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REPORT OF COMMISSION VII
A. Stichting voor Bodemkartering, Wageningen (Soil Surveying)
B. Topografische Dienst, Delft (Topographical Mapping)
C. Cultuurtechnische Dienst, Utrecht (Culture Planning)
D. Staatsbosbeheer, Utrecht (Forestry)
E. Ruilverkavelingsdienst van het Kadaster, Den Haag (Re-allotment)
F. Hydrografische Dienst, Den Haag (Hydrographical Mapping)
G. Dienst van der Zuiderzeewerken, Den Haag (Reclaiming of the Zuider Zee)
H. Rijksdienst voor het Nationale Plan, Den Haag (General Planning)
I. Nederlandse Heidemaatschappij, Arnhem (Reclaiming of Poor Soil)
J. Waterloopkundig Laboratorium, Delft (Research of Hydraulic Works)
K. Meetkundige dienst van der Rijkswaterstaat Delft (Surveying)
L. Koninklijke Luchtvaartmaatschapij, Schiphol (Aerial Surveying)
THE APPLICATION OF PHOTO-INTERPRETATION
A. STICHTING VOOR BODEMKARTERING AT WAGENINGEN (SOIL SURVEYING)
This institute, under the management of Prof. Dr. C. H. Edelman, has made
it its task to compile detailed soil maps of the Netherlands. Formerly this was
accomplished by soil surveys in the field; at the present time this extensive
field work is partly eliminated by photo-interpretation. The allied aerial photo-
graphs, taken during the occupation of the Netherlands in a period of vast
inundations, are especially useful.
Generally speaking the aerial photograph is considered by this institute
as an expedient for recording the mapping information. For existing maps the
aerial photographs are used as a welcome supplement, not only for soil mapping
but also for related cartographic problems. The phenomena concerning knowl-
edge of the soil, which are to be observed on the photograph, are interpreted
by experts and after that are always field checked. Where possible the different
boundaries between the types of soil are determined directly on the photographs,
thereby saving much time and money. Considerable field work is still necessary,
however.
As expedient for interpretation only the mirror steresocope is used. Con-
cerning material, vertical photographs are preferred on a scale between 1: 7,500
and 1:10,000. Aerial photographs up to a scale of 1:20,000 are of less use, while
still smaller photo-scales are virtually useless. With photos taken with several
kinds of filters and color-photos this service has had no experience; generally
speaking for that matter no other service in this country has either. Training
of new personnel for this institute is provided by experts within the institute.
B. TOPOGRAFISCHE DIENST AT DELFT (TOPOGRAPHICAL MAPPING)
For mapmaking, photo-interpretation is an indispensable factor. In the
Netherlands, one doesn't normally consider the examining of photographs for
the benefit of cartography within the province of photo-interpretation. Under
the American influence, however, one gradually begins to classify this activity
with photo-interpretation. Due to the availability of aerial photographs, recon-
naissance activities heretofore conducted in the field can now be partly done in
the office. As mentioned in the Introduction, interpretation for geographical,
geological, hydrological, archaeological and many other purposes has been
practised and encouraged by this service. As a result we now can state that it is
being employed at many institutions and services in the Netherlands at least to
a modest extent. It is not necessary to go into extensive detail in this report,
since further details are to be found in a booklet composed by the managing
Director of the Topographic Service. This booklet will be handed to a number
of participants at the World Congress next September.
