Introduction to Photo Interpretation

Year Published: 1951

Creator: Department of Defense.

Format: 16mm/video file

Description: National Archives and Records AdministrationIntroduction to Photo InterpretationDepartment of the Interior. Geological Survey. Topographic Division. (1947 - 1980)INTRODUCTION TO PHOTO INTERPRETATION FOR THE DISCOVERY AND EVALUATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ca. 1955. ARC Identifier 11887 / Local Identifier 57.8. Provides training in the techniques of photo interpretation for the discovery and evaluation of the natural resources of a country or region. The film begins with a summary of the idea of "resources," and their development by mankind for a variety of purposes. Early on in the film the case is presented for the verification of information by a study of the ground area, and an understanding of ground truth. The use of aerial photography is introduced first by showing how trees and vegetation coverage is evaluated and interpreted by the Forest Service. In this sequence, kinds of timber are differentiated and their images on photography examined. The difference between soft pine and hardwood deciduous trees is noted on the photos. Further analysis carried out by use of counting of crowns in measured areas, and by looking at crown size and forest density. A second segment details how Geologic maps can be made and benefit from aerial photographic interpretation. It is noted that color imagery adds a ueful and helpful dimension to the process of detecting certain minerals and formations. Ground Truth observations, and verification for accuracy of interpretation are stressed. The interpreter should have direct familiarity with the various areas he is mapping and interpreting. In the third segment, soil mapping by photo interpretation is covered. Large areas can be quickly and relatively accurately characterized, but an emphasis on ground truth and familiarity with soil types, and soil chemical analysis is given substantial weight. The general correlation of the soils and the chemistry of them with local geological structure and water abundance is also intimated. The fourth segment discusses photo interpretation of hydrologic detail. Again,ground truth is emphasized to allow characterization of hydrology from the specific to the general to be made with confidence. Vegetation and geologic structure also arefactors which are considered in the hydrologic photo-interpretation.

Complete Record: National Archives and Records Administration Introduction to Photo Interpretation Department of the Interior. Geological Survey. Topographic Division. (1947 - 1980) INTRODUCTION TO PHOTO INTERPRETATION FOR THE DISCOVERY AND EVALUATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ca. 1955. ARC Identifier 11887 / Local Identifier 57.8. Provides training in the techniques of photo interpretation for the discovery and evaluation of the natural resources of a country or region. The film begins with a summary of the idea of "resources," and their development by mankind for a variety of purposes. Early on in the film the case is presented for the verification of information by a study of the ground area, and an understanding of ground truth. The use of aerial photography is introduced first by showing how trees and vegetation coverage is evaluated and interpreted by the Forest Service. In this sequence, kinds of timber are differentiated and their images on photography examined. The difference between soft pine and hardwood deciduous trees is noted on the photos. Further analysis carried out by use of counting of crowns in measured areas, and by looking at crown size and forest density. A second segment details how Geologic maps can be made and benefit from aerial photographic interpretation. It is noted that color imagery adds a ueful and helpful dimension to the process of detecting certain minerals and formations. Ground Truth observations, and verification for accuracy of interpretation are stressed. The interpreter should have direct familiarity with the various areas he is mapping and interpreting. In the third segment, soil mapping by photo interpretation is covered. Large areas can be quickly and relatively accurately characterized, but an emphasis on ground truth and familiarity with soil types, and soil chemical analysis is given substantial weight. The general correlation of the soils and the chemistry of them with local geological structure and water abundance is also intimated. The fourth segment discusses photo interpretation of hydrologic detail. Again,ground truth is emphasized to allow characterization of hydrology from the specific to the general to be made with confidence. Vegetation and geologic structure also arefactors which are considered in the hydrologic photo-interpretation.