GVII-54 
PHOTOGRAMMETRIC ENGINEERING 
Each photo depicts only a very limited area, causing among other things an enormous 
output of photographs. This is especially true in the case of rapid serial cameras, where 
the number of pictures is imposing indeed. Another difficulty is the determination of posi 
tion of the different objects discovered in the photos. Each photo depicts such a small 
area that it is hard to find definite points of orientation which allow determination of 
position. If, however, a wide-angle camera is used simultaneously with the large-scale 
camera, this determination can as a rule be carried out by comparison—but on the 
other hand, the total amount of photographs is increased. 
“Without taking into consideration the special case of an atomic war, the following 
fundamental facts will be apparent from the above: 
1. The interpretation of aerial photographs frequently demands greater exactitude 
and consequently more time than earlier, when camouflage technique had neither 
reached our present standard nor had the same scope. 
2. The number of photos has increased enormously, which makes a great demand 
on the capacity of interpretation organization. 
“Moreover, as a rule, the results of the interpretation must be delivered without 
loss of time—at least in periods of activity—-in order to be of practical use. 
“In the case of an atomic war, the demands made on photo reconnaissance will be 
greater still. One of the most basic innovations in a war, where atomic weapons are used 
or may be expected, is the increased spreading out of the units. This is especially true of 
an attacking force. The ensuing larger reconnaissance area necessitates a greater number 
of photographs. 
“In an atomic war it is of greater importance than in a conventional one to keep 
continual track of the grouping and activities of the enemy. In the war area there are 
such weapons as atomic artillery, guided missile batteries, etc., whose positions it is of 
vital importance to locate. Any concentration of troops or any other target suitable for 
one’s own atomic weapons must be localized without delay so that an attack may be 
made before the situation has changed. Photo reconnaissance is doubtless the most 
effective means of acquiring such information. The demand for continual photo recon 
naissance is thus accentuated. To a certain degree the work of the photo interpreter is 
made easier by the fact that field fortifications—on the part of the attacker as well—will 
be extensive and not too well camouflaged, especially in the case of mobile fighting. 
“Thus, the conditions of atomic warfare accentuate the value of photo reconnais 
sance and emphasizes the above motivated demand for an extensive interpretation ca 
pacity. 
“The greatest problem of today and tomorrow, therefore, seems to be sufficient 
speed in manipulating and utilizing the enormous number of aerial photos which, with 
out a doubt, will be taken in a modern war and especially in an atomic war. The difficulty 
lies in the processing as well as in the interpretation service. 
“The primary solution to the interpretation dilemma to present itself is the increase 
in number of the interpreters. It is open to question, however, whether this is a rational 
solution. It is difficult to procure qualified photo interpreters. One way of increasing the 
interpretation capacity and working speed would perhaps be to put assistants at the 
disposal of the photo interpreters, who could be assigned less qualified tasks and to put 
specialists on special interpretation targets. Interpretation can be organized in many 
various ways. 
“The following classification is only for the purpose of elucidating some problems in 
connection with a feasible working routine. 
“Determination of position of the photographs 
“Owing to the high velocity of the planes and the ensuing difficulties of orientation, 
the pilot is easily tempted to let the cameras start before he reaches the area to be photo 
graphed, and also to let them continue long after he has passed the target. Thus, during 
an aerial photo mission, a great number of exposures are made of terrain which is of no 
interest. In order to relieve the photo interpreters of unnecessary work, irrelevant photos 
should be eliminated in advance. Before interpretation can begin the photos must be