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encourage pride in craftmanship, and promote special studies in the 
photogrammetry area. This training program involves the production of 
a multicolor topographic map. In the formation of the map, the student 
becomes involved in the design of the map, compilation of the data, 
scribing the final manuscript, production of the printing plates, and 
the final printing of the map. 
Special student projects are also encouraged. These projects stem 
from interest which the student may develope that is not treated in the 
laboratory. Thus far, two close-range architectural studies have been 
undertaken. The first project was performed by two surveying students 
involving the historic recording of the old Mecosta County Jail, a 
historic landmark, located in Big Rapids, Michigan. The other study 
was performed on the U. S. Post Office also in Big Rapids. Additional 
projects involve still other close-range studies and the production of 
an orthophoto map of the Big Rapids area. 
FLEXIBILITY IN TRAINING 
While a definite photogrammetry program is recommended, there is 
some flexibility in the training program that could allow for a special 
sequence of study. This would be done with the cooperation of other 
departments in the college. Other areas of interest may lie in 
printing, computer applications to mapping, earth sciences, mathematics 
and surveying. Thus, individualized training is possible to meet the 
needs of different organizations. 
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES 
One distinct advantage of offering training at the college level 
is the role of applied research that can be utilized in the training 
program. Saladin and Rick [1982] reported on the ability to improve 
the stereoscopic acuity of the stereoplotter operator. Using 13 
control subjects, these photogrammetrists were paired with 13 
experimental subjects such that each pair of subjects exhibited 
similiar optical and binocular characteristics. The results of this 
research indicated that improvement in stereoscopic acuity could be 
measured after seven weeks of training. From this study, a training 
program will be created to improve the visual capabilities of the 
student. 
Another important research project will be undertaken this coming 
school year. It involves the construction of a device aimed to improve 
the contouring capabilities of the Stereoplotter operator. This device 
will be mounted in the pen position on the plotting table. Once the 
photographs have been properly oriented and a finished map oriented on 
the plotting table, the student will begin the contouring process. The 
device will receive the "true" contour from the map manuscript and 
correlate that with the location of the measuring dot in the plotter. 
When the measuring dot departs significantly from the location of the 
contour on the map, a buzzer will be activated and it can only be 
turned off once the student finds the proper location of the contour 
line. If this project becomes successful, it will have a significant 
affect on the training being performed at the Center. 
Burtch 5