scope:

This standard establishes the requirements for the file format component of the National Imagery Transmission Format Standard (NITFS). The file format described in this document is called the National Imagery Transmission Format (NITF). The NITFS is a collection of related standards and specifications developed to provide a foundation for interoperability in the dissemination of imagery and imagery associated data among different computer systems. An overview of the component documents of the NITFS can be found in MIL-HDBK-1300A.

Purpose. This document, NITF 2.1, provides a detailed description of the standard file format structure. It specifies the valid data content and format for all fields defined within a NITF file. For this document, NITF refers to NITF Version 2.1. Several NITF implementation issues are addressed in the appendices. Issues pertinent to the use of NITF as the file format for tactical imagery transmission are described in the NITFS transmission protocol component, MIL-STD-2045-44500. An example of NITF as the basis for file formation in tactical communications is provided in Section 6. Certifiable implementation of the NITF for support of interoperability is subject to constraints not specified in this standard. Pertinent compliance requirements are defined in CJCSI 62-12.01A.

Applicability. This standard is applicable to the Intelligence Community (IC) and the DOD. It is mandatory for all Secondary Imagery Dissemination Systems (SIDS) in accordance with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (ASD(C3I)) memorandum, Subject: National Imagery Transmission Format Standard (NITFS), 12 August 1991, and is applicable also to all types of primary imagery systems such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), archives, and libraries. MIL-STD-2500B shall be implemented in accordance with NIMA-NNPP-97, and MIL-HDBK-1300A. New equipment and systems, those undergoing major modification, or those capable of rehabilitation, shall conform to this standard.