tal image-processing and interpretation system 
for use with synthetic-aperture SLAR imagery. 
The input consists of either compressed (corre- 
lated) images or raw signal-phase histories. Ima- 
ges can be optically compressed on an optical 
correlator from film-recorded phase histories 
and recorded on magnetic tape in quantized 
form for further processing within the system. 
By means of a false-color CRT display, com- 
pressed images are interpreted in an interactive 
mode. 
Another Raytheon Company project produ- 
ced a computer program for digital rectifica- 
tion of SLAR imagery (Greve and Cooney, 
1974). The input to the program consists of a 
DTM on a 250-m rectilinear grid and HIRAN 
tracking (one point every 40 s or every 4 mi). 
A digital planimetric compiler records plani- 
metric features every 0.00% in or every 40 ft on 
the ground. 
Automation in the photographic laboratory 
The use of automated electronic dodging 
and scanning techniques (Cartwright, 1974) has 
resulted in highly efficient procedures for pho- 
toprocessing, according to experience gained at 
Cartwright Aerial Surveys. The photolab sys- 
tem includes the following elements : 
1. Film processing : Kodak Versamat Proces- 
SOT. 
2. Film editing and numbering : Cartwright- 
Veatch high-speed film filter using foil-trans- 
fer with no ink. 
3. Contact printing: Electronic-dodging strip 
printers, such as LogEtronics SP 10/70 (5,000 
prints per day). 
4. Photoindex: One-half reduction, conti- 
nuous electronic-scanning miniprinter by Cart- 
wright (500 prints per hour). 
À comparison between the hours required 
for handling 1,000 photographs by conventional 
and automated procedures is reported as fol- 
lows : 
Processing Editing Numbering Printing In 
dixing 
Conventional 6 22 12 8 16 
Automated <2 " 3 <2 4 
Automated systems with new equipment 
A new system for rapid coordinate measure- 
ment. of many points from medium — to 
20 
high — resolution photographs has been desi- 
gned by Bendix Research Laboratories (Sy- 
mour and Whiteside, 1974). The system inclu- 
des a new on-line 3-plate computer-assisted 
comparator, the TAg/Pl with a PDP-15 com- 
puter. The reported advantages of the system 
include (1) assistance in maintaining stereo, 
(2) preliminary processing of measurements, 
(3) immediate detection of large errors, (4) with 
change in programing, also various other pho- 
togrammetric operations. 
Another undertaking of Bendix Research 
Laboratories is a new automated photogram- 
metric system (Forrest and Helava, 1974) which 
includes a computer-controlled two-stage preci- 
sion measurement unit, optical/mechanical 
components on a granite base, a CRT terminal 
for entry and display of data, and large disks 
for mass storage. Stage motion is controlled by 
a PDP-11/20 computer with digital interface. 
The programs are written in FORTRAN in 
modular form so that the system is an easily 
programable plotter for highest accuracy from 
images of any describable geometry. 
K.B. Wood Associates uses a Wild Aıo plot- 
ter for automatic digitization of x, y, z, with 
output on paper tape (Wood, Gross, and Mac- 
Pherson, 1974). The software includes analyti- 
cal photogrammetry, profiling, and  terrain- 
modeling programs for earthwork volume com- 
putation from digital data. 
Danko Arlington has introduced the Kelsh 
K-320 Orthoscan as an offline orthoprinter 
(Danko, 1973). Neither the film bed nor the 
projectors move in z at any time during the 
scanning cycle. The model image is conveyed 
to the film by means of a fiber-optics ribbon. 
Regular 23- x 29-cm diapositives may be used 
in the 3 projectors (of a Kelsh plotter) to pro: 
duce a full double-model orthophoto at nomi- 
nal 5X. The fiber-optics ribbon is 2 mm wide, 
and its end is 50 tm from the film to allow for 
air bearing. 
Leartek is developing a complete photo- 
grammetric system as a high-speed proprietary 
service system. It is currently in the design and 
engineering stage and is expected to reach the 
production stage in late 1977 or early 1978. The 
output is expected to be orthophotos and height 
data in either graphic or digital form. 
Optical systems 
A project at the University of Rochester de- 
veloped two optical-processing systems for ra- 
€