- 2 - 
PROGRESS IN DATA PROCESSING USING 
PHOTOGRAMMETRIC INSTRUMENTATION* 
Introduction 
Under Commission II (plotting, theory and instrumentation) a general report and 
several invited papers are being presented. These papers summarize new develop 
ments in areas as automatic instruments (given by R. D. Esten), analytical instru 
ments (by Dr. H. Schmid), and classical analog instruments (by Prof. W. Schermerhorn). 
In a paper on ’’Fundamental Problems”, Prof. B. Hallert discusses the measurement 
and analysis of errors which affect instrument operations and the quality of the 
resulting maps, orthophotos, and related data. 
A factor of growing significance in these areas is the present and potential uses of 
digital data processing techniques and equipment. Since the last I.S.P. Congress in 
1960, the use of digital techniques in automatic instruments has been increasing at 
a rapid rate. 
Analytical Instrument Systems, using mono- or stereo-comparators are measuring 
control data for processing in computers as large as the IBM 7030 (STRETCH) 
System, a major change from the desk calculator techniques available to such pioneers 
as the late Dr. Earl Church of Syracuse University. 
Classical Analog Plotting instruments are now generally equipped with digital-data 
output recorders. This recorded data is used in digital numerical analyses, bridging 
adjustments, and engineering design problems which make extensive use of data pro 
cessing. 
The fourth paper of Commission II is devoted to the ’’Fundamental Problems” of 
instrument accuracy and quality. Errors in film and instruments have, for many 
years, been measured, recorded, and converted into digital data for analysis by 
computers for error calibration. 
This paper proposes to emphasize the major areas in a mapping system using photo- 
grammetric instrumentation, where increased uses of digital techniques are potentially 
applicable. Some of the areas of potential application are based on development work 
at IBM, Kingston, New York. Three principal areas amenable to digital techniques are: 
1. Digital data acquisition from ground surveys, flight missions, and instru 
ment calibration measurements. 
2. The forming of map and orthophoto compilation manuscripts from stereo 
diapositives. 
3. The production, editing, and annotation of map or chart manuscripts and 
masters. 
* Invited paper No-II-5 for Commission II Plotting, Theory and Instruments at the 
Tenth Congress of the International Society of Photogrammetry at Lisbon, Portugal, 
September 7-19, 1964.