The Remote Sensing Technology Institute (IMF)
The Remote Sensing Technology Institute (IMF) is an institute of the German Aerospace Center DLR. It is located in Oberpfaffenhofen (near Munich), Berlin-Adlershof, Neustrelitz (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) as well as an office in Bremen. IMF and the German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) together comprise the Earth Observation Center EOC – a center of competence for earth observation in Germany.
Core competence of IMF
Research and development activities at IMF are dedicated to remote sensing technology. Algorithms and methods are developed to configure processors that extract relevant geoinformation from remote sensing data. Operational processors are the prerequisite for optimal utilization of modern sensor systems for advanced scientific purposes and numerous applications. These processors are integrated into the payload ground segments of DFD and industry for national and international earth observation missions.
IMF focuses on:
MF manages the air-based optical sensor suite of the EOC. The capabilities of the IMF calibration and spectrometry labs provide the basis for optimal use of remote sensing data. IMF’s expertise finds its way into the conception of various new sensor systems and earth operation missions.
Organizational structure
IMF is subdivided into five departments:
The Controlling department (EOC-CON, headed by Hans-Henning Voß) is a central service unit for both IMF and DFD. The institute is ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Education of young academics is a major concern of IMF. In DLR’s School_Lab students are introduced to various aspects of remote sensing. Bachelor and master’s theses can be produced during hands-on participation in ongoing projects, and PhD students can work on attractive scientific problems. IMF scientists lecture at several universities, and the director of the institute holds a chair at Munich Technical University (TUM).