National Report of the Israeli Society of
Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
1992-1996
Prepared for the Israeli Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
by
Ron Adler and Joseph Forrai
Survey of Israel
ABSTRACT
The National Report of Israel outlines the pattern of activities and new developments in
photogrammetry and remote sensing during the period 1992-1996. The involvement of most sectors
engaged in these activities is described, including government, education, research, systems and
equipment supply, consultancy, professional practice and contract services. A wide range of
applications is reviewed and therefore the report treats them briefly.
COMPILATION OF THE REPORT
This abbreviated version of the National Report, has beeu compiled from proceedings of various
professional meetings, symposia and conferences, from published papers, from responses to a circular
letter to members of the National Society and from responses to direct questions by the authors.
Editorial discretion has been used in presenting the various material received. This report does not
necessarily represent the views of the Israeli Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.
KEY WORDS: Photogrammetry. Remote Sensing. Development. Education. Tasks.
L INSTITUTIONS
The Israel Society of Photogrammetry and Remote
Sensing is the adhering body to the International
Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing and
is a non-profit society, existing solely for the purpose
of advancement of the profession. It is run on a
voluntary basis by elected officials, is funded by
membership fees and aided by services provided by
members. The National Society was founded in 1949
and has currently 70 members. This rather small
membership is perhaps characteristic of a small
country, in which, for many years, photogrammetric
practice was limited to the Survey of Israel, the
government mapping institute and a small number of
private companies. The number of private companies
active in photogrammetry has increased considerably
in the last decade (currently 16). Remote sensing
applications are rather limited in Israel, because in a
small country photogrammetry still dominates the field
of mapping and land use monitoring.
The National Society conducted a symposium on
photogrammetric and remote sensing application in
Israel in June 1993, with some 200 persons in
attendance. A Remote Sensing Symposium was held in
June 1994 under the auspices of the National Space
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International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXI, Part B6. Vienna 1996
Committee, with published proceedings.
2. PHOTOGRAMMETRY
Photogrammetry provides professional interest or
employment, or both, for some 200 persons in Israel.
This is a fairly considerable number, considering the
trend for increased productivity, not only through
improved technology, but also through the
omnipresent cost analysis. As a general policy, the
government decreases gradually the number of
employees in the Survey of Israel, and one observes the
increase in contracts for photogrammetric projects
awarded to private companies. In general, the users of
surveying and mapping products, readily accept the
photogrammetric product as the best solution to their
requirements. The early nineties saw a wave of
immigration in Israel, with a corresponding need for
housing, access roads etc. etc. Photogrammetry
provided the necessary response to the urgent need for
planning background maps, monitoring construction
and “as made” maps. Most of these products were of
the digital variety.
Today, one sees an increasing involvement of
photogrammetry in cadastral tasks, in response to the
policy of providing registration of rights, parallel with
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