SOVIET CAPABILITIES IN FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC MAPPING TO INCLUDE GEODESY, AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY, AND PHOTOGRAMMETRY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79-01096A000100020004-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 14
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 6, 2001
• Sequence Number: 4
• Content Type: REPORT

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A PROJECT PROPOSAL 7www --
"Soviet Capabilities in Foreign and Domestic Mapping
to Include Geodesy, Aerial Photography, and Photogrammetry"
I. Objectives of the Proposed Project
II. An Outline of the Research Agency
III. Background of Negotiations
IV. Justification
V. Cost Estimates and Request for Approval
THE MAP DIVISION
OFFICE OF REPORTS AND ESTIMATES
jM,IFNT NO.
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I. OBJECTIVE OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
As a result of a series of meetings held between members of the
Map Division, CIA and representatives of the 25X1A5a1
a
specific project has been submitted by the to undertake 25X1A5a1
a comprehensive study of the Soviet geodetic and cartographic
establishment, and to prepare national intelligence estimates of
Soviet capabilities in foreign and domestic mapping which underlie
the requirements of intercontinental guided missile warfare.
The Soviet Union possesses a geodetic and cartographic establish-
ment believed to be second to none in the world. It has made important
contributions in scientific research and has been responsible for
transforming the vast area of the Soviet Union from one of the poorest
mapped countries to one of the best in the short space of 33 years.
Very little is known of its highly complex structure and organization.
Almost nothing is known in the United States of its achievements in
higher geodesy. Absolutely nothing is known of Soviet capabilities
to solve problems in higher geodesy to meet the requirements for
intercontinental guided m--ssile warfare. No agency in the entire
world is attempting any counter-intelligence research on Soviet
knowledge, of US and other foreign developments in geodesy and mapping.
No agency in the world is conducting any intelligence research on
Soviet capabilities to attack and solve geodetic and mapping problems
in areas outside of the USSR whose solution is essential to guided
missle control. For example a recent bit of information suggests
that the Soviets have succeeded in bridging the geodetic gap in
the
eastern Europe between/Potsdam and Pulkovo (Soviet) datums. If so,
then the Soviets have at least a two-year advantage over present US
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progress in the solution of this problem for map production purposes.
has concluded, in a project
report for the USAF, that a common world datum is not essential
for guided missile control. But no attempt is being made in the
IAC structure to determine Soviet cognizance of this thesis. This
knowledge of Soviet intelligence could be significant factord'in
estimating their aggrepive capabilities and timing. The proposed
project as outlined in detail in Appendix A will attempt to
provide the beat possible national intelligence estimates of Soviet
current as well as future capabilities on the basis of currently
available information. The pro; ect will at least provide a compre-
hensive collection of information and related estimates on the basis
of which further intelligence requirements may be refined and
estimates of future Soviet developments and achievements revised.
The original proposal was augmented to include the interests
of the Office of Scientific Intelligence, CIA, as outlined pn
Appendix B. Since the field of geodesy and cartography is related
to the broad field of geophysics and geography in Soviet scientific
organization, it is expected that research will extend into numerous
sources on geophysics and geography. Significant materials and
information on developments, trends, new theories and techniques,
in the fields outlined in Appendix B, located in the course of
research on Soviet geodesy and cartography will be noted for the
attention of OSI.
The proposed project will produce a variety of products.
The most siginificant product will be fully coordinated national
intelligence estimates for the National Security Council, the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, and the Research and Development Board. Special
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intelligence notes concerning developments, trends, theories and
techniques on topics outlined in Appendix B will be prepared for
OSI, CIA . Significant items selected by OSI will be mdde available
to the Research and Development Board and other interested govern-
mental agencies. Data cards and map overlays of data of pertinent
geodetic, cartographic and geographic information dill be provided
to the interesteomponents of CIA and the appropriate technical
areas of the military establishment.
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III. BACKGROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS 25X1 A5a 1
The initial contact with the was established January,
1948 through the Aeronautical Chart Service when a representative of
the Map Division assisted in working out some of the technical details
for the ACS project, and coordinated the operation with CIA operations
(FDD and Map Division). The Map Division continued to provide consultant
services to the project through the requests of the Aeronautical Chart
Service. The relationship proved to be of mutual benefit. The Map
Division in its first contact establishednthe preparation of a special
ire uncover/edAin collections scattered throughout the U. S.. This extremely
valuable information was received at the cost to CIA of one trip to the
card Briar locating valuable special maps in little-known Soviet
publications. Through this medium over 2,300 maps have been located,
most of them being unique and valuable. In addition bibliographical/
abstract cards Atlorr 1,200 publications on mapping and the earth sciences
aww?l r'
In the course of these working-level contacts between the Map
Division and the it was determined that the'production
requirements of the ACS contracts limited the scope of research and
prevented the consummation of a systematic and comprehensive research
study of Soviet mapping organisations, facilities, activities, and
capabilities. This deficiency has been a factor in--the- fors 1atioh? W(~~ cL+
of this proposed project and led to informal discussions for the formulation
of a project proposal.
On August 10, 1950 a member of the Map Division explored in-
r
25X1A5a1 formally with the Director the capability and interest
in undertaking the proposed project. After extended discussions in ORE
between members of the Map Division and the Plans and Policy Staff it was
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agreed to hold an informal exploratory meeting with working members
25X1A5a1 of the to discuss the technical details of the scope
of the project. This meeting took place 25 August 1950 and included
two representatives of the Plans and Policy Staff, three members of
25X1A5a1 the Map Division, and two members of the (the technical
and assistant technical supervisors proposed for the contract).
As a result of this meeting a project proposal dated 30 August
was submitted via the office of the Director of Central Intelligence
for formal consideration. After further study within the Map Division
and the Plans and Policy Staff, a series of meetings were held between
25X1 A5a 1 members of the including its Director and the two
previous conferees -- and four members of CIA -- including one
25X1A9a member
of the, Office of Business and Management.
In addition one session, 21 September 1950, was devoted to a conference
between the SWf of the Office of Scientific Intelligence, a representa-
25X1A5a1 tive of the Map Division, and the three representatives of the
The meeting explored OSI's interest in the proposed project, As a
consequence of the discussion OSI indicated a wholehearted support of
the projectparticularly when it was agreed to broaden the proposed
project in accordance with Appendix B,
IV. JUSTIFICATION
A. The Soviet Union in the short span of thirty-three years
was capable of transforming itself from one of the poorest surveyed
and mapped countries in the world to one of the best. Considering
1 the vastness of the area, this massive scientific achievement is
phenomenal. The implications -to scientific mapping capabilities
inherent in this tremendous accomplishment is a prime intelligence
target in an age which finds itself on the threshold of developing
intercontinental guided missiles.
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Moreover, their capabilities must be compared with US capabili-
ties in order to assist high-level technical areal to shape
develr,pmental policy concerning geodetic methods, and surveying and
mapping programs. Such a need has been expressed to the Chief of
the Map Division from a representative of the Joint Staff, JCS.
B. Specifications of the project call for the collection of
a staff consisting of personnel who combine technical qualifica-
tions and linguistic skills in Russian as well as English. This
will be the first massing of such a thoroughly equipped staff to
focus on this highly technical research problem. As an academic and
non-governmental body the can make the fullest utiliza-
tion of personnel who are not available to the government (DP and
defectors, as well as individuals in private or academic occupations
not inclined to government work).
25X1.A5a1 ' C. In the course of the past work on Air Force
contracts involving hundreds of thousands of dollars, the 25X1A5a1
has accumulated a file of data, bibliographical information, as well
as background knowledge which have been insufficiently exploited for
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intelligence purposes because of the limited scope of the Air Force
contracts. This proposed contract will provide a complete exploita-
tion of a resource created through previous government expenditures
which otherwise might not be made available as intelligence.
D. Contributions to the NIS Study of Soviet mapping and map
coverage received from the map and chart organizations of the
military establishments reveal serious gaps and inadequacies in
information concerning Soviet geodesy and cartography; particularly
developments and capabilities. Efforts of the Map Division to
correct these deficiencies have not been successful because the
producing agencies concerned have not been able to undertake the
broad research program as envisaged in Appendix A. The compart-
mentalized responsibilities of the mapping agencies of the US
Military establishments limit research in Soviet technical literature
appraisal of the highly integrated and broad mapping activities of
the Soviet geodetic and cartographic establishments. The polite ~~
to data required for the production of maps and charts. This
compartmentalized knowledge of Soviet geodesy and cartography
when taken together as in the NIS study, results in a wholly inadequate
m
l
t
ry and security establishments cannot command
the necessary resources within the governmental structure to under-
levels of +U. US
i
i
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take the study and the production of estimates proposed in Appendix A.
E. Available British. reports on Soviet mapping are extremely
superficial and generally inferior to US information. The reasons
for this were partially explained by a survey of principal British
map installations made by the (the technical
supervisor designated for this proposed project) for the Aeronautical
Chart Service project. Large amounts of unprocessed Soviet and
i
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other sources were found. In some instances the small and hope-
lessly inadequate staffs are incapable or unqualified to exploit
the available materials.
In another instance, the Royal Observatory, Greenwich,, vas
still in such disarray and postwar confusion that such material
remained unprocessed. moreover,. letter in Russian dated 1946,,
from the important Geophysical Observatory at Leningrad requesting
an exchange of information with the Royal Observatory remained
unopened. The incident was brushed off with an excuse that no one
could have read it anyway.
At the present time there are no other adequate facilities
or projects within the US Government on the topics included in
Appendix A thatwill'integrate materials on Soviet mapping held
in European files with American held data into a truly comprehensive
studyand estimate.
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I. Request is made for the approval of the proposed project
as outlined in Appendix Land the approval of an a3location.of funds
to cover the costs for a two-year continuing contract1broken
in Appendix C.
The estimate of costs submitted has been carefully examined
and is recommended as reasonable within the scope of the outlined
project. The staff proposed for the project is, in fact, believed
to be conservative in relation to the large volume of source
materials to be located, studied and analyzed. The salary scales
and wage rates indicated are also conservative relative to the rare
combination of skills which will be provided.
The project will be under the professional supervision of
the Map Division, ORE. The planne&close monitoring' 'fF the 1roject
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EXHIBIT I
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Outline of Organization, History, and
Operations of the 25X1 A5a 1
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APPENDIX A
Outline of Proposed Research Contract
to determine
"SOVIET CAPABILITIES IN FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC MAPPING, TO INCLUDE GEODESY,
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY, AND PHOTOGRAMMETRY."
1. Ong zatt i onal s tudv of Russian science in these and related,
closely allied and contributory fields.
a. Major research institutes, production establishnente and associated
organizations, to include list, history and status of work and
publications.
b. Key personnel and evaluation of capabilities.
e. Educational programs, quality and extend of training of personnel,
number of personnel.
d. Availability of Russian material and publications.
e. Russian cognizance of U.S. methods, procedures and equipment.
2. Technical developments in each of related fields.
a. Control
(1) Evaluation of Russian trian2Ul_ation met'-iods (5 classes)
(a) Sampling computational and adjustment procedure along
transcontinental are in at least four approximately equal
spaced loops.
(b) Comparison between accuracies, speed and instrumentation
used with U.S. procedures and results.
(c) Correlation of Russian "classes" with international
"orders" of accuracy.
(d) Extent of triangulation of all classes and location.
(e) Estimates of future developments, current and long-term.
(2) Evaluation of Russian leveling methods (9 classes)
(a) Sampling computational and adjustment procedure on
at least four equally spaced level net loops.
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Appendix A - continued
(b) Comparison between accuracies, speed and
instrumentation used with U.S. procedures and
results.
(c) Correlation of Russian "classes" with international
"orders" of accuracy.
(d) Extent of leveling of all classes and location.
(e) Estimates of future developments, current and
long-term.
(3) Study of Russian tria,d.al ell,insoid and its possible
effect upon any or all U.S. mapping procedures.
(4) ssi methods of affecting inter--continental ties-
of geodetic control -- east and west.
(a) Estimates of future developments, Current and
long-term.
(5) Study of Russian claims and procedures involving use of
Qravity and astronomical data to determine genetic
positions. Relative accuracy of their methods. Possible
value of this study to facilitate U.S. mapping program.
(6) Std to determine feasibility of tying in independent
Russian triangulation systemm to theirmain geodetic
network.
(7) Russian astronomical methods in application to geodetic
problems.
(8) R_u_ssi an studies in terrestrial magnetism affecting
cartography.
b. Russian an electronic control and mabn n2 methods; comparative
status with U.S. and British developments.
(1) Shoran
(2) LorM
(3) Radar and
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Appendix a - continued
c. Aerial photoeraphv for mapping and charting.
(1). Extent of coverage and how used.
(2) Rb,u, types and performance compared with U.S.
d. Photogranuetrv
(1) Eauip?nent, type and comparison with U.S., Swiss,
German and British.
(2) Methods, comparison with generally accepted procedures
in U.S.
(3) Product, extent of work and relative accuracy of results.
3. Analysis of Russian cartography.
a. Russian cartographic establishments and practice.
b. roiections and grids.
c. Evaluation of Russian maps and charts.
d. Russian map coverage.
4. Incidental Geographical and Cartographic Intelligence obtained in
the course of securing other data required in this proposal.
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