At the highest level of abstraction, the imagery production process is similar for all types of imagery. Authorized users can access the images they need from this database. This entire process takes place within SCI enclaves for most types of imagery, even though most imagery is at the Secret Collateral level. The three types are differentiated by content, storage size, performance, and responsibility for operations and management. They are alike in that each type may contain digital imagery or digital imagery products from all sources including tactical, theater, national, civil, and commercial collection systems.
All libraries share common digital imagery standards.
Each organization will determine the population of its IPLs and manage its IPLs. The imagery and imagery based products consist of tactical, theater, national, civil, and commercial imagery and imagery-based products. Most of the data stored on IPLs will be imagery products with the owner determining the mix between imagery and imagery products. The size of their IPLs, their interfacing organizations, and the products requiring storage. NIMA will provide the update IPL management software.