THE ROLE OF IMAGERY EXPLOITATION IN FULFILLING THE INTELLIGENCE OBJECTIVES OF THE 1960'S AND 1970'S

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP68B00969R000100050001-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 53
• Document Creation Date: December 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 19, 2004
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: June 1, 1965
• Content Type: REQ

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June 1965
THE ROLE OF IMAGERY EXPLOITATION
IN FULFILLING THE INTELLIGENCE
OBJECTIVES OF THE 1960's AND 1970's
NGA Review Complete
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THE ROLE OF IMAGERY EXPLOITATION IN
FULFILLING THE INTELLIGENCE
OBJECTIVES OF THE 1960's and 1970's
(NPIC WHITE PAPER)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
II. Background
III. Assumptions for Planning
IV. Discussion
V. Objectives
VI. Conclusions
Page
1
TABS
1 Personnel Growth Charts
2 Financial Charts
3 Automation in NPIC (1955-1970)
4 Review of the RTD Effort - NPIC
5 Proposed Five Year R&D Program
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I. INTRODUCTION
In the nine years since the introduction of the U-2 on the inter-
national scene, the growth of the role and importance of photography
as a major contributor to both strategic and tactical intelligence has
been dramatic. Photographic satellite systems have become operational
to augment and supplant the high-level aircraft systems. New and re-
markable photographic satellite systems are under development and these
will be complemented by other image-forming, multiple-sensing systems.
Improved manned aircraft developments are taking place and, at the
same time, low and medium-level aircraft systems are in operation over
many parts of the world. Rapid growth, both qualitatively and quanti-
tively, has been the order of the day and the outlook for the future
indicates even more impressive development at a quickening pace.
This paper presents the current status of the national photographic
exploitation activity, framed against a background of its development
over some 13 years, and sets forth its objectives to be achieved in
the future, the assumptions on which these objectives are based, and
the problems which should be dealt with if an adequate, national capa-
bility to exploit imagery in the on-coming years is to be achieved.
II. BACKGROUND
a. Development of a PI Capability in CIA (1952-1961)
Prior to 1952 there was no photo interpretation capability
in CIA. In that year the DD/I, Mr. Robert Amory, Jr., recruited
Mr. Arthur C. Lundahl from the Navy Photographic Interpretation
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Center for the purpose of setting up a limited effort in this
field. Mr. Lundahl grouped around him six people, most of whom
were former associates, and the beginnings of a PI operation were
underway. Even at that time the materials to be worked with were
voluminous and the staff could only scratch the surface in a few
isolated fields. The types of materials being exploited included
clandestine hand held, captured German World War II, SENSINT Air
Force peripheral, and Genetrix (balloon) photography.
The first development of real magnitude occurred in December
of 1954 when Messrs. Dulles and Bissell brought Mr. Lundahl into
the planning for the U-2 Program and instructed him to, among
other things, prepare a plan for the exploitation of the expected
U-2 photography which would begin arriving in 1956. Mr. Lundahl,
with the help of others in the DD/I area, developed an exploita-
tion program and presented his needs for a staffing complement to
hopefully handle the proceeds of the U-2. Right from the begin-
?ning the concept of a team effort in the exploitation of photog-
raphy was brought to bear. There were three prime goals in mind
in the establishment of the PI operation of that day which remain
even now as guideposts to the exploitation concept:
(1) Provide the photo interpreter with all-source
collateral intelligence to assist him and make most meaning-
ful his interpretation of objects imaged on the photography.
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(2) Provide the photo interpreter with all forms of
support necessary to the proper performance of his job
including mensuration, editorial, graphical, photographic
laboratory, etc. in order that his full attention may be
devoted to the task of viewing and interpreting the photog-
raphy.
(3) Produce timely,independent and unbiased photo
interpretation reports which are uniformly disseminated
to USIB member organizations as required.
To provide the capability and fulfill the goals established
by Mr. Lundahl a new organization was formed in early 1956 under
the codeword, IITAUTOMAT, which combined the small photo inter-
preter staff then working for Mr. Lundahl with a larger element
of collateral, document, machine and other types of support
specialists taken from OCR. The strength at that time totalled
In July of 1956 the first U-2 mission was received and from
that time forward NPIC and its predecessor organizations have
been struggling to build and equip an organization capable of
handling the continually increasing volumes of film which have
been collected.
Throughout the period 1956-1961 the U-2 remained the prin-
cipal collection vehicle and in its peak year, FY 1959, some
82 missions were flown producing over 450,000 linear feet of
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film. The U-2 shootdown in May 1960 over Sverdlovsk temporarily
restricted the program but by August of 1960, only three months
after the incident, the first K11-4 satellite mission was accom-
plished and the Center was thrown into a new era of exploitation.
Plans had been formulated by the Center and requests made
for increased personnel resources and in December of 1960 a T/0
The ceiling, however, was not increased
until well into the year 1961, thus making the earlier T/0
increase rather meaningless.
b. Establishment of NPIC (January 1961)
Planning was taking place on other fronts at the same time,
however, and in December 1960 the Joint Study Group Report on
Foreign Intelligence Activities (The Kirkpatrick Report) was
issued. Among the various intelligence programs covered by this
report was that of overhead reconnaissance. The following ex-
tracts from this report are pertinent:
"A third major source of foreign intelligence is
photographic and other visual-aerial observation. This
is probably the most precise form of intelligence collec-
tion inasmuch as photography provides accurate information.
The U-2 Program provided what was probably the greatest
amount of valuable information obtainable from any single
source, and the Study Group heard consistent requests that
this program or something similar to it be resumed at the
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earliest possible date ....The Study Group has spent many
months discussing the problem of processing and inter-
preting aerial photography for intelligence purposes.
The CIA, with the active participation of the Army and
Navy, is administering an expanding operation which is
now in effect a photographic intelligence center of common
concern. However, this center is still operated today on
a basis of informal arrangements .... Mere is agreement
within the Community that when the raw film is chemically
processed, the photography should be distributed immediately
to all parties of interest. There is also agreement in
most of the Community that a central photographic intelli-
gence center of common concern should be established."
The report concluded with the following recommendation,
Number 16:
"T'he Secretary of Defense and the Director of Central
Intelligence should consult preparatory to the early prepa-
ration of a new NSCID designed to provide authority and
assign responsibility for the establishment of a National
Photographic Intelligence Center (NPIC)."
In January 1961 President Eisenhower, in one of his last
executive actions, approved NSCID 8 which formally charged the
Director of Central Intelligence with providing a National Photo-
graphic Interpretation Center as a service of common concern.
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High among its principal responsibilities, were those of rapidly
providing and distributing interpretation reports of photographic
detail with supporting references to appropriate related collateral.
The concepts underlying the creation of a national exploita-
tion organization were quite simple and were stated in the papers
proposing and accompanying the NSCID as well as in the Directive
itself. These included:
(1) "No complete separation of interest is possible
or desirable in photographic intelligence activities."
(2) "To promote an integration of effort and to avoid
unnecessary duplication and expense, a coordinated, inter-
departmental approach to the exploitation of photographic
intelligence shall be established."
(3) "Certain photographic intelligence functions can
best be performed as a central service of common concern,
for the maximum benefit of the entire Intelligence Community."
Overall then the basic concept or purpose in the creation
of the national Center can be said to have been that of insuring
the most effective, timely, and economic exploitation of photog-
raphy for foreign intelligence relating to the national security.
c. Growth of NPIC (1961 to Date)
The establishment of NPIC as a formal, national organization
brought new impetus to future planning for the Center and the
Director of NPIC immediately convened a committee of representa-
tives from the military services, State Department and CIA to
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consult on the methodology of operation, organization, and plans
for this new Center. In late 1961 requests for increased personnel
strength were approved and this time the ceiling authorization was
granted as well. By then the resolution of the KH-4 system was
improved from its initial resolution of approximately 50 feet and
the periodicity of missions was already being planned for one per
month. About this period, U-2's although no longer used over the
Sov Bloc, were still in active use in other areas of the world
including China, North Vietnam, Laos and Cuba. By the beginning
of Fiscal Year 1963 planning was underway for a new satellite
spotting system, ground coverage and resolution of the K11-4 system
had been vastly improved, U-2 flights were still in use around the
world and low-level military aircraft missions were being sent
into the Center. The KH-4 had opened vast new horizons and demands
placed upon the Center far exceeded its capabilities, particularly
in the field of detailed analysis.
The Cuban Crisis came on in October 1962 and the Center was
made the focal point of the readout of all Cuban overflight photog-
raphy, a task which today has not completely subsided. The Center
operated for weeks on end on a 24-hour-a-day basis and received
the plaudits of the Intelligence Community for reading out all
significant items of both the high-level and low-level collection
efforts.
In the fall of 1962, and prior to the Cuban situation, the
Center once again established the need for an increased staffing
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authorization and Opositions were approved. Almost immediately,
however, the ceiling was reduced and shortly thereafter
increased
The beginning of Fiscal Year 1964 brought with it another
request from the NPIC for an increased T/0 to cope with the then
planned collection inputs, and an approval was given for
0
positions. The personnel ceiling, however, was arbitrarily
adjusted in February of 1964
thereby bringing
almost to a halt a highly-productive recruitment effort which
had been underway and which had enabled the Center to increase
its strength
later increased
0
in one year's time. The ceiling was
and the staffing authorization reduced
to that level. The momentum of the large recruitment
effort mounted in 1962 and carried on through 1963, however, is
just now being regained after having been lost by the hold put
on in February 1964.
In the interim, world crises have come and gone, the mix
of collection systems inputting photography to the Center have
steadily increased until today NPIC is handling some 18 low-level
aircraft programs, 6 high-level aircraft programs and 2 satellite
systems. Immediate readout of all systems is taking place in a
timely fashion but second phase exploitation is often delayed
and detailed reporting is falling far short of meeting the demands
of the Community quantitatively and from a timeliness standpoint.
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Throughout this period all possible efforts were made to
engage in the extensive development of new equipments and tech-
niques and the improvement and automation of existing systems.
Our RFD budget rose from insignificance in FY 1958 to a high of
by FY 1964. Excluding the costs of personnel, by
FY 1964 some 60 percent of the manipulatable NPIC budget was
being expended on research and development and more was asked
for but could not be provided.
NPIC has pioneered in the use of automation to enhance the
capability of its professional staff and the productivity of all
of its functional activities. The first computer in CIA was the
ALWAC 3E delivered to NPIC in 1957 to help in the solution of
mensuration problems. Information storage in computers has been
a standard practice in this Center for some years and since May,
1959, our first and second phase immediate reporting as well as
a variety of other products have been computer-driven and printed.
The Center's present building was wired for over 160 remote real
time stations so that PI's might directly query the computer and
installations are taking place continually in fulfillment of that
program. Efforts in this regard have been greatly enhanced by
continuous consultation with senior Lockheed personnel who are
also under contract to NASA in the establishment of the Houston
Space Center.
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Throughout all aspects of the production operations of this
Center the latest in equipment and techniques have been brought
to bear. It has served and continues to serve as a model for
other PI operations.
d. Current Situation
NPIC today lacks the staff and financial resources to ade-
quately exploit the photography delivered from the collection
systems in order to meet the demands of its many consumers.
There is, however, no photography in-house which has not been
scanned and at least a preliminary readout of it made. It is
in the field of more detailed analysis required by production
components that the Center is unable to keep pace. The Center
operates today on a large scale much as the Integrated Operational
Intelligence Center (IOIC) of the Navy does on a small scale.
As pointed out above, NPIC has long made use of computers in the
handling of its collateral data store, its mensuration work, and
its production of reports. It has served as the instigator and
champion of the use of all-source collateral intelligence in the
exploitation of photography. It works as a cohesive, integrated,
production element in turning out its many products. Unlike a
relatively simple operation such as the Navy IOIC, however, which
relys on only one basic input system, this operation must read
out many different systems simultaneously. Furthermore, it has
had no control over the collection resources so that they night
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be tailored to enhance and speed up the exploitation process.
Conceptually, however, there is little difference between it
and such an operation as the IOIC.
Remaining major problems of the Center at this time are
coordination of collection and exploitation planning and firmer
guidance from intelligence production elements which utilize
photographic interpretation products and services.
III. ASSUMPTIONS FOR PLANNING
In planning for the future and in arriving at the increments of
increase.which have been specifically projected for the coming five
years, many assumptions had to be developed. These deal not only with
increasing volumes of current systems but the development of new photo-
graphic systems, technological advances in other sensor fields and
assumptions concerning the role which NPIC will or should be called
upon to play in the exploitation of such systems. The following then
appear as the most important assumptions and must be validated before
planning can take place:
a. Photography will remain and other forms of imagery will become
key sources of "factual" intelligence.
There seems little question that photography is a unique
source of factual intelligence. This was noted in the Kirkpatrick
Report when it was stated that: "This (photography) is probably
the most precise form of intelligence collection." The state of
the art is rapidly advancing and systems are now being planned
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which will achieve resolutions
b. Satisfaction of intelligence objectives as being developed in
the Fifteen Year Plan will require heavy inputs from photography and
other image-forming systems.
With the U.S.S.R. remaining a principal threat to the U.S.
for some years to come and with Communist China posing an in-
creasingly powerful threat, continuing and enhanced multi-sensor
coverage of these areas will be called for. Particularly as
improvements in resolution and other technical advances take
place, these systems will provide key ingredients to the solution
of problems such as deployment of advanced weapons and weapons
systems, strength of forces, deployment of forces, determination
of military/economic capabilities, and eventually the early
warning problem itself.
c. Technical advances in collection will enhance the intelligence
value of imagery and broaden its use in the intelligence production
process,
Improved scales and resolutions of photography coupled
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This quite obviously provides for a continuous surveillance
potential of all enemies and trouble spots. In addition, it
is forecast that a remote, real-time collection system will
come into being which will provide almost immediate readout of
selected areas of the world. This can place the image exploita-
tion operation right in the midst of the indications intelligence
business.. When coupled with the more standard but improved,
returnable photographic packages, it will also place a monumental
workload on exploitation resources. The image exploiter will
be a major contributor to current intelligence products and,
similarly, crisis management will rely heavily on such resources.
Further, economic, industrial and agricultural research efforts
of the Intelligence Community will be able to make significantly
greater use of the detailed products, and in the scientific areas,
each new level of detail opens new avenues of investigation and
consequently increases the demand for image exploitation.
d. The concept underlying the establishment of NPIC will continue
and become even more compelling in the ensuing decade.
The primary purpose in establishing a single, national ex-
ploitation effort was to insure the most effective, timely and
economic exploitation of photography of national interest and
significance. While there remain unto the individual departments
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and agencies exploitation responsibilities and tasks in connec-
tion with the fulfillment of their own missions, there is,
nonetheless, a common interest on the part of all these establish-
ments in seeing photographic products of true national significance
turned out as rapidly, efficiently and economically as possible.
A single group of interpreters and their colleagues in related
supporting fields, responsive to a single management, develops
a proficiency which, over a period of time, produces sound
interpretive information acceptable to all consumers. A national
operation, independent of analytical or evaluative groups or
organizations, can produce unbiased, high quality intelligence.
This, it is believed, is the reputation which NPIC has built and
by performing the interpretation once, instead of having the
identical readout proliferated among the many departmental com-
ponents, the Center has unquestionably saved both manpower and
funds for the government as a whole. There is every reason to
assume that the efficiency and economy of operation and the
proficiency and reputation for unbiased reporting which has been
built by the Center will remain in demand and should be continued
in the years to come. To allow the effort to fragment or to
disintegrate after ten years of operation, almost five of which
have been as a formal national organization, would be a great
step backward.
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 IV. DISCUSSION
The assumptions set the stage for Center planning for the next
five to fifteen years. It appears reasonably certain that enhanced
photographic systems
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will be major contributors to meeting many of the
high priority Intelligence Community objectives of the ensuing decade.
Further, it seems that the reasons underlying the initial creation of
a single national organization to exploit photography remain and may
well be more compelling in viewing the exploitation problems of the
future. The complementary nature of the sensors, the similar dis:i-
plines needed in their readout and the capabilities of a single large
organization to handle this mass of data on an effective and timely
basis, all appear to dictate the wisdom of providing a capability for
the singular exploitation of those targets and subjects of national
significance and interest.
If this conclusion is valid, there are nonetheless many problems
remaining and among them, one which looms large is the issue of
coordination of collection and exploitation in both the planning and
execution phases. Even a cursory review of the USIB minutes over the
past months, and indeed years, will show that a very heavy percentage
of that body's time was consumed in discussing, reviewing and deciding
upon various aspects of the photographic collection program. Plan-
ning, even in great and minute detail, has been undertaken by USIB.
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By the same token, it is literally impossible to find even a mention
of the ramifications of these collection programs on the existing
exploitation facilities. Nowhere at the policy levels is there any
real coordination or attempt to balance the programs of collection
and exploitation. This has lead to imbalance in the past - it exists
at the present - and if continued with the advent of systems now in
planning, it will lead to chaotic conditions in the future.
The entire operations of NPIC for the FY 1965 cost less than one
and a half KkI-4 launches and even some of those NPIC funds were obtained
by diverting them from other intelligence production programs within
the Directorate of Intelligence. There seems little sense in, on the
one hand, spending literally hundreds of millions of dollars for the
collection of photography from both satellite and manned aircraft
systems and at the same time giving relatively little attention to
the exploitation facilities which must handle the inputs if they are
to have meaning to the Intelligence Community. Proportionate attention
must be given to the exploitation side of the reconnaissance picture.
At the least, a much higher degree of coordination between both sides
of the program must take place; at best, quite possibly a single
authority over both national collection and exploitation should be
established.
There may well be an analogy to be drawn between the evolution of
the COMINT collection and readout programs and their final centralization
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in NSA and the current problems we are facing in the photographic
field with multi-sensor imagery oncoming.
The outlook then is for more imagery of a variety of types, of
higher quality and greater quantity, and an increasing demand on the
part of the Intelligence Community for its rapid interpretation. A
mechanism, the nucleus of an effort to adequately exploit it, is in
existence. The capabilities of that exploitation effort must, however,
be brought into balance with the capabilities of the collection effort
to deliver raw materials. Better coordination including possibly
central direction will have to be achieved.
V. OBJECTIVES
The basic objective of the reconnaissance program overall should
be to provide maximum contribution to the satisfaction of intelligence
objectives in the timeliest fashion at minimum cost. This should be
the basic aim of both the collectors and the exploiters. There is no
other purpose in their existence. In order to achieve this there must
be, among other things, an overall balanced program, so that the ex-
ploiter is capable of satisfactorily handling the inputs of collection
systems and, conversly, that he does not have an over abundance of
resources in comparison with the collection effort. Therefore, it
would seem desirable to establish as the next objective a program
designed to work toward integrated direction of collection and exploi-
tation of imagery to insure a balanced program of maximum benefit to
the Intelligence Community.
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The photographic reconnaissance program of the government is one
of, if not the, most expensive intelligence collection and exploita-
tion efforts. The DCI and the USIB set the requirements which in turn
determine the collection programs. This is a national effort. From
the exploitation standpoint, the DCI is charged with providing a
national photographic interpretation center as a service of common
concern. The center is in existence, functioning satisfactorily and
capable of being expanded to handle on-coming photographic inputs and
otherl Another objective should be, therefore,
to promote and enhance the status of this national organization so
that, in one spot, the factual information to be derived from the read-
out can be extracted for use by the entire Intelligence Community.
The objectives, simply stated, are:
a. Render maximum contribution to the satisfaction of
intelligence objectives in the timeliest fashion at minimum
cost;
b. Work toward integrated direction of collection and ex-
ploitation of imagery to insure a balanced program;
c. Promote and enhance the status of a national organi-
zation capable of interpreting the imagery collected and
producing, in a single spot, factual information for the use
of the entire Community.
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VI. CONCLUSIONS
a. Photo ra hic sensors produce information
much too valuable to remain unexploited..
Photography 1will be one of the prime
sources of information to satisfy many priority intelligence
objectives of the next fifteen years. As quality increases
and the level of details exposed to analysis grows, the answers
to many more unsolved questions will become available. A
capability to exploit these sources must be made available.
b. Technological advances in collection will increase the quality
and quantity of information available.
New systems,
to greatly increased quality with resolutions
photographic
all point the way
In addition,
as the size of U.S. boosters is increased, the pay loads to be
carried may be enlarged and the film loads expanded accordingly.
Greater detail, and much more of it, will require a significantly
expanded exploitation capability, notably in terms of people and
funds, particularly for continued research and development.
c. If leadership in exploitation is not maintained by the DCI, it
may by default pass from his control or be fragmented.
Adequate and rapid exploitation of imagery is a necessity
in the Intelligence Community today. If the resources to support
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this exploitation are not provided by the DCI, it must be assumed
that the rest of the Intelligence Community will not be willing
to sit by and see the imagery remain unexploited. One of two
alternatives will possibly obtain:
(1) another department, probably Defense, would
most logically request that the control of the exploita-
tion activity be transferred to it or;
(2) each department and agency would attempt to
form its own exploitation organization capable of handling
mass volumes of the imagery.
d. A fragmented exploitation program will cost the U.S. far more
than the national program now possible of achievement.
This would appear to be obvious and need little elaboration.
One of the basic purposes of establishing NPIC was to effect
economy of exploitation. Although it can not be conclusively
proved, it would certainly appear that economy and proficiency
have been achieved. To splinter the program at this point among
duplicative exploitation efforts could only result in cumulative
higher costs.
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AUTOMATION IN NPIC
1955-1970
1. Introduction
Automation has been a basic ingredient in the planning process of
NPIC from its inception. During the early stages of the U-2 program
in 1955, it was obvious to the planners that the problem of rapidly
handling large inputs of photography with limited available staff
could be handled only through the application of equipment and
techniques to speed up the production process at every phase possible
and get the job done with minimum numbers of personnel. The name
chosen for the exploitation phase of the Program, Project IITAUTOMAT,
was symbolic of this concept which has carried through to the present
day and is an essential part of the planning for future development.
Within the photographic intelligence community, NPIC has become
highly regarded for its accomplishments in automating the PI process
and is looked to for leadership in this field.
2. Automatic Data Processing NPIC
a. Present ADP Philosophy and Structure
Of primary importance in automating the PI production process has
been the application of automatic data processing equipment and
techniques to those phases of the work susceptible to automation.
The original concept of Project LITAUTOMAT envisaged using the
Minicard System as a mechanism for storage and dissemination of
imagery collected by the U-2 system. With the Minicard equip-
ment on hand, it was natural that it should also be
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app i rage and retrieval of document images to provide
collateral support to the photo analyst. To supply additional
summary target-oriented background information, a system was evolved
wherein an "encyclopedia" was maintained in punched-card form and
reproduced prior to the start of first-phase exploitation for any
mission\ From this came the present procedures of supplying "Target
Briefs" to the PIs for each mission, and the partial mechanization
of first and second phase report production with. automatic incorpora-
tion of the substance of these reports back into the Target Brief
File. Begun on conventional tabulating equipment, this system
was eventually transferred to an IBM 1401. This, together with the
Minicard establishment, constituted the automatic data processing
operation of the Data Management Division and. later the Collateral
Support Division
Concurrently, management determined that electronic computers
would be used to facilitate the various computational procedures of
analytic photogrammetry necessary to meet analyst requirements for
derivation of metrical information from photography. In 1957 the
Agency's first computer (ALWAC III E) was requisitioned. To improve
the response time of the system to the requirements, the concept of
dispersed photomeasurement equipment on-line with a common computer
was developed. The actual implementation of this system has proceeded
with the acquisition of the UNIVAC 490 as the aomputa.tional element
for the system. The criteria on which this selection was based
were derived from postulated peak loading requirements, as are the
criteria used in design of any "real-time` system. One consequence
of designing for peak loading is that total central processor
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normally required for the so-called "real-time" application is only
a small percentage of the total available. In this particular in-
stance a substantial amount of time is required for executing batch
programs that support the "real-time" system, but well over 50 percent
of total main frame time is still available for other purposes. As
the Photo Measurement System moved toward realization it became more
and more deeply involved in problems arising in the creation and
manipulation of large data files.
The UNIVAC 490's file manipulation capability (coupled with a
central processor with time available for multiple processing) and
the lightly loaded printer offered an obvious solution to the overload
on the IBM 1401 that resulted from the increasing size of the Target
Brief File and higher frequency of success in collection efforts.
Looking further ahead, the existence of an extensive system for
intra-Center communication with the U-490 central processor offered
an interesting vehicle for experimentation with various approaches
to"on-line" information retrieval that might greatly reduce the amount
of Target Brief printing associated with each collection effort.
These considerations dictated a centralized approach to the use of
such equipments in support of NPIC's photo-exploitation activities.
On 4 May 1964 an Information Processing Division was established
in NPIC by merger of the personnel and equipment of the two groups
previously mentioned. IPD is responsible directly to the Executive
Director, NPIC for providing on-line, real time and batched scientific
computation, and information processing and data. retrieval computer
services in support of NPIC, and the departmental activities of the
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Service/Agency Detachments and select components of the Intelligence
Community. The consolidation of NPIC's human and physical. ADP
resources into a single management entity is proving to be a
significant contribution to NPIC's ability to maintain its leader-
ship in the development and implementation of the most effective and
efficient data. processing techniques used in the photo intelligence
community.
b. ADP Programs
Ongoing ADP programs in NPIC may be divided into four major
categories: the Photo Measurement System, the Data Handling System,
Document Storage and Retrieval, and the Management Information System.
(1) Photo Measurement System -- The Photo Measurement System
involves reduction of time, attitude, and position information to
obtain parameters for each frame of photography necessary for distance,
direction, and position computation. The pre-processing programs are
completed and operational for reducing attitude and position information
from various current collection systems. Similarly, programs are
available for obtaining these data from inertial navigation systems.
Programs are being developed. to handle other current systems and
systems now under development.
Having determined. frame parameters, measurement computations can
be made for each camera system and for each measuring instrument.
The necessary programs exist for batch processing of data from comparators
and for on-line real-time processing of data from the n dual screen 25X1
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The on-line system may be used to determine distances, a.z.1-ths
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coordinates, and area measurements. Programs to permit plotting of
imaged points are being completed.
(2) Data Handling System -- This system centers around the
Target Brief File. It currently has approximately 19,000 targets
under machine control. These targets may be retrieved by identifica-
tion numbers, geo-coordinates, and by security classification.
Programs are being checked out to permit retrieval of targets in
sequence of coverage.
Target Briefs generated for use by the PIs include a work sheet
page on which the photo interpreter drafts his report. This draft
is converted to machine language by an editorial assistant operating
an 826 document-producing typewriter, permitting machine formatting
and generation of the report at the completion of the reporting
cycle, the preparation of paper tape for communications use, and the
updating of the Target Brief file with the latest available information.
(3) Document Storage and Retrieval -- This system involves the
All Source Index and Minicard System. The All Source Index lists
all PI reports which are received or produced by NPIC and is published
in quarterly editions in both Secret and codeword versions with a
circulation of about 300 and 100 copies respectively. The Minicard
System contains 16-millimeter chips of all formal PI reports received
or produced by the Center, of informal reports produced by CIA/PID,
and of mosaics overlaid on WAC charts (used for determining coverage
of specific areas).
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(4) Management Information System -- This system accounts for
the progress of projects through NPIC and for the allocation of
resources within NPIC. The flexibility of this system allows not
only a continuing analysis and review of the allocation of the
Center's resources in relation to current operations but also permits
statistically valid projections of long-term Center requirements as
a direct function of input parameters programmed by the collecting
organizations.
c. Projection of Requirements (FY 1966-1970)
During the next five years, electronic data processing services
will be extended to all NPIC activities where the computer can be
efficiently used to improve productivity, both quantitatively and
qualitatively. The extension of on-line remote terminals, tailored
to the needs of individual customers being served, will receive
primary emphasis, but the development of new (and the refinement of
existing) batch processing programs to meet the evolving needs of
the Center will continue to require substantial effort.
Computer support.to the photo interpreter and photogrammetrist
will receive primary emphasis. The on-line real-time mensuration
capability which now exists at three stations will be extended to
additional stations as equipment becomes available, and will be
expanded to handle camera. systems now under development. Additional
routines will be programmed to permit plotting of measurements made,
either at the precision coordinatograph located in the computer area.
or on remote Calcomp plotters located in the PI areas. Most important
will be the development of height measurement capability from stereo
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inc imost significant advance in assistance to the total PI
production process will likely come from the addition of on-line
cathode ray display tubes. Initially these will be used in drafting
reports, replacing the present IBM 826 card punching operation. Later
as an extension of work already underway, a nuery capability will he
added, permitting call-up of desired information from the Target
Brief File, the All-Source Index, and similar data base files. If
it is desired to retain the data a hard copy printout can be obtained.
Finally, the feasibility of utilizing a graphic display and manipula-
tion capability (cf. 1)AC-1) will be studied. This capability would
permit the operator to create and annotate rectified line
drawings on the CRT, using a light pen to trace desired forms roughly
and then using dimension, direction, area, and coordinate information
derived from precision measurements made on optical equipment to
automatically rectify, dimension and label the CRT drawing. Since
the information displayed on the CRT will be digitized, it can be drawn
to desired scale on a precision plotter. Once the shape of an object
has been determined, the computer can create any desired plan, section
or perspective drawings either fordisplay on the CRT or for plotting.
"Snapshot" techniques, probably in conjunction with the Photo Chip
System, can also be developed to document measurements for recall
and reference when the target is again measured. For efficiency,
the Photo Measurement System should automatically flag those targets
being measured repetitively and for which measurements are on file.
An initial CRT will be introduced during FY 1966 to determine PI
acceptance, develop programming experience, and experiment with the
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man-machine interface. If successful, the objectives outlined above
will be completed within the five-year period.
Programs will be completed during FY 66 for automatic plotting
of mission coverage based on data received over the 1004 data link.
These will provide graphic and tabular portrayal of both the area
and the targets covered in forms suitable for either publication or
display. Attitude reduction programs will be completed for reduction
of stellar, horizon, and inertial navigation data for all systems
of concern. Similarly, programs for reduction and portrayal of in-
formation contained in data block will be written.
Several innovations will be made in present methods used for
report generation. Use of CRT's.for data input has already been
mentioned. In this connection, we plan to explore the feasibility
of developing syntax and editing routines to assist the PI' in drafting
his reports, to standardize formats, to verify place name spelling,
provide coordinate information, etc. We expect to convert to upper
and lower case computer type for immediate reports. For detailed
reports we will examine the feasibility of computer driven type-
setting. Most significant, however, will be the development of the
Basic Information Reporting System (SIRS). This system will extract
information from immediate, "special" detailed (e.g., MILOB) and
other reports and compile summaries in accordance with customer's
requests.
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It now appears that several components of the Center have valid
requirements for remote access to the central processor for imme-
diate input of data, very rapid calling of relatively short (i.e.,
less than. 10 minutes) batch pro,-rams to process that data, and
immediate return of end results. We propose to evaluate the cost-
effectiveness of such a remote-access system and, if appropriate,
proceed vith the development of appropriate extensions to our
executive routines and procurement of suitable remote station
equipment.
During PY 66, the Management Information System will. receive a
complete overhaul designed to simplify processing, improve response
time, and provide accuracy checks for all steps of the System. The
possibility of using remote stations (where they exist for other
purposes) for input of certain MIS data. while continuing batch input
of other data. will be explored. We will develop graphical presentation
of management data, projection techninues, and exception reporting.
A generalized circulation control systein will. be developed
using teletypes strategically placed throughout the building to
request film, documents, books, maps, or photo-chips. If the desired
item is on-the-shelf, delivery instructions and charge-out records
will be typed out at the appropriate repository; if it is charged-
out the requestor will be informed of its whereabouts. By-products
of the system will include overdue lists, inventory control, catalog
cards, accession lists, document receipts, etc., as well as the in-
formation needed by the transport system proposed for development by
P DS. The system will also support the Photo Chip System
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development by PEDS, bitching requests and supplying manu-
facturing and dissemination instructions. The initial system
will assume the requester has identified the item he wants; later
a query capability will be added.
The Minicard System will receive a thorough overhaul. Work
is already underway to develop computer search techniques to identify
the 'Minicard wanted. If the techniques prove more economical than
the present electromechanical search, we anticipate the evolution
of the system into a microfilm/microfiche system. New materials
and techniques of reproduction will be examined for potential savings
without sacrificing quality.
The above objectives will require considerable modification
and extension of our computer hardware. Our objective is to acquire
sufficient general-purpose computing capability to handle all normal
requirements and anticipated peak loads on a three-shift basis with-
in acceptable limits of queing and delay. Further, we will obtain
at least two central processing units, each of sufficient capacity
to handle the Center's time-critical production requirements and
thus provide back-up for essential. work. The Minicard System will
he operated on a two-shift basis for the foxeseeable future; it
may be necessary to go to three shifts in FY 68.
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3. Automating Other Phases of the Production Cycle
Although Application of ADP provides the core to automation in
NPIC, extensive efforts have been carried on in automating other
functional aspects of the NPIC production process. Whole families
of equipment and techniques have been developed, modified and planned
to handle the ongoing problems in the photographic interpretation,
mensuration, collateral support, publications, photographic laboratory,
file and distribution, and reproduction functions of the Center. (See
Tabs 4 and 5 on Research and Development Programs.) The automating
of these functions will not be dealt with in this study, but can he
developed in the same detail as presented for the ADP operations of the
Center. However, the historical development of the equipment and techniques
used in the production process only serves to illustrate a basic management
concept of the Center to never be satisfied with the status quo and to con-
tinually seek new and better methods of accomplishing our basic responsi-
bilities.
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REVIEW OF THE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT EFFORT - NPIC
Since the establishment of an independently managed and
budgeted R&D program for the Center, emphasis has been placed
upon improving the total photographic analysis process in order
to keep abreast of the increasing quality and quantity of photo
and other imagery inputs.
To accomplish this, effort has been directed toward a
number of separate but related areas with the expectation that
advances in technology would allow automation of those functions
susceptible to it in order to match the pace of improved and
augmented human-oriented operations.
Fundamentally, the photo-interpretation operation is one
of human judgment. Since this is so, every conceivable method
to enhance the interpreter's performance and efficiency has
been applied to his task. Extensive instrumentation in the
form of high-powered stereo-microscopes, rear-projection
viewers, and sophisticated viewing tables have been constantly
provided and up-dated. Even his working environment has
received the most careful attention from a human-factors point
of view. In addition, considerable work has been done to try
to understand more completely the human motivation-stimulus-
response habits which make for efficient and accurate
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interpretation judgments. Promising research in this area has
been accomplished and increased attention is planned for the future
in view of even higher quality photo materials and the more
exotic sensor images expected by the Center.
By far the largest consumers of manpower in the Center
are the supporting operations. These are areas in which the
functions performed lend themselves to extensive automation and
machine assistance. These functions include provision to the
interpretation operation of multitudinous collateral data,
photogrammetric back-up, detailed graphics, photo laboratory
image manipulations, and finally editorial and publishing
functions. Technology is being advanced by the R&D staff of
the Center in most of these areas with guidance from among
the country's leading specialists in the appropriate disciplines.
The net result of the Center's R&D program to date can be
summed up to show: (1) A substantial fund of knowledge of
the photo-interpretation process, which is certainly the
foundation for continued work in this area to allow the human
portions of the operation to be maximized as a function of the
volume and variety of materials expected for analysis. (2)
The application of machine techniques to all Center operations
of the type which indicate that improvements in efficiency can
be gained by automation.
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In the period of initial formation of a photo interpretation
capability in the CIA, which evolved into the present NPIC,
instrumentation was at almost a primitive level, primarily con-
sisting of the residue from the P.I. efforts of the military in
World War II. Of course, the quality and quantity of materials
available for interpretation were significantly lower than
planned for as products of the U-2 and its greatly advanced
capability. Spurred by the U-2 and its camera developments,
extremely rapid strides?were made to match the level of exploi-
tation with the new high photographic quality.
The photo interpretation industry was pressed into entirely
new concepts. From pocket folding stereoscopes, technology,
primarily directed and sponsored by NPIC, was advanced until
stereo-microscopes became the workaday tool. A successive
progression of improvements through at least a dozen models
has been the result of this one item alone, and through this
effort new standards of optical performance have been established
for the entire photographic intelligence community.
Like progress resulted in other areas. Specifications
established by the NPIC, with design concepts proposed by
Center technical personnel, have led to development and multiple
production of the highest quality photographic enlarger ever
built. These are now standard items for use with material of
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the variety regularly received by the Center.
The whole concept and implementation of the on-line pre-
cision mensuration system was a result of NPIC initiative and
direction. Where slide-rules and desk calculators were adequate
in pre-U-2 days, these were successively replaced by precision
measuring engines with shaft rotation encoders, then automatic
paper tape punching and hard-copy printout, and now binocular
and stereoscopic measuring machines with teletype access to
the presently operating UNIVAC 490 computer. There is no finer
photo mensuration equipment available than that currently in
use at the Center. Initially, stereo-comparators, designed for
cartographic purposes, were imported and adapted to meet our
peculiar requirements for accuracy, for they were the very best
available. Today, second generations of this equipment are
being replaced by NPIC designed items. Some are equipped with
granite slabs as the measuring base, using interferometric
techniques, as our accuracy requirements continue to climb.
Feasibility studies in the use of lasers as a more precise
measuring tool are currently under contract. Already NPIC has
the only prototype laser light-source enlarger in existence,
and it is being subjected to rigorous evaluation to determine
if this is the way of the future for equipment with extremely
high transfer function capabilities.
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In the collateral data handling operations, progress has
been made from the early use of file cards in cabinets to
sophisticated equipment such as the Eastman Kodak Minicard
System and the use of IBM 1401 computers.
The Center R&D activities in the period up to the present
have proven to be extremely productive, especially considering'
the limited funds available. Good program management practices
and close direction of all R&D sponsored by the Center have
insured the unusually high rate of developmental success. The
R&D projects and their results have been fully shared with the
other members of the photo intelligence community, and these
have set the pace and example for practically all quality-
oriented photo interpretation operations in the free world.
With the minimal and often frugal R&D effort sponsored
and directed by the Center up to this point in time, photo
interpretation and analysis has managed to just keep up with
the materials received to date. There is every indication that
the magnitude of the Center's exploitation operation will have
to make a quantum jump forward. The budget level devoted to
R&D in the past will certainly not allow the Center to perform
in such a fashion as heretofore in view of the complexities and
sophistication of materials to be received in the very near
future.
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PROPOSED FIVE YEAR RESEARCH I AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Planned for extending the Center's R&D activity into the years
ahead is a 15-point program designed to bring to bear the best minds
and most advanced technology in the country directly on the critical
development problem areas of the Center.
An examination of the key functions of the interpretation and
reporting process has highlighted the areas which have resisted more
complete machine manipulation and automation. A coupling of this with
an extension of work underway on the human aspects of the P.I. process
provides the basis for the 15-point program. It is intended that these
critical operations receive intensive development support in an all-out
attempt to achieve significant break-throughs in the technology.
It should be noted that the currently allocated R&D budget for the
Center will do no more than pay lip-service to many of the points in the
proposed development program. Over a year ago an annual R&D budget was
proposed which called for reasonable expenditures in excess
dollars. As only about one-half of this amount was forthcoming, the
planned program was pared back proportionately -.ith the obvious sacrifice
of lead-time resulting. The projected R&D funding requirements for the
coming five-year period reflect the level of expenditure calculated to
exploit the current state of technology which can be brought to bear on
the Center's problem areas.
Following is a brief description of each of the fifteen major
development areas selected for intensive investigation during the
coming five-year period.
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Explanation of Major Development Programs
1. Automatic Target Recognition
Automatic target recognition has received significant attention
since 1960. At least 20 major corporations are now actively involved
in the development of automatic target recognition systems. The pre-
dicted increase in acquisition materials indicates a. corresponding
a imagery information to be inter reted.
mac ine ana. ys s. The combination o the anticipated increases in
information to be processed and the increased proportion of images in
electronic signal form, indicates the critical need for automation.
In spite of the effort already directed toward the development of these
systems, the science is still in its infancy.
The primary development thresholds to be crossed are those of band-
width, signal-to-noise-ratio, prenorma.liza.tion, generalization, and
discontinuities. The NPIC program includes provision for extensive theo-
retical and feasibility studies in the early stages, which are directed
toward achievement of relatively primitive automatic pre-screening
systems by FY-68 and the development of comprehensive automatic imagery
classification systems by FY-70.
2. Automatic Stereo Scanning
In spite of the fact that present and future collection systems.
achieve stereoscopic acquisition, the stereoscopic coverage is often
only utilized for detailed examination. No exploitation system exists
whereby it is operationally feasible to scan in a, stereoscopic mode.
It is the opinion of many that important intelligence, sometimes
imperceptible in the monoscopic scanning process, would be evident in
a stereoscopic presentation.
The preliminary problems in the implementation of an automated
stereo scanning system have been identified to be automatic stereo
correlation, automatic distortion compensation, and a method of stereo-
presentation not requiring viewing aids.
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The NPIC development program is designed to attack these problem
areas through intensive theoretical analysis, feasibility studies, and
equipment breadboarding. Both direct and rear projection stereo-scanning
systems will be investigated and developed. The first fully automated
direct viewing prototype is planned for delivery in FY-69 and the first
fully operational rear-projection system in FY-70.
3. Photo Interpretation Module
Past development programs, designed to support efficient exploi-
tation of reconnaissance imagery, have been so burdened with the obvious
basic requirements for viewing and mensuration systems, that little time
could be given to less obvious but equally important details. We now
find that there is very limited knowledge concerning the best character-
istics for the illumination of image interpretation systems or the
surrounding environment; the benefits and limitations of the team concept;
the optimum basic equipment, considering the effects of its size, pro-
portions, and placement; and the most efficient means for supporting the
interpreter through automatic information and materials handling. It
is apparent that judicious implementation of such knowledge would signifi-
cantly improve the efficiency of the image interpretation process.
In order to achieve this improved efficiency, there must be a
comprehensive study program to define: pertinent characteristics of the
sensory, mental, and physical processes involved in image interpretation;
the proper characteristics of light in all types of viewing equipment and
their environment; and appropriate levels of automation in the handling
of collateral information and operational acquisition materials. These
studies will be. closely followed by the implementation of new and improved
exploitation techniques and the design and fabrication of optimized image
interpretation work spaces which are properly finished, equipped, serviced
and organized for highly efficient image exploitation operations.
4. Data Link
This development program is keyed to the anticipated advent of
real-time, image-transmitting systems for reconnaissance acquisition.
Systems of this type will require completely new exploitation techniques
and equipment, differing in basic principles from those currently in use.
Studies will be needed to define this type of exploitation. Reproduction,
storage and retrieval, viewers, and mensuration equipment must be developed
in consonance with the needs of the exploitation components. In short,
an entire exploitation system for in-house use must be defined and developed.
The NPIC Data. Link Development Program is planned as an advance
response to the advent of this type of acquisition system. Allowances are
made for the increased complexities imposed by security requirements, the
possible inclusion of color, and the transmission of infrared and radar
imagery on a real-time, around-the-clock, all-weather basis. The likelihood
of fundamental advances in image transmission technology is also anticipated.
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5. Image Analysis Program
In recent times, there has been a mounting conviction that lack of
knowledge concerning the basic nature of images is handicapping the
exploitation effort. There are a number of unanswered questions about
images which appear to hold important keys to their ultimate usefulness
asa means of communicating intelligence. Representative examples of
these unknowns are:
(1) Comprehensive, rigorous descriptions of image formation,
recording and transmitting processes.
(2) Comprehensive evaluations of imaging systems as a means
of remote sensing of the real world.
(3) Means of compensating for image degradation caused by
acquisition, reproduction, transmitting and viewing processes.
The Kinzell Committee has confirmed the limitations of knowledge
in these areas and recommended their investigation. The NPIC develop-
ment program has been, and is responsive to these recommendations. The
image analysis program will achieve the most advanced level of knowledge
possible concerning images as a means of communicating intelligence
about the real world. This knowied c will be used to achieve ultimate.
levels of image exploitation.
6. Human Factors
Advanced knowledge of all the human aspects of the image interpreta-
tion process is required for intelligent pursuit of all the other cate-
gories of the development program. Definitions of the process are
critically needed to determine optimum ground-resolution/intelligence-yield
relationships criteria for intelligent selection and utilization of
personnel and well-designed training programs.
This program contributes to the Photo Interpretation Module, but is
distinct from it. The human factors program is more generic and will
cover all aspects of human performance in the image interpretation processf
for an indefinite period. Knowledge from the human factors program will
be used to initiate or contribute to equipment development programs.
It is anticipated that knowledge gained from this program will be
highly-relevent to the problem of devising conceptual logic for automatic
image recognition systems and defining optimum man-machine relationships.
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8. Direct Viewing Systems.
Direct optical viewers continue to be the highest performance
means for presenting perceptible images to the interpreter. Due to the
rapid advances in acquisition resolution and the anticipated variations
in film widths, the present standard direct-viewing equipment, the
I IZoom 70 microstereoscope, is rapidly becoming obsolete. Whereas
s eps have been taken to delay this obsolesence, total replacement of
some 300 of these instruments ahould be accomplished by the end of
fiscal year 1968. In addition, further automation and improvements
in illumination must be developed to keep these systems serviceable
in exploiting the acquisition materials of the future.
The NPIC direct-viewer development program provides for the
replacement of the Zoom 70 by higher performance instrumentation as
well as the development of highly automated direct-viewing systems.
There are also special developments such as the defraction grating
virtual image viewer, which promises to provide the image quality
of the direct-viewer with viewing ease approaching that of projection
viewing. The development of an automatic stereo-scanning direct
viewer justifies a separate major program which has been previously
described.
9. Rear-Projection Viewing Systems.
Rear-projection viewing is still preferred for the scanning process
and offers the only means for simultaneous group analysis. The
rear-projection image has always been inferior to the direct-optical
image (such as that seen through microscopes) due to the washed-out,
granular appearance caused by the screen. In previous years the image
quality of acquisition materials was not sensitive to this difference;
however, the present quality levels have exceeded the display performance
of our. current standard equipment. In addition there are significant
problems with the illumination, the film transport, and the lens systems.
This NPIC development program includes component development
intended to solve limitations of the present rear-projection viewers.
Improvements in lenses, film transports and stages, illumination, and
screens are being pursued. Allowances are made for the integration
of these components in the design and fabrication of advanced rear-projection
viewers. This program supports, but does not duplicate, the separate
stereo-scanning, rear-projection viewer development program.
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10. Modulated Light Imaging Systems.
Images recorded by reconnaissance systems are generally extremely
small scale replicas of real-world scenes. The range of tones captured
on the photograph often exceeds the accommodation range of the human
eye. Sometimes the acquisition system introduces spurious tone effects
such as hot spots, flare and halos. All of these characteristics tend
to cause difficulty in the image perception process. Attempts have been
made to eliminate these effects by converting the image to an electronic
signal in order that the unwanted information (noise) may be identified
and compensated -- thus "enhancing" the signal and the TV image by
which it is displayed. The limited quality of the TV process has more
than offset any image "enhancement" that might have been achieved by
this technique. However, the fact that important near-subliminal,
intelligence-bearing images are sometimes missed gives testimony to the
need for such enhancement.
The modulated light imaging systems in the NPIC development program
are in response to this important requirement. It is believed that full
development of these systems, which will automatically control viewing
and reproduction illumination as a function of local characteristics of
the image, will eventually achieve a significant improvement in the
perceptibility of near-subliminal imagery. Appropriate developments in
the direct and rear projection viewing programs will also be utilized.
11. Materials Handling
The increased work loads predicted indicate that significant
advances in the automation of materials handling must be accomplished.
Problems exist in the areas of both collateral and operational acquisition
materials. Systems are needed for reduction in storage requirements and
for automation of the storage, retrieval, accountability, transport, and
loading processes. One of the most significant problems is that of
roll-film handling. Presently the film is stored on spools in cans. It
is, for the most part, stored, retrieved, accounted for, transported to,
loaded on, and threaded into the viewing equipment by manual processes.
Collateral materials such as maps, charts, reports, and previous photo-
graphy are handled in much the same fashion. Whereas the present handling
processes are well-organized and economical, the increased requirements
for materials handling caused by increases in acquisition materials may
necessitate substantial automation.
The NPIC development program must comprehend this problem area.
Studies are planned for analysis of current procedures, predicting
workloads, establishing practical levels of automation, and recommending
detailed alternative solutions. As a result of these studies appropriate
hardware will be developed. It is anticipated that control will be
handled by a central computer in keeping with the present procedures.
One anticipated development is an automated, roll-film, handling system
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which will employ roll-film magazines, having machine-readable identifi-
cation. These magazines will be automatically stored, retrieved and
accounted for and transported between the storage vault and specific
operational zones. The magazines will require a simple manual insertion
into the viewing equipment, after which the film will be automatically
threaded for subsequent viewing.
12. Information Handling Systems
The increased exploitation requirements resulting from increased
and improved acquisition materials will magnify the amount of substantive
and mensural data which must be handled. Significant strides have already
been made in this area. It is now possible for the interpreter to inform
the central computer of a mission and exposure number through a teletype
keyboard, and receive on the same teletype, hard copy describing the
location, time, and attitude of his photograph. He can, in a similar
fashion, receive accurate ground dimensions by inputting corresponding
image points through a highly-automated film reader. This program is
in the first stages of implementation, and there is still much to be done.
For instance, new acquisition systems will provide a data block on the
exposure or on associated magnetic tape. Automatic coordinated reading
of this information will acheive greater operational simplicity, speed
and accuracy than the previous manual input system. Collateral graphic
and substantive information is generally handled as hard copy often
requiring considerable research and manipulation on the part of the
interpreter. The interpreter, in turn, records his substantive comments
and mensural data in hand-written form. This data is typewritten,
key-punched and entered in the computer. Most of the collateral informa-
tion and the interpreter's report could be handled through direct
communication links between the analyst and the computer.
Consequently, this program is designed to study and develop systems
whereby the operational photo interpreter may communicate directly with
a large-capacity, computerized, information storage system in order to
determine collateral information and to up-date intelligence. This
program includes the development of highly versatile data block and
time-pip readers which are keyed to the automation of both the substantive
reporting and the mensuration processes. Information will be displayed
through a high-speed electronic system which is capable of handling images
as well as printed information.
13. Reproduction Techniques and Materials
In the past, acquisition systems advanced more rapidly than the
corresponding reproduction technology. As a result, instances occurred
in which it was not possible to make work copies of a quality commensurate
with that of the original material. In addition, the distortion character-
istics changed to forms which could not be removed by conventional optical
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rectifiers; consequently correctly proportioned plan views of significant
installations had to be achieved through tedious and time-consuming
analytical techniques.
The purpose of this program is to develop reproduction techniques
and materials which will anticipate and accommodate changes in acquisi-
tion materials, so that high-quality working copies may be rapidly
reproduced in response to specific exploitation requirements. Typical
examples of the past requirements are: automatically-dodged copies, specific
density cuts, and photographic enlargements. Future requirements will
involve all of these plus the additional complexity of color duplication,
image restoration, line-scan compensation Radar images), image
integration and manipulation, and photographic rectification. In addition
to the development of systems for satisfying these requirements, this
program also includes the development of unconventional reproduction
materials, which may become competitive in performance and be much simpler
to process than those currently in use. This will facilitate quick
response by the lab and possibly lead to some immediate-access repro-
duction capability for the interpreter.
14. Mensuration Systems
Mensuration development needs have centered around two basic require-
ments, speed and accuracy. The advent of new acquisition systems having
improved resolution, new distortion characteristics, and new SI packages
cause very severe problems in the mensuration process. These invariably
require up-dated or new equipment, new computer programs, and new
techniques. Another fundamental problem in the mensuration process is
the determination of the object edge from the image edge. At this point
microdensitometric techniques are far too slow to provide significant
assistance except in isolated cases.
This portion of the program provides for the development of a new
highly-automated, high-performance, high-speed stereocompa.rator which
is keyed to the anticipated characteristics of new acquisition systems.
Funds are also provided for up-dating stellar comparators and the develop-
ment of new high-speed, high-performance, rear-projection roll film readers.
Most of this equipment will be designed for either IBM card input-output
or on-line, real-time operation and analysis. In some cases the feasi-
bility of including small special-purpose computers will be investigated.
Electronic-scanning microdensitometry will be investigated. Electronic-
scanning microdensitometry will be investigated as a possible solution to
real-time edge definition. Allowances are also made for the development
of advanced, highly-automated, versatile, analytical stereo-plotters and
high-precision, high-speed, on-line, electronic plotters each of which
will be used to provide the interpreter with precision line-drawings,
directly extracted from imagery.
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15. Miscellaneous
There are numerous problems in the exploitation process which
require individual development effort. A major group of such problems
are related to special-pupose viewers. Because of their unique
characteristics these viewers are not included in either of the specific
viewer categories. Examples of these special requirements are:
image-rectifying viewers (this is a real-time display requirement not
to be confused with the rectifying printer); change-detection viewers;
image-integration viewers which will utilize the capacity for integration
and accommodation by the human visual system to integrate successive 2 5X1
images of the same object; image-manipulation viewers, which will provide
real-time capability for altering tonal range and tone-frequency relation-
ships for investigatory purposes;
and color-enhancement viewers for converting the grey-scale to a color-
scale scale to evaluate the effect on image interpretability. In addition to
these, short range direct development services for all the NPIC
operational divisions are included in this category.
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