REPORT OF COMMISSION VII 
G VI1-3 
graphs as forest maps for field use, and (2) the development of rapid forest 
sampling techniques by means of photography. Forest photo interpretation 
research is also proceeding at a very high rate. Applications in agriculture and 
land use are also increasing, though perhaps at a slightly slower rate. An inter 
esting feature in this connection is the use of photography for large-area land- 
use studies, involving whole countries or agricultural regions, and resulting in 
long-range development plans. 
In engineering, photography continues to be used in highway design and 
industrial site planning; however the most rapidly growing field seems to be in 
urban area analysis, where uses are found in municipal planning for residential 
and industrial development. 
In addition to uses of photography in the specific fields of science above, 
noted, there were general geographic applications of considerable interest. 
These have, in the report, been placed under the most convenient section; how 
ever in many cases they cut across disciplinary boundaries. These are perhaps 
testimonials to the wide application of aerial photography. 
PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION TECHNIQUES 
Photographic interpretation is a tool of science. As such, it is used in an 
endless number of ways, depending on the requirement to be met and the 
ingenuity of the scientist. In the reports received from many countries, how 
ever, there was a recurrent emphasis on certain interpretation techniques. 
Several of these are briefly discussed below. It is emphasized that this is an 
indicative and not a comprehensive listing. 
1. Identification and Census: This old reliable technique of photographic 
interpretation is as useful now as when it was applied to counting enemy gun 
positions in World Wars I and II. It is widely used in traffic surveys, wild life 
counts, military applications, and for that matter, in almost all other types of 
photographic interpretation. The technique has changed little, except perhaps 
the addition of “dot counters” recognition keys, and other aids. 
2. Sampling: This is a technique of accurate estimation through using 
photography, of the number and characteristics of a population where it is too 
numerous to count. This technique developed rapidly during the reporting 
period, particularly in the field of forestry. It is also being used in the field of 
urban area analysis, where a study of randomly selected unit areas of a city 
can be projected to conclusions concerning quantity and structural charac 
teristics of the whole. 
3. Detailed Analysis: This somewhat unspecific title is here used to em 
brace the process of detailed study of photographs used by an expert in a given 
scientific field. As scientists become more and more qualified in photographic 
interpretation techniques, the dependence they place upon the results of photo 
graphic analysis becomes greater. The reporting period is one where an upsurge 
in this use of photographs appears evident. This, of course, has brought to these 
many fields of endeavor some of the speed and economy of operation which 
can be realized by use of photography. 
4. Collaborative Analysis: This phenomenon is taking place slowly but cer 
tainly in the field of photographic interpretation. What is referred to here is 
the use of photographs as a base upon which a number of scientists of various 
disciplines may work together. Examples are the large-scale resource and land- 
use surveys in several parts of the world, the application of photography to 
international boundary fixing (Pakistan), and the adoption of photographs 
as a base for general municipal and rural planning in several countries.