Commission IV Continued 
The National Mapping Programme 
The present programme which seeks to establish 1:100 000 topographic mapping cover 
over continental Australia and Tasmania was first initiated in 1965 and is projected for 
completion in 1977. The magnitude of this task can be best appreciated when it is measured 
in terms of approximately 3 000 map sheets totalling some 100 000 models of super wide angle 
photography at a nominal scale of 1:80 000. Its successful completion under a controlled 
budget demands the maximum economic utilisation of the total Australian mapping re- 
sources. 
Whilst it is a natural corollary thatthe general specifications for topographic mapping 
will find birth in the National Mapping Council, it is equally apparent that the research and 
development of systems so necessary for the completion of such a programme, will be 
generated by the member organisations represented on the Council. The most significant 
. developments completed during the past four years include:— 
The establishment of the Australian Height Datum (1971) and the publication 
of the tables which support its use as a framework for all forms of topographic 
surveys and mapping. 
The publishing of a manual to support the use of Australian Map Grid as the 
singular framework for all surveys and mapping. 
The development of a laser terrain profiling system through the Scientific 
Services of the Commonwealth Department of Supply. 
The increasing applications of ‘“’Aerodist’’ in the framework of the Geodetic 
Survey, to form the basic structure of the 1:100 000 mapping control. 
The development of more refined practices in slotted template assemblies to 
provide individual model horizontal control for 1:100000 mapping in the 
lesser developed areas of the continent. 
The continued research into analytical photogrammetry and the refinement of 
block adjustment systems by member organisations of Council, private 
offices and academic institutions. 
The continuing development of computerised systems of storage and distri- 
bution for a wide range of geodetic and topographic mapping data, including 
a gazetteer of Australian geographical and topographical place names. 
The publication of map specifications supporting 1:250 000, 1:100 000 and 
1:50 000 topographic mapping. 
The increasing development and use of orthophotomapping, using automated 
and semi automated compilation equipment. 
The significant increase in the purchase of ‘‘topographic plotters’ as distinct from 
“precision” plotters is indicative of the impact made by the 1:100 000 mapping programme. 
While the production of the series is the responsibility of the Commonwealth Government, 
State Government authorities participate in a reimbursement system for compilation, up to 
and including field completion and checking. The participation of the private offices is 
generally restricted to plotting only. Under present arrangements, approved photogram- 
metric establishments are supplied with the necessary marked diapositives and individual 
model control values and their task is to complete a 1:100 000 sheet and return it for edit- 
ing, field competition and fair drawing. 
In the majority of cases plotting is effected at 1:100 000 directly and the standard 
contour is 20 metres. Some State authorities have chosen to compile at 1:50 000 with 10 
metre contours to satisfy local requirements. The application of orthophotomap compilation 
techniques as support for the programme is restricted to the Commonwealth authorities. 
Equipment in such cases ranges from the fully automated scanning and recording systems 
supported by computer orientated interpolation and plotting of the digital terrain profiles, 
to semi automated orthophoto systems with drop line contour facilities. Additionally, the 
value of fully rectified mosaics is being actively researched with a view to their use in 
the programme where ground detail is sparse and the terrain is generally flat. 
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