PROJECT (Sanitized)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP67B00820R000300080041-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 12
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 13, 2001
• Sequence Number: 41
• Publication Date: January 31, 1961
• Content Type: MEMO

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Approved ForRegAtilifefitr-WictgEWAR000300080041-0
tinitec States ir oroe
(Mutt Air Force Base, Nebraska
*USAF Declass/Release Instructions On File*
IWO
Project
USAF (APCIN-132)
Washington 25, D.C.
1. We have thoroughly evaluated the report on Project
submitted by the Itek Corporation. We believe that the report
mot adequately satisfy the work statement of the contract. We
recommend a review by the contracting office before full paymeat
for Item 3 of Appendix I of the contract is authorized.
2. Item 3 of Appendix I to the contract states "Contractor shall
develop, for SAC recennaissance activities, a TeChniquee Application
Program to improve the productivity of the photo analyst." The
Jerk was to be conducted in accordance with the work statement
appended as Attachment 1.
3. It is our opinion that the final and interim reports submitted
by Itek are too general end contain too little specitic guidance
for improvement in techniques, equipmente, or materials. Specifically,
the reports fail to "describe in detail how to make the best ma-
eine match aad how to best utilize existing equipment, mad
produce recommendations for specific new research and development
that will contribute to SAC performance." The reports do not
Include "Detailed Ss that will assist SAC reconnaissance technical
units to implement recommended techniques."
4.. The scope of the contract required investigaticn of and recommenda-
tions on tethaiques and equipment in four areas:
a. Photo Interpretation.
b. Photographic processing and reproduction.
e. Photogrammetry.
d. Computer programs, index filing, and library
functions.
5. Our evaluation of the report In each of the above area.' indicates
the following:
a. Photo Interpretation. Partial satisfaction of the work state-
ment as amamded because of iasurmouatable security restrictions.
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b. Photographic processing and repel:Auction. Completely
inadequate investigation; almost no valid recommendati(ns.
c. Photogrammetry. Partial satisfaction of the work statement.
de Computer programs for library purposes. Work statement will
be satisfied upon receipt of programs now being prepared by Itek.
6. Deficienelme in these areas are detailed in Attachment 2. Reeom-
mend Itek be requested to remove those deficiencies before payment is
effected.
MET1O C
GEORGE 3. KRAUSE
Colonel, VW
Chief, Target Materials Divisio0:
Directorate of Intelligence ---'
2 Math
1. Work8tatent
2. *calm on (2)
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APPENDIX
A. Work Statement - Techniques Application Program
General
It is desired that the Itek Corporation develop, for SAC reconnaissance
technical activities, a techniques application program Whose prime purpose
will be to enable these activities to improve the productivity of the photo
analyst: and the rate and quality of his work, with particular reference to
those photo analysis tasks which related to the specitic objectives of the
Strategic Air Command. The term "photo analysis" is construed to include
photo interpretation, photogrammetry? and other activities concerned in ex-
tracting intelligence information from aerial photographs. The contractor
should examine in detail the mechanical, physical, and psychological factors
which influence the productivity of the SAC operation, and make recommenda-
tions thereon. The program should describe in detail how to make the best
man-machine match and how to best utilize existing equipment, and should
produce recommendations for specific new research and development that will
contribute to SAC performance. Photo analysis is an individual effort re-
quiring complex decisions to be made by the interpreter. At the same time,
there are many facets of the photo analysis operation that can be made more
efficient and accurate through proper equipment design and coordination,
and through the application of proper techniques. This will aid the in-
dividual to make those decisions which he alone can make, both more
rapidly and more accurately. This is the general philosophy that should
guide the development of the program.
General Approach
The program must consider two phases of photo analysis; the first deal-
ing with identification (what is it), and the second with installation loca-
tion (where is it). Not only must identification and location be accomplish-
ed accurately, but there is a constantly increasing pressure to shorten the
real time in which such data is prepared. It is recognized that considerable
overlap between the identification phase and the pbsitional phase must occur.
The program should consider where such overlap is advantageous, and where
the operations should be distinct and separate. Manpower and equipment
availability will obviously affect such decisions.
It is desired that a team of Itek personnel, who will possess appropriate
security clearances, spend a considerable amount of time at the 544th RTGp
and the 8 RTS, specifically to examine the photo analysis techniques, prob-
lems, equipment and its utilizations, and the present operations. The
Impact of new types of reconnaissance photography, Which will include high
volumes and various geometries, camera modes, formats: and scales, should
be examined, It is also desirable that Itek conduct a review of the exist-
ing training programs for Photo Interpreters, and study those pertinent
directives which detail the requirements for photo interpreters at the
various SAC levels. The filing and retrieval problems for both photo and
collateral materials should also be examined as they apply to the photo
analyst.
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Identification Phase
With this as a background, an analysis of the existing methods and
techniques and of prototype and proposed new equipment should be made. The
objective will be to point out the strengths and weaknesses in the present ?
system, and in what direction research and development must go to strengthen
the system. Interfaces between equipments and techniques must be explored
and/or developed. Human engineering staff members should insure that
recommendations are based on sound man-machine matches. Primary consider-
ation should be given to developing techniques which will insure that the
optimum amount of intelligence information is extracted from photography
through the preservation of original detail and the application of support-
ing material from the graphic files or provided by other intelligence col-
lection and exploitation systems.
Location Phase
This phase should deal directly with the improvement of positional in-
formation, which is a vital concern to this command. The program should
first determine the responsibility of all contributing organizations, such
as that of ACIC, to provide geodetic base information and charts, and should
study the accuracy requirements as stated in SAC operational directives.
Present and proposed methods, equipment, mathematical teChniques? and
results should be studied. The means for the best utilization of present
equipment, including computer programming and scheduling, should be ex-
plored. Methods for improving positional accuracy, both by measurement
from original material and by improvement of analytical techniques, should
be specified. Statements concerning realistic accuracies, based on equip-
ment errors and other sources of errors, should be included. Methods of
extension of location information, using either analog or digital computa-
tions, should be explored, and computer programs developed.
Pertinent Activities at Itek Corporation
As the team members define problems during the early months of the study,
it should be possible and desirable to have the Itek Corporation devote some
theoretical and same experimental efforts to these problems at their
Research Laboratories at Itek. It is understood that complete optical,
photographic and mechanical equipment and qualified personnel are avail-
able as required to conduct such studies. In addition, studies which have
been made in these areas previously, and which are available to Itek or
this command, should be considered for their application to the problems
outlined above.
Final Report
The final report should include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) An evaluation of existing techniques and equipment used to
extract intelligence information from aerial photos and
corollary information, and recommendations for improving such
techniques and equipment.
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(2) Recommendations on means of increasing compatibility between
various photographic inputs and special, or general, purpose
equipments.
(3)
Recommendations for new research and development projects
designed to improve SAC's photo analysis capability.
(4) Detailed SOPs that will assist SAC reconnaissance technical
units to implement recommended techniques.
B. 544th RTG - Specific Problem Areas
In addition to the areas outlined in the basic work statement for this
project, the 544th Reconnaissance Technical Group has requested that the
following specific areas be studied by the Itek group: STATINTL
(1) An analysis of computer, mensuration and plotting equipment
available to the 544th RTG Analysis Center and the completed
computer programs presently available to the 544th RTG with
a view to determining and providing any additional programming
required to enable the 544th RTG to exploit both advanced
systems aerial reconnaissance products formats to the plotted
positional stage of exploitation, (Products required: Text-
ual Analysis report and final textual computer programs.)
(2)
(3)
Preparation of a briefing of recommended work flow, handling
and operational procedures to be used by the 544th RTG
Analysis Center and most likely to produce accurate, timely
results in the exploitation of advanced systems aerial re-
connaissance products of both format, by utilization of
presently available or presently funded resources.
(Products required: Textual briefing supported by
finished graphic aids in either 30" x 40" or 35mm
color format).
An analysis of equipment and personnel presently avail-
able to the 544th RL G Analysis Center utilized in the
exploitation of aerial reconnaissance products, presently
handled, and recommendations for more efficient utiliza-
tion of these resources toward fulfillment of the SAC '
directed mission of the Analysis Center, 544th RIG.
(Products required: Textual report and such graphic
aids as are deemed necessary.)
(4) Recommendation for the efficient reduction of special
graphic and textual libraries to Alwac Computer storage
and procurement of the necessary computer programs for
Alwac Computer to enable the rapid retrieval of such data
from the tape storage for use by photo interpreters.
(Products required: Textual report, completed Alwac Computer
programs, recommended EAM formats and alch graphic aids as
are required.
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(5)
An analysis of the aerial triangulation programs of the
Analysis Center, 544th RIG and recommendations as to the
most efficient means to achieve SAC directed goals in this
field. Such an analysis should include a thorough re-
view of available materiel, manpower and environmental
resources as are presently available to the Analysis
Center, 544th RTG and estimates of training required,
available and recommended agencies where formal training
may be and should be proaired by assigned personnel in
each of the particular specialties required and estimates
as to the elapsed time required for attainment of the
total SAC directed goals. (Products required: Textual
report and a finished briefing in either graphic 30" x
40" briefing board or 35 mm color slide format of the
results of the Analysis.)
(6) An analysis of the photographic products in their several
formats, available photo interpretation equipment and skill
levels of assigned photo interpreters with an end to recom-
mending:
(7)
(a) The most efficient photo format to be used in ful-
fillment of the various components of the photo
interpretation functions to the 544th Analysis Center.
(n) The best of the available equipment to be used, with
the recommended photo format, by the interpreters in
the various components of the photo interpretation
mission.
(c) Improved interpreter scanning techniques for
more efficient exploitation of the photo source material.
(d) Improved production methods. (Products required:
Textual report, sample work forms, data description
forms, scanning measuring templates and finished
briefing aids in graphic form.)
An analysis of presently available or funded photographic pro-
cessing, handling and enlargement equipment, expendable ma-
terials, methods, assigned photographic processing personnel
and working environment and recommendations for the production
of higher quality (if possible) or different format photo
product for the photo interpreter. (Products required:
Textual report and samples of recommended products.)
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STATINTL
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EVALUATION QF PROJECT
STATINTL
STATINTL
1. This evaluation is based on a thorough appraisal of the formal and
informal reports submitted by the Itek Corporation under Project
The Scope of the contract, as stated in the First Interim Report,
ca:Mille divided into four major areas. These four areas, listed below,
are used as the organization of this evaluation. The areas are:
a. Photo Interpretation techniques and equipments.
b. Photographic techniques and equipments.
C. Photogrammetric techniques and equipments.
d. Computer programs, index file, library support equipment and
techniques.
2. Photo Interpretation Techniques and Equipments. a. Security
restrictions forced the deletion of certain portions of the work state-
ment dealing with photo interpretation. However/ Itek was asked, and
agreed, to investigate PI activities not subject to these security
precautions (Page 870 88/ Second Interim Report). These activities, to
which Itek had full access, were being conducted in the Target Materials
Center of the 544th Reconnaissance Technical Group and in the 8th
Reconnaissance Technical Squadron.
b. No specific reference to the results of any study of PI tech-
niques and equipments appears in the report. Those portions of the
report which deal with PI activities are slanted toward development of
equipment and techniques that may be required two or more years from
now. Little or no advice is provided on how to do today's PI job better
with equipment now available. This area was completely avoided in
Chapter II of the final report (Pages 3 through 6).
C. The report states a requirement for developing"better communi-
cations between photo personnel and the users of photo products."
(Pages 120 52, Final Report) No recommendations for such development
are provided.
d. The report discusses general parameters of a "general purpose
photo input system" (Pages 112-120, Final Report), the "overall inte-
gration problems" (Pages 124-129, Final Report), and PI viewers (Pages
133-136, Final Report). These discussions have merit and should be
considered in future programming for the development of PI equipments
and procedures. However, they contribute little to improving present
capabilities and output of SAC PI activities. There is no evaluation
of viewing equipment on hand, nor of means for improving the use of
this equipment. On Page 2 of the Final Report the statement is made
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that "more detailed specifications on these equipments (contact
printers, P.I. viewers, comparators, and a resolution test camera)
will be prepared in the near future." We have not received such
specifications.
e. The requirement to evaluate existing techniques and equip-
ment used to extract intelligence information from corollary
information and make recommendations for improving such techniques
and equipment was partially satisfied.
f. Recommendations were made an means of increasing compati-
bility between various photographic inputs and special or general
purpose equipments.
g. Recommendations were made on new R & D projects designed
to improve SAC'S photo analysis capability.
h. No detailed SOPs on photo interpretation were submitted.
i. The requirement for a textual report on an analysis of the
computer-plotter-mensuration system directed toward determination
of additional computer programming required to exploit aerial
reconnaissance photography and plotting was partially satisfied.
There is no discussion in the report of the existing plotting
function. No computer programs for exploiting the electroplotter
were recommended.
3. Photographic Techniques and Equipments. a. The work statement
includes the following (Pages 79 and 84: First Interim Report):
"Primary consideration should be given to developing techniques
which will insure that the optimum amount of intelligence informa-
tion is extracted from photography through the preservation of
original detail and "An analysis of presently available or
funded photographic processing, handling, and enlargement equipment,
expendable materials, methods, assigned photographic processing
personnel and working environment and recommendations for the pro-
duction of higher quality (if possible) or different format photo
product for the photo interpreter. (Products required: Textual
report and samples of recommended products.)"
b. The Itek staff recognized the intent of the work statement
in this area: as evidenced by the following statements from the
First Interim Report:
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(1) (Page 9.) "Our intention with regard to (the Special
Projects Photo Laboratory) is to conduct a number of experiments
to determine the degree and sources of photographic quality degra-
dation encountered in this operation, and the effects of these
degradations on the information derived by the photo interpreter
and photogrammetrist."
(2) (Pages 54, 55.) "Our approach will be to examine the
entire (Photographic) reproduction system for material mismatches;
prepare a form which will provide a complete "biography" of each
material which is currently used and will allow a decision to be made
regarding suitability for the intended application. A, portion of
the information sought is available from the manufacturer's literature;
however, a good deal of it is not, and will be determined in the Itek
Research Laboratories in Boston. The establishment of this kind of
information will then make it possible to predict whether the materi-
al will introduce degradation into the copy, and if so, to recommend
another material."
"Our requirements in this area are to identify the
inputs, outputs, the kind of tasks the Special Projects Laboratory
is called upon to perform, and what kind of schedules it must meet."
(3) (Pages 74, 75.) "During the next month we plan to
accumulate the kind of data that will allow an accurate evaluation of
facilities and equipment, photo materials, work flow and capacity,
and personnel; and we will explore a classical problem area: that of
communication between the photo interpreter and the photo darkroom
technician."
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b. None of the above requirements is completely satisfied in the
Itek report. Following are specific examples of inadequacies:
(1) Resolution tests (App CI Final Report) were made only on
Type G-2 film under one set of processing conditions and were not
made an all on-hand printing equipment.
(2) No comparison is given between resolution obtainable on
other duping or printing materials or under other processing
conditions.
(3) The "biography" of each material (see para 3 b (2),
above) was not included.
(4) The evaluation of facilities, equipment, photo materials,
work flow and capacity, and personnel (Page 74, First Interim Report)
was not presented in recognizable and usable form.
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(5) No guidance was given on the problem of communications
between the photo lab and the photo user (Page 751 First Interim
Report; Pages 12, 52 Final Report).
(6) No report is made on the effects of photo quality
degradation on the information derived by the photo interpreter and
photogrammetrist (Page 9, First Interim Report).
(7) Recommendations for new equipment are limited to brief,
general statements of parameters for continuous roll film printers
(Appendix Al Final Report).
(8) Laboratory tests (to include sensitometric response,
spectral sensitivity, and resolution) on SO 278 duping film (Page
68, Second Interim Report) are not included.
(9) Tests of edge acuity and dimensional changes on multiple
generation prints are not reported (Page 310 Second Interim Report).
(10) Sensitometric control methods required to maintain image
quality through successive generations are mentioned but not dis-
cussed in any detail (Page 3, 5, 13, Final Report).
(11) The sudcessful use of diazo materials for photo dupli-
cation is mentioned in passing (Page 130 Final Report). The subject
is of considerable interest and should be fully developed.
(12) The report recommends the establishment of a special
AFS to identify precision photo lab technicians (Pages 4, 53, Final
Report). We started work on this in September; a formal proposal
has been submitted to D/Personnel. It appears that Itek's comments
are based on our work.
(13) The report outlines a special training course for pre-
cision photo processing technicians (Pages 103-105, Final Report).
Such a course is being given at Lowry AFB; SAC concurren in the
curriculum, which closely parallels the Itek outline, on 1-2 June
1960. Amore advanced course was given to selected SAC people at
Rochester Institute in the summer of 1959. Again, Itek's recommenda-
tions appear to derive from an existing situation.
(14) The report recognizes a need for enlargements for
briefings or other special purposes, but does not offer recommenda-
tions on methods, evipment0 or materials for producing them (Pages
1080 109, Final Report).
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(15) (Page 3: Final Report.) "The glass plates produced as 6P
by standard methods are not suitable for photogrammetric or photo
interpretation activities. Sensitometric Control methods to correct
this situation are recommended." Comment: the last sentence above
apparently should read: "It is recommended that this situation be
corrected by sensitometric control methods," since no recommendations
are included in the report an how to affect this correction.
(16) (Page 4, Final Report) The initiation of design studies
and procurement of high resolution continuous printers for 70mm, 5")
and 9i" films is recommended. Comment: We question limiting this to
continuous printers; step and repeat printers may be superior. Also
optical and 35mm printers should have been considered.
(17) (Page 130 Final Report.) The report states that procedures
for continually checking processing by sensitametric tests are required.
Comment: We have recognized this and have accomplished it at March
and Westover since the Eltrons were installed.
(18) (Page 57, Final Report.) The report states that "better
equipment for both contact printing and enlarging will be dependent
upon military procurement of not only new. equipment, but on the fund-
ing of studies of the parameters which affect printing quality. In
Appendix Al these factors are discussed in detail for continuous roll
film printers." Comment: It was our understanding that this study
was "funded" to determine "parameters which affect printing quality";
this it ftkils to do in any detail. The discussion in Appendix A is
extremely general and quite brief and limited.
(19) (Page 148 et seq., Final Report.) Appendix C describes
the tests of photographic resolution made by the Itek staff. Comment:
The tests are inconclusive and very limited They do not approach
the scope indicated in paragraphs 3a, 3b(1), 3b(2), or 3b(3), above.
Only one emulsion and one developing technique was used; no attempt
was made to evaluate losses in multiple generation printing from
extremely high resolution originals; several printers available to
the 544th Reconnaissance Technical Group were not tested; the conclu-
sions reached were generally well known prior to the tests; the
effects of the degradation in quality on the information content was
touched on lightly and in generalities.
4. Photogrammetric Techniques and Equipments. a. A valuable study
was made on the effect of errors in using non-cartographic photography
for control extension by aerial triangulation.
b. No recommendations are made on the computer-electroplotter
system see para 21, above).
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cs No finished briefing is included on an analytical control
extension program.
d. Recommendations for using various equipments in the Mensura-
tion Branch include the following:
(1) 544th RTG cannot use the Nistri Beta II Stereoplotter
efficiently or economically (Pages 3, 41, 420 Final Report).
(2) The Wild PUG-1 Point Marking Device is evaluated and
recommendations for improvement are included.
e* Recommendations are made on the subject of pass point selec-
tion and mensuration techniques (Pages 38 et seq, First Interim
Report). These are of value in the 544th RTG's aerotriangulation
program.
f. The report states that an extensive testing program: util-
izing the equipment and techniques available to the 544th RTG, is
required in order to determine how each of the factors of aerotri-
angulation affect the end resUlts (Page 41, First Interim Report).
This program was completed, and contributed valuable data to the
aerotriangulation and control extension program.
g. The need for methods and equipments required for handling
"new and entirely different" photography, in a photogrammetric
application is recognized (Pages 67, 680 Second Interim Report;
Page 49, Final Report). Recommendations an this subject, on pages
99 through 103 of the Final Report, are general but provide prelim-
inary guidance for future planning or operations. Proposals for
viewing and mensuration equipment and techniques for handling these
new formats of reconnaissance photography are also given on pages
120 through 122; these too are general and are slanted primarily
toward development of an overall system design by USAF rather than
toward developing the in-house capability of the SAC reconnaissance
technical units.
h. The report contains recommendations on various analytical
methods of tip and tilt determination and control extension. These
recommendations are of value in providingdirection for future work
by the 544 RTG. (Pages 40/ 43-45, 177-185, Final Report; 21-23,
Second Interim Report.)
5. 22_pan.uteziam._J_?_dscfs?i21._Lez2mp2.ibrasuoteuimentar_._d
techniques. Investigations and recommendations in this area are
being pursued in a thorough and practical manner. This portion of
the work statement is not considered to have been satisifed. At
this date, the Itek Corporation's presently working on STATINTL
the system analysis.
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