Considerations regarding image geometry and image quality 
based on the cross sections of lenses of aerial mapping cameras 
  
K.-J. Rosenbruch, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, 
Federal Republic of Germany 
Introduction 
The testing of optical instruments has different purposes: 
Firstly, for controlling the observance of given tolerances during 
fabrication, secondly, the testing of prototypes for comparing their 
values with the calculated ones. Thirdly, final inspection of the 
given specifications before delivery to the customer. Finally, 
testing is done in order to evaluate correction values for compensatir 
undesired effects during use. 
If the aim of testing is to specify imaging quality, three kinds of 
parameters could possibly be tested: 
1. corgructional parameters, such as radii, refractive indices, 
distances, positions of stops, shutters and the image receiver 
(for example film), 
optical data, such as aperture, focal distance, transmittance, 
vignetting and aberrations, 
image quality given by the lens itself, including the object 
distributions and receiver sensitivities given in practical 
use, (For example: size of important object details, illumination 
contrast, image motion, speed and spectral sensitivity of the 
film). 
The first two kinds of testing are mainly important and informative 
for the lens designer who sees to what extent deviations from his 
ideal design occurred during fabrication.The third kind gives the 
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