Earthdata Forum

What is the Space Oblique Mercator (SOM) projection?

SOM is a space-based map projection in which the reference meridian nominally follows the spacecraft ground track. It provides a mapping from latitude and longitude to a coordinate system that is approximately aligned with the MISR swath. SOM was used because it minimizes distortion and resampling effects, and permits the greatest flexibility in the choice of Earth-based projections. SOM also allows direct cross-comparison with data from other instruments and simplifies global mapping, since the data have already been geolocated.