This Informational Report presents a summary of the key operational concepts and rationale which underlie the requirements for the CCSDS Recommended Standard, Image Data Compression (CCSDS 122.0-B-1). Supporting performance information along with illustrations are also included. This report provides a broad tutorial overview of the CCSDS Image Data Compression algorithm and is aimed at helping first-time readers to understand the Recommended Standard.

This document issue was superseded by CCSDS 120.1-G-3, Image Data Compression (Green Book, Issue 3), released November 2021.