ITC has done some research on the applicability of data gathered from orbital altitudes by satellites 
concentrating on the visual interpretation of Landsat imagery of various parts of the world, including 
two NASA projects in Spain related to geology and soils. The potential uses of Landsat magnetic 
tapes for resource surveys were tested in several parts of the Netherlands and Italy and programs were 
devised for the computerized data handling of the Landsat information stored on the magnetic tapes 
using principal component analysis and axial rotation as a means of data reduction. The results are 
promising and will be published at the Congress. 
Investigation into the uses of radar (SLAR) imagery has progressed considerably and several publica- 
tions which largely relate to work done in Columbia in conjunction with CIAF (Centro Interamerica- 
no de Fotointerpretacion) have been issued. Two ITC staff members have carried out missions for 
SLAR interpretation in Brazil (RADAM-project) and Columbia (PRORADAM-project) of vegetation 
and geomorphology respectively. 
The Agricultural University and related Institutes in Wageningen have carried out detailed studies in 
the use of multispectral scanning (MSS) for crop determination, disease detection and the emission 
characteristics of various plants. 
The Environment Bureau of the Department of Public Works has launched an interesting project based 
on the application of sequential aerial photography. 
This project will study the changes and the further development of the estuaries which were cut off 
from the sea by the dykes constructed in the last few decades. It is to be hoped that it will be possible 
to predict the developments which can be expected in the estuaries where in the near future due to 
enclosure, the effect of the tides will probably be. eliminated and the salinity of the water will drop. 
Research is also being carried out in the field of thermography with special emphasis on micro-clima- 
tological applications and on the radar reflection of the ground under different conditions of ground 
cover. 
Finally, as has been mentioned before, the Netherlands Government has set up an advisory committee 
to look into the feasibility of a project of launching several satellites for the purpose of monitoring 
the agricultural situation in the third world.