COMMISSION VII 
Photo-Interpretation - Photo-interprétation - Photointerpretation 
President: Dr. A. Reinhold, GDR; Secretaty: Dr. G. Wolff, GDR 
Tuesday July 25 1972, 10:45 
The discussion which followed the papers ‘Environmental Monitoring from Aircraft and Spacecraft” by G.W. 
North, and “Environmental Control from Airborne and Space Vehicles” by S. Schneider, emphasized the 
variety of environmental problems which involve remote sensing. Projects mentioned included the application 
of aerial photography for assessing fume and insect damage to vegetation, and for evaluating the effects of salts, 
pesticides and herbicides. The use of aerial photography and thermal imagery for monitoring the quality of 
ground and surface water was discussed. 
The complexity of problems and the need to consider secondary manifestations of pollution were stressed. Pleas 
were made for a systematic approach to research into spectral signatures, and for attention to basic studies. 
Automation of interpretation methods and the proper training of interpreters are critical areas. 
There was an exchange of views on the best distribution of effort between aerial photography and remote 
sensing methods. It was agreed that there were some weaknesses in the practical application of interpretation 
techniques, and for simplified, less expensive equipment. But new developments must be considered along with 
the more conventional approaches. 
Wednesday July 26 1972, 10:45 
The Moderator, C.E. Olson, apologized on behalf of one of the scheduled speakers, A.B. Park, who was unable 
to attend due to commitments related to the launch of ERTS-A of the United States Geological Survey, and 
provided a substitute presentation, describing the specifications of ERTS-A and Skylab. F. Doyle reported that 
he had just received the report that ERTS imagery thus far obtained “far exceeded expectations in terms of 
resolution and quality”; and he set the scene for A.H. Aldred’s paper, “World Participation in Remote Sensing 
from Space", which dealt with the considerations that users should bear in mind, and with closing the gap 
between the technology and application of satellite data. 
The panel then described their aims and expectations from resource satellite data. Geologists hope that 
the synoptic view would provide a better indication of the continuity of gross and structural features, which 
could, in turn, indicate potential areas for resource exploration. The monitoring of such dynamic phenomena 
as stream sedimentation was also optimistically anticipated. However, the view was put forward that the state 
of the art of interpreting such imagery was further advanced in the fields of vegetation and agricultural studies, 
and a request was therefore made for more interdisciplinary exchanges, particularly with regard to the 
mineral-absorbing characteristics of plants and the possible effect of this on plant reflectivity. 
It was further suggested that, to cope with the data "cascade", individual users confine their studies to 
well-defined objectives. A.request was made that a greater international exchange of remote sensing data and 
experience be initiated, including countries of the eastern hemisphere. 
Friday July 28 1972, 10:45 
The Intercommission (IV-VII) Working Group (H.G. Jerie) reported that it had been inactive for two years. 
It was proposed by the Chairman that H. Jerie prepare a paper for the next congress of ISP on the topic of this 
Working Group. Agreed, subject to the future author's reservation that the topic of **semantic information" 
be excluded. 
A discussion took place on future work in vegetation damage. The Chairman presented the report of the 
Working Group under G. Wolff, “Inventory of Vegetation Damage". The panel proposed future work: a broad 
working group, *vegetation damage", should be established. Several project teams should operate under this 
group. One would be concerned with damage on intensively managed forest lands, another should deal with 
extensively managed lands, and a third with damage to agricultural crops. Problems of intensive and extensive 
management in the tropics should be considered. Interpretation of satellite imagery could be the topic of a new 
working group. 
There was debate on the degree to which Commission VII should become involved with practical applications, 
which are covered by organizations in various disciplines, such as forestry, agriculture and geology. Close