210 
SYMPOSIUM PHOTO INTERPRETATION, DELFT 1962 
either personally with me at this symposium, or with your own governments 
when you return. The United Nations has declared the 1960’s to be the 
Decade of Development. Les us work so that this bold statement proves to be 
a fact. To this end the developed countries can make practical contributions 
in any, or all, of the following ways: 
Through the provision of funds to the developing countries, either direct 
contributions to the Governments or by investing in these countries. 
Through the provision of modern photogrammetric equipment to the 
countries to enable their own staff to carry out the work required. 
By providing the specialised knowledge of modern techniques and eqiup- 
ment, either by sending out experts in particular fields to advise the countries 
concerned and to train local staff on the spot, or by providing fellowships for 
the specialised training of nationals of these countries at institutions abroad. 
Of paramount importance is the training of local staff at all levels, to avoid the 
“mushroom effect” which is evident in some newly independent territories 
where there are a number of professionally trained men, and a plentiful supply 
of unskilled or semi-skilled labour, but a great lack of intermediate staff. 
By such methods the developed countries will help to bring a higher standard 
of living to the emerging nations, and through the use of modern aerial survey 
techniques this can be achieved in less time and with less expense. 
Discussion 
Mr. Smit (Netherlands) asked if helicopters can be used in tropical forest regions. Answer: 
The great difficulty with a helicopter is to get it down, but it is done today, even in such 
regions as you mentioned. 
Mr. Paijmans (Netherlands) remarked that he finds a large gap between the stage of initial 
reconnaissance through photo interpretation and the stage of actual exploitation, for which a 
100% enumeration survey cannot be avoided. Differences determining exploitability of tropical 
rain forest do not show on photographs. How can this gap be closed in an economical way 
through photo interpretation? Dr. Francis made reference to the amount of money spent on 
the compilation of topographic maps for such detailed inventories. He further thought that 
colour photography will be a help, although the large scale and the area to be flown are 
limitations. Infrared photography is not so good as is believed. 
Dr. A. P. A. Vink (Netherlands) asked the speaker’s opinion as to the proper sequence 
-topographic surveys, geological surveys, forest surveys etc. Answer: The natural resources 
surveys have to come first. This could be done with the help of mosaics. Afterwards one comes 
to the topographical surveys. 
Gen. R. LI. Brown (U.K.) asked if topographic maps are really quite so unnecessary for an 
integrated investment survey as Dr. Francis appraised. Answer: Many countries cannot afford 
to spent a lot of money for the compilation of topographic maps, and it is quite possible to do 
the work without them. Basic investigations in natural resources appraisal do not need good 
topographic maps. Dr. Vink added to this that topographic surveys are needed to begin with, 
but necessary scale should be carefully considered in connection with the accuracy needed and 
the funds available. Gen. Brown then suggested that a mosaic was already a form of topo 
graphic map giving a wide general picture. 
Dr. Hildebrandt (B.R.D.) asked whether he was right in saying that the integrated natural 
resources surveys make the further forest inventories and forest development dependent on 
other economically more attractive investments e.g. in the field of mineral resources. Dr. Francis 
answered that this was correct. For industrial advisers the forest is not so important in a general 
country plan, mostly due to the fact that the forests require a more intensive survey.