Imaging systems are commonly used for conducting pavement evaluations. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Standard Practice for Collecting Images of Pavement Surfaces for Distress Detection (AASHTO Designation: PP 68) addresses the collection of images.  However, there are no widely accepted methods for measuring the characteristics of pavement surface images (e.g., 2-dimensional optical images and 3-dimensional surface elevation images).  There are also no widely accepted AASHTO standard practices for the calibration, certification, and verification of such images.  Research was needed to identify the characteristics of surface images that are essential for pavement evaluation and develop methods for measuring these characteristics, and to develop recommended standard practices for implementing these methods.  This information will help state departments of transportation (DOTs) better evaluate image data collection systems and improve the process of pavement condition evaluation.

Under NCHRP Project 01-60, “Measuring the Characteristics of Pavement Surface Images and Developing Standard Practices for Calibration, Certification, and Verification of Imagining Systems,” the Georgia Institute of Technology was asked to (1) identify and develop methods for measuring the characteristics of surface images used for pavement evaluation and analysis, and (2) prepare draft language for recommended practices for the calibration, certification, and verification of such images for consideration by AASHTO.