ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses trends in product standardization and availability of image products as commodities, such as digital orthophotos and digital elevation models (DEMs). The positive effects of these operational systems were broadly based and important in the early stages of commercial satellite imaging. The LandSat and Spot programs stimulated early development in product standardization, the establishment of distribution systems and the creation of data exploitation techniques. The profile of the Commercial Imagery Coordinator (CIC) would ideally be modeled after a military intelligence officer who is well versed in remote sensing as well as the commercial satellite imaging industry. Defense and security applications have always been a significant market for remote sensing data and related information products. However, within the context of the current remote sensing industry, these applications represent a relatively small segment.
