- 276 - 
in court. (p.,1335)." 
"The final decision to utilize remote sensing output as evidence will 
depend not only on the technical characteristics and information content 
of the imagery, but also on the alternative investigation resources avail- 
able to an organization and on its comparative degree of confidence in 
remote sensing (p. 1339)." To upgrade that degree of confidence, as well 
as to overcome the reluctance of litigants to introduce remote sensing 
data and procedures, along with the competence of the human element. 
Basically there are four uses for the expert witness in remote sensing: 
"a. to establish the reliability of the scientific theories and tech- 
niques embodied in a class of sensors; 
b. to document that the particular device employed to obtain the sub- 
mission was constructed and operated in a manner consistent with 
those scientific principles (hence the need for technical standards 
like ASHRAE Standard 101P): 
C. to identify the submission as the sensing output originally produced 
or its lineal descendent (hence the need to standardize some products 
and services from among the numerous image enhancement techniques 
currently available); 
d. to interpret the information in a way that makes it meaningful to 
the trier of fact (p. 1336, parentheticals mine)." 
Finally, Latin et al reognize that the great majority of current remote 
sensing practitioners do not possess academic degrees or educational 
training in remote sensing per se. It is not a self-contained or easily 
recognizable discipline if evaluated in terms of the formal training 
of its proponents. These circumstances are conceivably detrimental to 
the rapid introduction of remote sensing techniques to the American court 
room. 
Standing committees : The Remote Sensing Applications Division (RSAD) 
of ASP has several committees, among them education and technical review. 
They play a coordinating role primarily, but serve also to advise and 
maintain standards for such publications as the Manual Remote Sensing. 
Membership on the committees is rotated amongst the more interested and 
active members of the Division, andbecause of their shorttenure they 
are reluctant to engage in the formulation of policies that might lead 
to conflicts with other committees. Such policy decisions are usually 
left to other sectors of ASP; namely, the Division on Professionalism. 
The Division is newly organized (1980) from several areas within ASP 
and their effort so far has focused on future aims and goals. It is here, 
however, that the Society willlook for guidance and policy relating 
to professional competence and standards. 
Professional awards : The best known award in American remote sensing 
is the annual Pecora Award given in honor of William T. Pecora who la- 
bored so effectively in the early years of the field. In addition there 
are several ASP awards to both students and practicing professionals 
for contributions of an exceptional nature. To be recipient is to gain 
recognition from peers that one's performance not only meets but probably 
exceeds the current standards. Each time these awards are given, an in- 
cremental step towards perfection is taken. Aspiring individuals, the 
Morain 5