39 
The question of the application of photogrammetry was studied in detail by 
a Technical Committe dealing with topographic mapping. With respect to ap 
propriate instruments and methods to ensure the rapid execution of cartographic 
surveys of average precision at a scale of the order of 1/50,000 and 1/100,000 
by the use of aerial photographs in countries which are not yet provided with 
regular maps, the Committee was in favour of further development of less ex 
pensive third-order plotting instruments notwithstanding the fact that the pro 
ductivity per man hour of more costly second-order or even first-order instru 
ments might be better. The Committee also recommended the use of photogram- 
metric methods for improving cadastral surveys. 
To strengthen international co-operation in the field of cartography, the 
Conference recommended the setting up of regional inter-governmental carto 
graphic organizations where they do not exist at present for advising the Go 
vernments of the Region on the solution of their cartographic problems and a 
Small Central Advisory Board to advise the United Nations on matters of 
cartographic policy and related technical matters which would consist of one 
representative of each regional organization and of the international technical 
institutions concerned. The Board may also co-opt such Experts as it may deem 
necessary. 
The report of the Conference was considered at the XXIth Session of the 
Council which commended the Conference for the work achieved. The Council 
recommended that those regional economic commissions of the United Nations 
which think it desirable to consider the question of establishing cartographic 
committees for the purpose of periodic consultations on cartographic matters 
among their members. The question of establishing the Central Advisory Board 
was postponed as it has been pointed out that until the pattern of the regional 
organizations becomes clear it is premature to make mandatory the establish 
ment of a Central Board along the lines suggested by the Conference. 
The Council approved also a recommendation of the Conference to convene 
during the year 1958, a second United Nations Regional Cartographic Con 
ference for Asia and the Far East at which the Japanese Government has already 
offered to act as host. The Conference will be held in Tokyo. 
During the debates of the Council on this question several members stressed 
the need for the United Nations to provide adequate technical assistance in the 
field of cartography and drew the attention of Governments to the possibility 
of requesting this assistance, emphasizing the fact that experience has shown 
that money invested in cartography was repaid many times over by the tangible 
benefits derived from this work. The most significant statement at the Council’s 
debate was perhaps that made by the Representative of Canada. He stated that 
»Cartography is not only one of the primary tools of economic development but 
it is the first tool to be used before the other tools can be put to work». 
It is not relevant to conclude the question on the United Nations without a 
few words about its Regional Economic Commissions which are also active in 
the field of cartography. For instance, the Economic Commission for Asia and 
the Far East in studying the question of developing mineral resources in the 
region, has sponsored meetings of senior geologists of the Region for the pre 
paration of a Regional Geological Map for Asia and the Far East. The second 
meeting was held last month in Tokyo. The final specifications were adopted 
and the Map is scheduled for completion in 1958. The draft work programme of 
the Secretariat of this Commission for 1957 includes an item: collection of tech 
nical information on photogrammetry for distribution to the countries of the 
region. 
It is gratifying to note that photogrammetric methods have generally pro 
vided an efficient method for obtaining accurate maps more rapidly and more 
economically and in a similar manner aerial surveys and photo-interpretation 
techniques have facilitated the carrying out of physical resource surveys. How-