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IV. DISCUSSION
15• Discussion
The AP-2 represents a significant advance in stereophotogrammetric
instrumentation. In its approach to the photogrammetric problems, it is
a universal instrument able to handle any kind of camera material with
first order accuracy regardless of its format, focal length, tilt and
calibration characteristics. With its Black Box capability, it can make
fuller use of ground survey data to overcome operator error in relative
orientation and lack of calibration data.
The AP-2 in its present form is not expected to reduce operator
time significantly in bridging and compilation. These operations
are limited more by judgement and decision making operations than
by the instrument operations.
The AP-2 allows an advance in the concepts of utilization of the
general body of photogrammetric materials. In the past, current photo
grammetric practice has been to call for the use of special calibrated,
relatively distortion free, camera materials for control extension and
compilation. Unfortunately, to obtain distortion free materials we have
invariably compromised resolution. Because of its capabilities for
removing known and unknown distortions, and to partition photographs
which have been photographically processed to extract every bit of
information which their resolution can support, the AP-2 can take advan
tage of existing higher resolution systems whether they are based on
panoramic, slit, or conventional frame geometry. Higher resolution
systems go hand in hand with high flying, high performance aircraft.
The gains to be achieved through increased coverage taken from the
more stable flight platforms afforded by such high flying systems
will cause us to throw away many of the rules we have been operating
under in the past.
The transition from conventional instrumentation to an instrument
as complex as the AP-2 will not be an easy one for most organizations.
It is a superior tool and requires superior trained people and
organization to operate it if all its capabilities are to be realized.
Whereas in the past, A-7> stereo planigraphs, etc., could be set up
in a room to operate in an independent self-sufficient manner, plant
organization and management must realize that such isolation is
not practical as far as the AP-2 is concerned. Integration with other
plant facilities is a necessity in order to make full use of
computer, photographic and analytical processes which can support the
unique capabilities of this instrument.