REPORT OF COMMISSION VII 
GVÏI-55 
determined as to position. This is an especially intricate problem in the case of low alti 
tude photography, all the more so when the pilot has been forced on account of enemy 
activity to relinquish the set course of flight. 
“The determination of position of aerial photographs must frequently be carried 
out by comparing the terrain on the photos with either a map or, still better, with a 
series of wide angle photographs whose position is known. (The pilot’s idea of the posi 
tions of the photo strips is often too diffuse to render more than a rough orientation 
of the strips.) A special photographic memory is necessary for the determination of posi 
tion of the photos. By means of constant practice, however, it is possible to become 
proficient in this determination. For this angle of interpretation a special group of 
personnel should be available, here called position determinators. This group should, 
however, have a certain training in recognizing the simplest outlines of military objects 
(fortifications, vehicles, battery emplacements, the general outline of aerial strips and 
guided missile runways, different types of vessels, etc.) in order to be able to report such 
information regarding military objectives which they may have gathered while scrutiniz 
ing the photos in question. 
“During the determining of position, the photographed area should be delineated 
on a map, showing the general position of each photograph. 
“Selection of photos for interpretation 
“Through knowledge of the existing strategic position, and sometimes in accordance 
with suggestions from the position determinators, photo series are selected which have 
been found to cover the proposed target area. If other information regarding the enemy is 
available, from earlier photo missions or from other sources of intelligence, it is often 
possible to decide which photos contain the most important information and conse 
quently are to be given interpretation priority. This decision should be made by an officer 
who can appraise the existing military situation. The selection of the photos is carried 
out simultaneously with the determination of position and thus it causes no delay. As a 
rule the sector of most current interest is known before processing begins. As soon as the 
photo strips covering the area is question are determined as to position the series is passed 
to the interpreters. 
“Interpretation 
“The interpretation of the photos is done by interpreters in the usual manner. It 
should be possible to begin this work as soon as photo strips of the terrain of current 
interest have been sifted out by means of determination of position. The interpretation 
must be carried out simultaneously over a large area in order that the photo material at 
hand may yield information quickly enough. 
“Since a large number of different targets, especially at the beginning of a war, can 
not be recognized even by qualified photo interpreters, it is desirable that specialists on 
guided missile weapons, field fortifications, vehicle types, vessels, planes, etc., are avail 
able to assist the interpreters at their work. 
“The results can hardly be said to offer any new problems, and will not be expati 
ated upon. 
“The results of photo interpretation constitute an excellent basis for the study of 
enemy tactics. If the reconnaissance is carried out at regular intervals a good general view 
of enemy movements is acquired. 
“It is a fact that atomic weapons must cause changes of tactics and warfare tech 
nique. No prediction can be made as to how the enemy proposes to do this. It is, however, 
possible by means of such intelligence as may be acquired through photo interpretation to 
form a fairly accurate opinion in the matter. It is therefore important that the results 
achieved by the photo interpreters are studied from a tactical point of view as well. For 
this purpose specially qualified personnel should be detailed, persons whose training 
makes them capable of deducing the principles put into practice from the study of se 
quences of aerial photographs of any given area. The mission of ‘tactical photo inter 
preters’ is of great importance.