6
Field checking and field completion actions relative to the 1:100 000 programme are
under constant reappraisal and methods vary in accordance with the area under review.The
ideal timing of photography to suit compilation is fraught with problems due to the size of
the programme and consequently the majority of maps compiled require immediate complet-
ion surveys. For this purpose, new photography, ground inspection and aerial reconnais-
sance plus the graphical or written records of government and semi-government authorities
are utilised either wholly or in part in a total field completion activity.
The State Authorities
As previously indicated, the autonomy of the various States in respect to special pur-
pose topographic mapping and cadastral surveys lends itself to a wide application of
photogrammetric technology. All State Authorities are generally well equipped in this re-
gard and whilst there remains an emphasis on "''precision'' plotting facilities there is a
definite trend towards the purchase of topographic instruments and orthophoto systems.
The vastness of the Australian continent, the uncertainty of where next it will dis-
play its mineral wealth and the paucity of accurate topographic data has not only demand-
ed the development of specialised mapping in a wide variety of scales to service major
mining projects but has also stimulated the introduction of photogrammetric practices new
in Australian application. The now common use of digital photo treatment for earthwork
and stockpile measurements and some hydrographic studies together with the increasing
research and practical implementation of photogrammetry to cadastral surveys are in no
small measure the direct results of the intense developmental activity generated by the
mineral search during recent years.
In this activity the role of the various State mapping authorities has been largely con-
fined to the requirements of government planning and development within its realm of au-
thority, whilst the private offices have satisfied the survey and mapping requirements
peculiar to the private developers.
The Role of Private Office
The threefold roie of the Private Mapping Office is to —
service the needs peculiar to the State in which they are domiciled
provide an additional cog in the machinery of the National Mapping program-
me
satisfy the demands of the private planning and developing authorities of the
country.
The larger and generally longer established photogrammetric offices in the private
sector have either established facilities in several States or established representation
through professional firms practising in the various States. Equipment held by such offices
will be found to be similar in kind to those of the State Authorities. Computer facilities
whether owned or available through a terminal, generally forma part of the office structures.
The more recently established offices will, as a general rule, employ topographic type
plotters only and augment their additional needs in respect to aerotriangulation and ad-
justment by association with firms specialising in such activities. By circumstance it is
not unusual to find the origin of the more recently created offices in the geological and
engineering firms of the country.
A more complete and revised Scale of Fees applicable to photogrammetry has been
the subject of research by the Institution of Surveyors, Australia and has been published
as part of the general fees of the Institution. These have proven to be of considerable ad-
vantage in work when equipment and specifications are standardised. The varying equip-
ment and available technology amongst firms and the often specialised requirements of the
client, tend to weaken the effectiveness of such a measure but time and the regular review
of both procedures and fees should ensure that photogrammetry retains the high respect-
ability at present accorded it by both client and practioner alike.