WORKING GROUP 1 
BARRETT 
53 
with involved mathematical computations. This is an interesting and a valuable 
use of computer capabilities, but, however, a limited one in that the computer 
is still being used only as a sort of extremely rapid calculating machine. There 
are quite a number of other things that a computer can do, and it is the 
purpose of this paper to describe a number of them as they apply specifically 
to photo interpretation. 
Perhaps the best first question is “Why do we need computers in photo 
interpretation?” Such devices tend to be large, complex, and expensive, and 
should not, therefore, be considered unless there is a problem situation where 
in their capabilities provide a clear-cut, almost unique solution. I suggest 
there are such problem areas in photo interpretation. I propose to discuss two 
of them and then to report on the present status of applicable research at the 
System Development Corporation. 
The emerging problem areas 
The problems involved can be summed up in two words: data load. This 
data load problem has two distinct aspects: 1. a tremendously increased 
volume of photography; and, 2. a resulting greatly expanded volume oi ex 
tracted information. It will be valuable to examine for a moment some evidence 
relating to the existence of problems in these areas. 
I am sure that you are all aware of the tiros program which is now in 
operation. Tiros is a weather reconnaissance satellite which orbits the earth 
and sends back photographs of cloud type, distribution, storm activity, etc. 
from which meteorologists can make weather forecasts of heretofore unequalled 
accuracy and completeness. Table 1 provides an overview of the data load 
problem with respect to tiros [1, 2, 3]. All three of these satellites represent: 
experiments in what kind of equipment should be used, and how much photo- 
Table 1. Weather satellite data load 
Satellite 
Lens type 
Time operating 
Number of pictures 
TIROS I 
Wide and Narrow 
Angle Lenses 
78 days 
22,950 
TIROS II 
Wide and Narrow 
Angle Lenses 
10 months 
35,834 
TIROS III 
Wide Angle 
60 days 
18,000 
graphy should be sent back to earth. It is, therefore, very difficult to attempt 
generalization on the basis of the returns as we know them so far. However, 
it seems that something like 12,000 pictures a month is not an unreasonable 
estimate concerning the nature of the data load which should be expected. 
The photo returns from the tiros system may, however, be actually a drop 
in the bucket when compared to the volume of photography which could 
arise out of an aerial reconnaissance system used in support of a world arms