovels, rakes, ladders) in an open-bed, light-duty truck. Distinguish between BIRDS EYE and BELL LACE antennas based on the presence or absence of small dipole elements. Identify turret hatch hinges on armored vehicles. Identify individual command guidance strip antennas on an SA-2/CSA-1 missile. Identify individual rungs on bulkhead mounted ladders. |