III. INFORMATION PROCESSING AND EXPLOITATION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B05171A000500010004-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 20
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 26, 2005
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: January 5, 1970
• Content Type: REPORT

25X1
Approved For Release 2005/11/21 : CIA:RDF 78B05171A000500010004-0
5 January 1970
III. Information Processing and Exploitation
C. Imagery
1. Overhead Photography
Background
The NPIC Research, Development and Engineering
effort primarily supports the Center in carrying out
the responsibilities assigned to it by the approved
JIIRG recommendations. Additionally,-in accordance
with NSCID No. 8, it serves the imagery exploitation
community as a whole. The COMIREX Subcommittee on
Exploitation Research and Development provides a forum
for exchange of information'among the agencies concerned
with respect to their 'imagery R&D programs; NPIC can
also call upon the Subcommittee for advice and'recom-
mendations?as appropriate.
Objectives
The broad objectives of the Center's program for
the next five years are:
- to increase the efficiency of the exploitation
process and the quality of the product;
- to improve the Center's capability and capacity
to receive, reproduce, store and retrieve imagery
and imagery-related,. materials.
to develop concepts. for. exploitation of new
imagery acquisition systems and to develop the
equipment and procedures necessary to the
implementation of these concepts.
Implicit in these objectives is the aim of enabling the
Center to perform more and better work without significant
increases in manpower.
Copy No.
Declassification RXpproveM For-Release
NGA/DoD
25X1
t 25X1
IM
 Approved For Release 2005/11/21 : CIA-RDP78B05171A000500010004-0
C.. Imagery
1. Overhead Photography
a. Imagery Interpretation Research/Human Factors
Objective: To develop an understanding of the specific
inherent or acquired human characteristics involved in
the various aspects of the imagery exploitation process
and to apply that understanding to such activities as
recruitment and training of personnel, modification of
procedures, redesign of, equipment, alteration of working
environment, and adaptation of personnel to exploitation
of new systems e.
Progress:
a) A comparison of the achievements and skills of
analysts receiving on-the-job training and'of those who
attended the 12-week Defense Sensor Interpretation and
Application-Training Program clearly showed the superior
benefits of the Defense training program; as a result
all new imagery analysts are. scheduled for this program..,
b) A preliminary validation of an Agency-administered
imagery interpretation test battery for use in evaluating
applicants was made, and development of an Imagery Analyst
Target Knowledge Inventory was initiated. This inventory
will serve as the basis for developing an in-house train-
ing course to supplement the Defense Training Program.
c) Comparative'tests to measure the performance of
imagery analysts and photogrammetrists were designed and
administered; the results showed that imagery analysts
could satisfactorily perform a number of mensuration tasks
which had previously been thought to require the services.
of a skilled photogrammetrist.
d) A Technology Integration Check-Out Facility has
been developed for gathering imagery analyst performance
data under controlled conditions.
Approved For Release
25X1:
 1A000500010004-0-
e) Through a controlled test of mensuration perform-
ance, a statistically sound approach to mensuration
accuracy statements was developed; this approach has
increased the level of confidence of NPIC dimensional
error statements.
Program Plans:
During FY 1970 the development of the supplementary
in-house training program should be completed. Research
to determine the effect of the convergence angle of
optical instruments on..visual performance will be
initiated in FY 1970 and completed in FY 1972. ''During
FY 1971-73, the "human engineering" aspects of exploiting
I Iwill' be' examined, with a view to
zi a indings in the development of procedures
and equipment for exploiting this type of film. By
FY 1973, the basic system design for
imagery is expected to be sufficiently firm and detailed
as to permit identification and investigation of some
of the human characteristics which will affect exploita-
tion of 0 A large degree of flexibility is inherent
in this project, since many areas of human-equipment,
human-imagery and human-human interface which affect
the efficiency and quality of imagery interpretation
can not be recognized in advance of actual experience.
Resources
It is planned to maintain this project during.
FY 1972-76 at about the level of effort programmed for
FY 1971.
FY 1969 1970 1971 1971 197. 1974 1975 1976
Approved For Release'
25X1
25X1
 Imagery
1. OV rhead Photography
a. Imagery Interpretation Research/Additive Info
Objective: To identify and evaluate the unique or
additive information extractable from unconventional
imagery and determine the quality of imagery needed to
meet requirements for this information.
Progress: In FY 1969 a project was initiated to obtain
at different resolutions ibge,ther
with e corresponding ground truth information'. This
effort will correlate'ground truth with the, imagery
obtained, and provide data which should enable conclu-
sions to be drawn as to the additive or complementary
information which an could provide, as com-
pared with black and white imagery. In-house studies
on the, intelligence value of were
Program Plans: During FY. 1971 and 1972, the studies of
=will continue with emphasis on various selected
target types and on the level of resolution needed to
meet requirements for additive information. During
FY 1972, the in-house study of 0 will be supplemented
by contractual studies directed toward precise determina-
tion of the which are most significant in reading
out certain types of-targets and meeting selected
requirements. During FY 1973-1975, studies will be
initiated on other unconventional systems.
Resources:
FY 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
25X1
25X1
25X1
Approv9d For Relepse 2005/11/21 : CIA-RDP78B05171A000500010004-0 ~ fy; 25X1
 CIA-RDP78B05171A000500010004-0
Approved For Release 2005/11/21j ~ t a ~ ~
e1 .. ~
C. Imagery
1. Overhead Photography
b. Imagery Information Technology
Objective: For obvious reasons, the consumers of
imagery-derived information wish to".have such informa-
tion made available to them with the minimum possible
delay. At present, however, the processes of report-
ing information derived from imagery and of updating
data files, graphics, and collateral files are cumber-
some and time consuming. The objective of this"project
is to develop and have in operation by FY 1976 a cost
effective, integrated 'automated system for storage,
retrieval, manipulation and display of imagery, informa-
tion derived from imagery, collateral materials and
graphics used in the analysis and reporting cycles of
the exploitation process. This system will have the
capability for on-line editing of both textual and
graphic material.
Progress:' Certain portions of the proposed integrated
system have been or are being developed. NPIC has an
Integrated Information System (IIS) scheduled for imple-
mentation in July 1970 which will provide the imagery
analyst on an automated on-line basis, with existing
imagery-derived and collateral data on any given target
with which he may be concerned. Parts of the National
Data Base of Imagery-Derived Information (NDB) are now
maintained on an automated basis (Installations Data
File, Mensuration Parameters File, and Exploitation
Products Data File.) Various aspects of the man-machine
interface involved in an automated information system
have been, investigated as.part of the Imagery Interpre-
tation Process Research Project. 'A completed contractual
effort comprising the development of certain computer
programs and techniques, has demonstrated the feasibility
of a cathode ray tube graphics and textual display system.
Program Plans: A study contracted for in FY 1969 will
be completed in FY 1971 and provide NPIC with several
alternative plans for using,. Photo-Chips as an informational
Approved. For Release
25X1
 Approved For Release 2005/11/21 : CIA-RDP78BO5171AO00500010004-0
'medium and to assist in the exploitation and reporting
processes. In FY 1970-71, prototype, automated on-line
textual and graphic display consoles embodying an
editorial capability will be developed and operationally
evaluated. During this phase, advantage will be taken
of any applicable developments underway in ORD. Based
upon evaluation of these prototypes, operational models
will be developed as required in FY".1972-73. Amalgamation
and integration of the overall system is planned to take
place in the FY 1974-76 time period.
Alternatives: In view.of the intensive activity and
rapid pace of developments in the field of info.mation
management, storage and retrieval both in private
industry and government, consideration was given, as
an alternative, to postponing action by NPIC in the
expectation that a suitable system would become available
and could be obtained at less expense. In view of NPIC's
unique requirements, however, it is believed highly
unlikely that any system meeting then would become avail-
able during the next five or six years. NPIC will,
however,, be alert to developments elsewhere in government
and in industry, to take advantage of any equipment or
techniques applicable to this project. .
Resources:
FY 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
Approved For Release
25X1
 171A000500010004-0
Imagery
1. Overhead Photography
c. Image Analysis and Manipulation/Quality
Evaluation
Objective: There is in general use'today a set of
objective standards by which the quality of conventional
imagery and the efficiency of various optical and
photographic equipment are measured. The application
of these standards, however, often brings results which
do not coincide with the ,'subjective" judgments'of.imagery
analysts who are concerned with the effectiveness of
imagery and equipment in conveying information. The
objective of this project is to identify and correlate
objective and "subjective" criteria and standards, and
to develop a revised set of objective standards for
evaluating quality and efficiency of film and equipment
from an intelligence point of view.
Progress: A contract study completed in FY 1969 has
analyzed the present state of the art in photo-optical
image evaluation and recommended a program of fundamental
and applied research to establish a quantitative relation-
ship between the most promising of the objective measures
of merit and subjective quality criteria developed r through
psychological experiments.
Program Plans: In FY 1970, a contract study will be
completed which seeks to establish the basic conditions
for evaluating optical components, applying the recom-
mendations previously developed on the relationship of
subjective and objective criteria. During the same year
another study will be completed establishing require-
ments for microdensitometric analysis of color and black
and white photography for use-in objective assessment
of quality. Other milestones are: FY 1972, complete
the study of objective evaluation techniques; FY 1974,
complete the study of subjective evaluation measures;
FY 1975, determine the correlation procedures for relat-
ing objective and subjective evaluation.
Approved For Release 005/11/21 : CIA-RDP78B05171A000500010004-0
25X1
wa ~Cii Y ~ fu.
 Alternatives: Objective evaluation of photography
involves an understanding of the basic, fundamental
and theoretical nature of imagery, on which relatively
little significant research has been accomplished.
Similarly little fundamental research has been done on
the mechanism of subjective evaluation. The two
obvious alternatives, therefore, are (1) limit work
in these areas to the pace of fundamental research
taking place in the scientific community or (2) embark
on a thorough and extensive program of fundamental
research. NPIC has rejected both alternatives in favor
of a pragmatic approach, relying largely on outside
basic research, but supplementing it with contrActval
studies in specific areas'of particular concern' to the
Center's activities. I
Resources:
FY 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973' 1974 1975 1976
Approved For Release
eJ-ki w~imral8~?~' G9
25X1
 Approved For Release 2005/11/21 : CIA-,RDP78B05171A000500010004-0
'C. Imagery
1. Overhead Photography
c. Image Analysis and Manipulation/Image
Enhancement
Objective: To develop by FY 1976 an integrated opera-
tional image manipulation system with the capability
to compensate for image-degrading factors which occur
during acquisition and/or processing of conventional
imagery by digital, optical, photographic or electronic'
techniques, at the option,of the imagery-analyst.
Progress: The techniques'of optical, photographic and
electronic manipulation are fairly well understood and
are now being applied on a limited scale to conventional
imagery by NPIC. Fundamental research in the area of
digital manipulation, using non-operational photography
and experimental computer programs is proceeding
satisfactorily.
Program Plans: During FY 1970-71, experiments will be
undertaken in NPIC on digital enhancement and restoration
of operational photography, utilizing computer programs
already developed and equipment made available by ORD.
In-house experimentation on optical, photographic and
electronic manipulation techniques will continue. By
FY 1972, it is anticipated that the operational appli-
cations of all four techniques can be determined and
evaluated. During FY 1973-75 the necessary equipment
for an integrated operational system will be developed.
Resources:
FY 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
Approved For Releas - - 25X1
'per
4~ 4 . r ,o_ x'3 ? EIS
 Approved For Release 2005/11/21: CIA-RDP78BO5171A000500010004-0
F
Imagery
1. Overhead Photography
d. Image Interpretation Instruments and
Techniques/ATR
Objective: To develop by FY 1974 a" capability for
automatically recognizing, counting and detecting changes
in man-made objects on black and white imagery.
Progress: Investigations into the feasibility of
developing the capability.were initiated late in FY 1966.
As a result of these studies, it was decided that the
first concrete step should be the fabrication of a
Target Indexing Device which would provide automatically
a ye-s or no decision as to whether a specified target
is or is not cloud covered. In FY 1969, the feasibility
of two techniques for cloud screening,-- an optical and
an electronic -- was demonstrated. Of the''two approaches,
the optical could be more immediately developed into a
working'system, while the electronic technique offered
greater potential for further development to perform
target recognition and counting functions. After a
careful review early in FY 1970, it was decided: (a) a
system using the optical technique, but improved to.
provide cloud cover data both for specific targets 'and
general area coverage, should be fabricated and delivered
to NPIC for test and evaluation; (b) an improved electronic
screening breadboard-to perform both cloud screening modes
should be built and demonstrated.
Program Plan: The optical cloud screening device will
be delivered to NPIC early in FY 1971. Late in'FY 1971
the electronic breadboard. should be completed.' Depencbnt
upon the results of experimentation with the electronic
device, a capability to automatically identify man-made
objects on imagery should be established by the end of
FY 1972. Techniques for automatically detecting target
changes and scanning for specific types of targets should
be developed by FY 1974.
Resources:
FY 1969, 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
Approved For Release
' 25X1
 Approved For Release 2005/11/21 CIA-RDP78BO5171A000500010004-0
'C'. Imagery
1. Overhead Photography
d. Image Interpretation Instruments and
Techniques
Objective: It is anticipated that during the latter
half of the planning period there will be a significantly
increased use of in overhead reconnaissance.
The objective of this project is to develop the equipment
needed to exploit effectively and economically the in-
creased volume of these types of imagery.
Progress: The limited amount of currently 25X1
being received provides some experience with the practical
problems involved in its exploitation. Studies are now
underway with respect to at different resolutions. 25X1
Program Plan: By the end of FY 1971, sufficient experience
and data will have been acquired to permit the development
during FY 197.2 of basic equipment. 25X1
During FY 1973, special equipment
and experimental equipment will be.. ..
developed.
Resources:
FY 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 .1975 1976
ApproVed For Release
25X1
 Approved For Release 2005/11/21 CIA-RDP78BO5171A000500010004-0
Imagery
1. Overhead Photography
d. Image Interpretation Instruments and
Techniques/Modifications
Objective: To develop modifications and improvements
in-existing imagery interpretation equipment.
Progress: When new equipment becomes operational,
additional development or modification needs are
frequently surfaced, sometimes arising from practical
working experience with the equipment, sometimes result-
ing from concepts originating with imagery analysts.
Over the past years, NPIC has maintained a fairly steady
effort in modifying and improving imagery analysis
equipment on hand.
Program. Plan: A general level of effort is planned for
this project. Specific modifications and improvements
will be'undertaken as the need for or advantages of them
are identified.
Resources:
FY 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 x1976
Approved For Releas
v, e:.a ay
25X1
 Approved For Release 2005/11/21 :. CIA-RDP78BO5171A000500010004-0
1, i. I I
C'. Imagery
1. Overhead Photography
e. Reproduction/Dry Processing
Objective: Dry process. reproduction of image materials
offers a number of advantages over conventional wet
processing methods, including savings in space, elimina-
tion of handling of bulk chemicals, greater flexibility
and speed, and reduction in the amount of silver used.
The objective of the NPIC effort in the field is to
develop by FY 1972 a satisfactory dry process system
applicable to black and white imagery, and by FY 1976,
a system applicable to'other types of imagery.
Progress: Dry diazo film and paper capable of good
quality positive to positive reproduction have been
developed and will be available in quantity during
FY 1970.. Diazo, however, meets NPIC needs'only in part,
primarily because it is not possible to alter or adjust
the density with diazo film and paper. Dry silver paper
has reached a commercially useable level of development,
and by FY 1971 should meet NPIC's quality requirements.
Roll film dry processors have been developed and are now
undergoing evaluation.
Program Plans: By FY 1971, development of two types
of dry film processors will be completed, a 12-inch
processor for use by-individual PI's in making density
cuts and transparent file copies and a 40-inch processor
for making enlargements. By the end of FY 1972, develop-
ment of a satisfactory dry silver positive acting film
should be completed. Dear.:.ng FY 1971 and 1972, it is
probable that requirements for additional new processing
equipment will be identified and developmental work
initiated. In FY 1972, the feasibility of applying dry
processing to other types of imagery (e.g. 25X1
will be examined. If feasibility studies are avora e,
work in this direction will be initiated in FY.1973.
Resources:
FY 1969 1970 1971 1972. 1973 1974 ..1975 .1976
Approved For Release
25X1
w.r ~~
 C. Imagery
1. Overhead Photography
e. Reproduction/Wet Processing
Objective: At least through FY 1976 and perhaps beyond,
it will be necessary for NPIC to retain considerable wet
film processing capability, in order to deal with color
and other unconventional film and meet certain specialized
reproduction needs. It is unlikely that industry will
develop equipments for-commercial uses which will meet
all the standards of resolution, speed and flexibility
required for intelligence exploitation. It is NPIC's
objective to adopt and'upgrade, where possible, com-
mercial equipment to meet its requirements, and to
develop its own equipment in those cases where commercial
equipment is unavailable.
Progress: Because of the very limited and'highly
experimental employment of unconventional imagery in
overhead reconnaissance up to the present, NPIC is
using standard
commercial equipment.
Program Plans: In view of the likelihood that use
Twill be expanded with the advent.of'the
a e in 1971, it is planned to up-grade NPIC's
capability'for processing F beginning early in
FY 1971. Development of equipment for processing
0
Resources:
FY 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
25X1
25X1
Approved For Relea a 2005/11/21 : CIA-RDP78B05171A000500010004-0 25X1
 Approved For Release 2005/11/21 CIA-RDP78BO5171A000500010004-0
C., Imagery
1. Overhead Photography
f. Mensuration
Objective: To improve the precision of mensuration accuracy
statements and the efficiency of the'mensuration process.
This involves isolating and defining the relative and
absolute values of those factors which contribute to mensu-
ration error, minimizing their effects, and automating
certain aspects of the process. Error factors can relate
to the source material, the collection vehicle, t"he.mensu-
ration equipment, and the operator.
Progress: A high-precision stereo comparator, now in late
stages of development, will be delivered in FY 1971.
Mensuration equipment for efficient use by the imagery
analyst on both cut and roll film is also in the later
stages of development. In-house studies were made to
identify the various sources of mensuration errors; this
information will be used as a,foundation for further study
of their effect upon mensuration procedures and equipment.
Program Plans: Commencing in FY 1971, in-house study,.
supplemented by contractual assistance, will be "directed
toward further understanding of mensuration error factors.
Effort will be expended toward developing medium-accuracy
stereo mensuration equipment to fill a current gap between
ultra-precise and course-accuracy instruments and toward
adapting instruments for color materials. Emphasis will
be placed upon automation of mensuration tasks and quick
response, high reliability, and easily maintained mensu-
ration instruments.
Resources:
FY 1969. 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
Approved For Release 2
25X1
 71A000500010004-0
Imagery
1. Overhead Photography
g. Test and Evaluation
Objective: NPIC has developed or has under-development
equipment and instruments of a high-degree of sophisti-
cation and accuracy. There are no devices or techniques
available which are capable of determining the functional
acceptability (i.e. fulfillment of contract specifica-
tions) of some of these equipments when they are delivered
by the manufacturer. The.objective of this eff6rt.is to
develop the required instrumentation, techniques and
standards to make such'determination when they are not
available from industry.
Progress: Over the past few years, NPIC has developed
a small in-house test and evaluation laboratory, whose
efforts, have been supplemented by contractual assistance
and the development of specialized test equipment and
techniques. During FY 1969, arrangements were made
with the National Bureau of Standards to develop resolu-
tion test equipment for the dry process reproduction . .1
materials now under development. As part of this effort,
a special sensitometric processor is being developed in
FY 1970. During FY 1970, a special target is being'
developed for use in making objective measurements of
the performance of optical components as it relates to
resolution.
Program Plans: During FY 1972 and 1973, special
calibration devices will be developed and performance
evaluation standaN -_ t_ tai Lsi d for the High Precision
Stereo Comparator and the.Automated Stereoscanner.
Resources:
FY 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976
Approved For Release 4-000-11112 1 - -
25X1
 Approved For Release 2005/11/21 : CIA-RDP78BO5171A000500010004-0
C'.' Imagery
Program Plans:
a) Alternatives and Approaches
The Center recognizes that the future of or similar
collection systems is uncertain at this poin i.n time.
The 0 concept, however, involves a major departure from
exploitation procedures and equipment now in use or
contemplated, and its'implementation will require long
research and development lead times. It is necessary
therefore, that early investigations be undertaken, with
contractual support, to develop the exploitation system
concept and alternative approaches to system design. As
the investigations progress, procedural, equipment, and
staffing alternatives will be developed, providing
choices with respect to costs, technical risk, degree of
automation, etc.
Approved For Release 2
25X1
25X1
 Approved For Release 2005/11/21 : CIA-RDP78BO5171A000500010004-0
b) Plans
The preliminary plan for research and development in
this area comprises the following:
(1)_System Definition (FY 1970)
Develop several alternative Il exploitation
system concepts based upon current knowledge of
acquisition system performance and intelligence
requirements.
(2) System Design (FY 1971-.1972)
Based upon these system concepts, investigate
two exploitation systems utilizing significantly
different technological approaches - one emphasizing
advanced technology and the other, off-the-shelf
components and existing state-of-the-art. techniques.
(3) Equipment Design (FY 1972-1973)
Based on the system concept and technolo ical
approach selected, initiate development of
exploitation system equipment.
(4) Equipment Development (FY 1973-1974)
Develop prototypes of new equipment items
necessary, and test and evaluate such prototypes.
(5) System Modification (FY 1975-1976)
Following evaluation under operational conditions,
modify system components' and procedures and develop
additional equipment as required.
Resources:
FY 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973. 1974 1975 1976
Approved For Release 1296
25X1
25X1
25X1
 25X1 Approved For Release 2005/11/21 : CIA-RDP78BO5171A000500010004-0
Approved For Release 2005/11/21 : CIA-RDP78BO5171A000500010004-0
 Approved For Release 2005/11/21 : CIA-RDP78BO5171A000500010004-0
Approved For Release 2005/11/21 : CIA-RDP78BO5171A000500010004-0