FM 1-35 Air Corps Field Manual, Aerial Photography

Survival, Water, Medical Field Manuals

Military Manuals

United States. War Department

Document text

MHI 

Copy 3 



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PM 1-35 



WAR DEPARTMENT 



AIR CORPS 
FIELD MANUAL 

* 

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



raagr 

3Y, . 







BY AUTHORITY 









FM 1-35 



AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 

& 

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



Prepared under direction of the 
Chief of the Air Corps 




UNITED STATES 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 
WASHINGTON : 1941 



WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Washington, December 20 , 1940 . 
FM 1-35, Air Corps Field Manual, Aerial Photography, is 
published for the information and guidance of all concerned. 
[A. G. 062.11 (9-30—40) .] 

By order of the Secretary of War: 

G. C. MARSHALL, 

Chief of Staff . 

Official : 

E. S. ADAMS, 

Major General , 

The Adjutant General . 



n 




TABLE OP CONTENTS 



Paragraphs Page 

Chapter 1. Aerial Photographs for Military Pur- 
poses. 

Section I. General 1-2 1 

II. Description of aerial photographs 3-21 1 

Chapter 2. Utilization of Aerial Photographs. 

Section I. General 22-26 16 

II. Utilization by ground forces 27-34 17 

III. Utilization by air forces 35-42 19 

IV. Practical limitations 43-46 21 

V. Directives for photography 47-51 22 

Chapter 3. Operations. 

Section I. Air Corps function relating to aerial 

photography 52-54 25 

II. Requirements of the photographic 

mission 55-69 26 

III. Pilotage 70-82 31 

IV, Cameraman 83-86 37 

V. Filters 87 38 

VI. Color photography 88 38 

VII. Night photography 89-94 39 

Chapter 4. Photographic Laboratory. 

Section I. Classification 95 41 

II. Location 96-98 41 

III. Laboratory procedure 99-103 43 

Appendix I. Glossary of terms 46 

II. List of references 49 

Index 51 



III 




FM 1-35 



AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 
CHAPTER 1 

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS FOR MILITARY PURPOSES 

Paragraphs 



Section I. General 1-2 

II. Description of aerial photographs 3-21 



Section I 
GENERAL 

■ 1. Scope. — This manual sets forth the nature, types, and 
purposes of aerial photography with its application to mili- 
tary requirements. The Air Corps functions with respect to 
aerial photography and the factors affecting the execution 
of these functions are developed. Methods and operative 
technique required in the performance of various types of 
missions are also prescribed. Appendix I lists terms of special 
application to aerial photography. 

■ 2. References. — a. There are many complex items of 
equipment used in photographic processes which will not be 
specifically mentioned in this manual, as they are compre- 
hensively discussed in the number ten series of Technical 
Orders. Pertinent Technical Orders will be consulted when- 
ever details of operation or maintenance of equipment are 
needed. 

b. Other pertinent references regarding tactical employ- 
ment and basic information on photography and the several 
processes pertaining to it are listed in appendix II. 

Section II 

DESCRIPTION OF AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS 

■ 3. General. — An aerial photograph is a perspective pic- 
ture, with either a vertical or an oblique viewpoint, taken 
from an aircraft. Except for color values and a certain 
capacity of the eyes to perceive differences in relief, the black 



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AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



and white aerial photograph conveys the same impression in 
image as received by the human eye from the same viewpoint. 
Since the average person is unaccustomed to the vertical 
viewpoint, the images of familiar objects on photographs may 
at first appear strange and unassociated with the objects 
represented. The difficulties presented in interpretation of 
vertical aerial photographs appear to be no greater than those 
ordinarily encountered in learning to read conventional mili- 
tary maps and are overcome in the same way. 

■ 4. Camera Types. — a. Aerial photographs used for military 
purposes are made with various types of Air Corps cameras. 
In general these types are — 

(1) A fully automatic aircraft camera for photographic 
reconnaissance and photographic mapping. Example: Type 
K-3B. 

(2) An aircraft camera for high altitude, large scale photo- 
graphic reconnaissance. Example : K-7C. 

(3) An aircraft camera, single lens, with between-lens 
shutter to take aerial photographs at night. Example: Type 
K-12, 

(4) An aircraft five-lens camera covering a total included 
angle of 140° for precise photographic mapping. Example: 
T-3A. 

b. For a full description and use of Air Corps cameras see 
* TM 1-220 and Air Corps technical instructions for each type. 

c. The photographs made with Air Corps cameras are classi- 
fied as verticals, obliques, and composites. 

■ 5. Verticals. — a. The term vertical is applied to all those 
photographs obtained by pointing a single-lens camera, at 
instant of exposure, so that the optical axis is as nearly verti- 
cal as possible. This type is the most useful for general mili- 
tary purposes. Figure 1 illustrates a vertical photograph. 
The area shown on this photograph is represented within 
the rectangle in figure 3. The camera film is practically 
horizontal at exposure, hence features on the ground are regis- 
tered on a vertical photograph in vertical aspect with 
negligible distortion in their horizontal dimensions. 



* See appendix II. 



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AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



5 



b. The vertical aerial photograph is a valuable instrument 
for conveying topographic information and has the following 
advantages: 

(1) It possesses in pictorial effect a wealth of detail which 
no map can equal. 

(2) It possesses accuracy of form. 

(3) With freedom of flight, an aerial photograph may be 
prepared in a short time. 

(4) It may be reproduced in quantity by lithography. 




Figure 1. — Vertical photograph of rectangular area shown in 
figure 3. 



(5) It may be made of an area otherwise inaccessible 
because of either physical or military reasons. 

c. The vertical photograph is inferior to a map in respect 
to the following features: 

(1) Important military features which are emphasized on 
a map are sometimes obscured or hidden by the other detail. 

(2) Relative relief is not readily apparent. 

(3) Displacements of position caused by relief and camera 
tilt usually do not permit the accurate determination of either 
distance or direction. 



3 




4 



Figure 2. — Oblique photograph of area shown by trapezoid of figure 3. 





Figure 3. — Rectangular area in foreground indicates coverage of 
vertical photograph of figure 1. Entire trapezoid shows coverage 
of oblique photograph of figure 2. 



76972° — 41 2 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



5-7 



(4) Because of a lack of contrast in tone, it is difficult to 
read in poor light. 

■ 6. Obliques. — a. Oblique aerial photographs are obtained 
by intentionally tilting the optical axis of the camera from 
the vertical. Figure 2 is a reproduction of an oblique photo- 
graph. This oblique photograph covers an area represented 
by the trapezoidal section of the map marked as figure 3. 
The oblique photograph is rectangular in shape, but the area 
of ground photographed is a trapezoid (fig. 4). An oblique 
photograph which includes the horizon is classified as a high 
oblique. One which does not include the horizon is called a 
low oblique . (See fig. 5.) 




Figuke 4. — Scale relation of area covered by oblique photograph to 
photograph itself. 



b . Oblique photographs are useful in emphasizing ground 
forms, in studying vertical dimensions of terrain features or 
works of man, or in interpreting detail not easily distin- 
guished on vertical photographs. They are used primarily 
as a substitute for a vertical photograph. It is frequently 
possible to secure oblique photographs of an area or object 
when, because of weather conditions or enemy activity, ver- 
tical photography is impracticable. Oblique photographs are 
very useful in revealing the details of construction of bridges, 
dams, locks, buildings, and other works of man. They are 
also useful in disclosing to the soldier untrained in map read- 
ing a panoramic view of terrain over which he may be 
expected to operate. 

■ 7. Composites. — a. A composite photograph is one made 
by joining several photographs transformed to a common 



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AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



plane which have been taken at a single camera position. 
Vertical composites are made with the Air Corps T-3A type 
multiple-lens camera. This camera has one central cham- 




ber, the optical axis of which is held in a vertical position 
at exposure, and four peripheral chambers, the lenses of 
which are inclined at an angle of 43° with the central lens. 
The camera has a focal length of 150 millimeters (approxi- 



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AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



7—8 



mately 6 inches). The result of a single exposure with this 
camera is one plain vertical photograph which trims to 5.4 
by 5.4 inches and four obliques (called wing photographs) 
which are transformed to the plane of the center photograph, 
joined to it, and mounted to produce a single photograph in 
the shape of a Maltese cross approximately 32 by 32 inches. 

b. The transformation of the wing photographs to the plane 
of the center photograph is effected by means of a trans- 
forming printer which projects the wing negatives to print 
paper which is inclined at an angle corresponding to the lens 
inclination in the T-3A camera. The lens of a transforming 
printer is calibrated to match those of an individual T-3A 
camera. Calibration requires time, and usually an individual 
camera has only one printer capable of transforming the 
oblique negatives. 

c. Because of the wide angular scope of 140° and the short 
focal length of the T-3A camera, a single photograph from a 
relatively low altitude will cover an area of great width. For 
example, a single exposure at 18,000 feet altitude gives a pic- 
ture of an area approximately 18 by 18 miles in dimension. 
It is this feature which makes this camera particularly 
adaptable to military mapping and to exploiting the detail of 
a large expanse of terrain from a single photograph. 

d. It has also been found possible to make a nine-lens com- 
posite by taking two pictures with T-3A cameras when one 
camera is rotated about its vertical axis to place the fore-and- 
aft axis of the two at 45° to each other, thus using the wing 
photographs of one composite to fill the voids of the other. A 
photograph of a large area can be produced much more 
quickly by this method than by the construction of a mosaic. 

■ 8. Quick Work Aerial Photography. — This type of photog- 
raphy is under development for the adjustment of medium 
and heavy artillery fire. A special type camera producing a 
print approximately 5 by 7 inches is being developed for this 
purpose. 

a. Preliminary photograph . — The use of the camera to ad- 
just artillery fire requires that a recent vertical photograph 
covering the area of the target be available to the battery 
commander or those adjusting fire. 



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AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



b. Procedure. — Aerial artillery adjustment methods are 
prescribed in FM 1-20 and TM 6-210. The cameraman 
processes, in the airplane, a special type of developing-out 
paper used in making the exposure. The equipment used is 
compact and permits the processing and dropping of a print 
at the battery position within a few minutes after exposure. 
The print dropped at the battery is the only copy of that 
photograph made, since the method employed does not pro- 
duce a negative from which additional photographs may be 
made. 

■ 9. Cinematography. — The role to be played by aerial cine- 
matography in military operations cannot be definitely stated. 
Technically the aerial motion-picture camera is capable of 
performing any of the aerial photographic missions listed 
elsewhere in this manual. At present it is employed in con- 
nection with training films, publicity releases, and technical 
studies of equipment undergoing test. 

■ 10. Data Pertaining to Aerial Photographs. — a. The fol- 
lowing information appears on the margin of a photograph: 

(1) Index number. — An index number appears on each 
photograph. This number identifies the picture in the series 
or flight to which it pertains. 

(2) Collimating marks . — A template is accurately mounted 
in each camera in such manner that a sharp line is regis- 
tered on each margin of the negative. This line appears on 
the print as one side of a small triangle and is called a colli - 
mating mark. The intersection of two straight lines con- 
necting opposite collimating marks is termed the principal 
point or intersection of lens axis with the focal plane. The 
principal point is the approximate center of the contact 
print. 

b. In addition to the information contained in a above, 
the negatives must be titled in a manner to make them intel- 
ligible to ground troops. FM 30-21 prescribes the method of 
titling and the information to be included. 

■ 11. Print Paper. — Photographs may be printed on glossy, 
matte, or semimatte paper of single or double weight. Glossy 
paper gives clearest definition of detail, but will receive marks 



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AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



11-12 



or notations only in ink. Light matte paper shrinks badly 
and lacks sharpness of detail, but will receive either pencil 
or ink marks. Double-weight semimatte paper of best quality 
has low shrinkage, will receive pencil marks, may be used un- 
mounted, and has clearer definition of detail than matte 
paper of the same weight. Changes in temperature and 
moisture cause glazed print paper to curl up and become re- 
fractory. In general, all prints intended for extensive use 
should be mounted on manila or similar paper with rubber 
cement. To reduce shrinkage, photographs used on mapping 
projects are mounted on heavy cardboard or on thin metal 
sheets. 

■ 12. Overlays. — a. Not only is it difficult to mark on the 
face of a glossy photograph, but marks on the face of any 
photograph tend to clutter it up, obscure important detail, 
and diminish its usefulness. Yet it is sometimes desirable that 
positions of objects be emphasized or that military informa- 
tion, such as that representing the disposition of troops, or- 
ganization of ground, enemy, or friendly works, supply and 
circulation activities, be recorded by some means without un- 
necessarily damaging the print. This difficulty is overcome 
by means of overlays of high-transparency paper. A light, 
tough, almost colorless tracing vellum is most suitable for this 
work, yet any kind of transparent tracing paper which will 
take pencil and ink marks will answer the purpose. 

b. The overlay should be cut to fit the photograph and then 
carefully registered to the photograph by tracing by means of 
collimating marks. The serial number of the photograph 
should always be traced in. Significant marginal informa- 
tion on the photograph should also appear on the margin of 
the overlay. The overlay should be fastened temporarily to 
the photograph along one edge to permit the overlay to be 
lifted for direct examination of detail without disturbing the 
relation of overlay to photograph. (All photographs destined 
for extensive use should first be mounted with rubber cement 
on sheets of stiff manila or similar paper cut slightly larger 
than the photograph and the overlay tacked to the mount.) 

c. Figure 6 represents a mounted photograph equipped as 
explained with an overlay to receive data. 



10 




13 AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 

■ 13. Stereoscopy. — An individual aerial photograph gives 
only two dimensions, length and breadth. However, when two 
photographs made of the same area at the same scale from 




different points in space are viewed with an instrument that 
permits each eye to see only one photograph, a fused image 
having length, breadth, and depth (height) is registered in 
the brain. Sixty percent overlap results in images separated 



11 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



13-15 



the same distance as the average human eye (64 -mm) and 
gives a normal stereoscopic effect. (See figs. 7 and 8.) 

■ 14. Stereoscope. — A stereoscope is an instrument used to 
obtain stereoscopic effect while viewing photographs. 




Figure 7.— Diagram of stereoscopic pair of aerial photographs. 



0 15. Pin Points. — a. Two or more stereoscopic vertical aerial 
photographs of an isolated object or spot are called a pin 
point. 

b. Airdromes, supply depots, dumps, road crossings, bridges, 
defiles, or other bottlenecks on lines of communication re- 
quiring detailed study are suitable objects for pin-point pho- 
tography. They are used with objective folders to show the 



12 




15-16 



AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



location and construction of targets for air attack whenever 
possible. (See FM 1-10 and FM 1-40.) 

■ 16. Stereoscopic Examination of Pin Points. — When a 
detailed study of an object of limited area is to be undertaken, 



EYES OF OBSERVER 





Figure 8. — Diagram showing stereoscopic perception. 



steroscopic pairs are habitually required. Any two overlap- 
ping photographs in a reconnaissance strip constitute a pin 
point. 



276972° — 41 3 



13 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



17-19 



■ 17. Reconnaissance Strips. — a. A reconnaissance strip is 
a series of overlapping vertical photographs made from an 
airplane flying a selected course. Vertical photographs are 
usually taken in such strips with a constant overlapping of 
60 percent between the successive exposures forming the strip. 

b. Such a strip is used to secure information regarding 
the condition of or activity along a more or less extended but 
narrow section of terrain, such as a road, railroad, stream, 
avenue of approach, or stabilized front line. Photographs 
from reconnaissance strips are usually studied without making 
a permanent assembly. They are arranged in their relative 
order and selected pairs are studied by means of the stereo- 
scope. 

B 18. Oblique Strips. — Oblique photographs may be made in 
similar fashion with a consistent overlapping of approxi- 
mately 60 percent between successive pictures. When oblique 
mounts are installed in reconnaissance type airplanes it is 
practicable to secure both vertical and oblique reconnaissance 
strips on the same flight, 

■ 19. Mosaics. — a. A mosaic is a picture that is formed by 
joining several overlapping vertical photographs taken at 
different camera positions. The term is generally applied to 
an assembly of two or more overlapping reconnaissance strips. 
When the several photographs are oriented by matching the 
detail along their borders, the result is an uncontrolled mosaic. 
This provides a good pictorial representation of the ground 
but will have errors in scale and azimuth. Several methods 
of rapidly assembling uncontrolled mosaics are listed in par- 
agraph 103. When the several photographs are brought to 
a uniform scale, oriented with respect to one another and 
fitted to points of ground control, the result is a controlled 
mosaic. The relative accuracy of a controlled mosaic when 
used as a map is in proportion to the quality of the photo- 
graphs and to the degree of care used in its preparation. 

b. The term “mosaic” is reserved for the assembly of photo- 
graphs covering the area. When photographs covering an 
area are not assembled but are used for intelligence purposes 
it is customary to refer to them as reconnaissance strips. 
Photographs made primarily for assembly into a mosaic may 



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AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



be exploited and interpreted by simple visual study or by 
stereoscopic study. 

c. Mosaics which carry such marginal information as is 
applicable, a military grid, and a limited amount of descrip- 
tive matter are termed “photomaps.” They may be repro- 
duced readily in quantity by lithography. 

d. Uncontrolled mosaics may be used as situation or opera- 
tions maps when time does not permit the construction of 
more satisfactory maps. 

■ 20. Strip Mosaics. — a. When the several photographs of a 
single strip are joined together or mounted to form a mosaic 
the result is a strip mosaic. 

b. Strip mosaics may be used as a map substitute for air 
units penetrating hostile territory which is inadequately 
mapped. 

■ 21, Type Photography To Be Used. — The decision as to 
whether to secure pin points, reconnaissance strips, multiple- 
lens composites, or mosaics depends on the area to be photo- 
graphed and the scale desired. The scale chosen will depend 
upon the desired size of the image to be studied. Pin points 
are used whenever scale and area to be covered permit be- 
cause of the great savings in laboratory processing. When 
the area is so extensive that it cannot be adequately covered 
with one or two pin points, then composites, reconnaissance 
strips, or mosaics are used. 



15 




CHAPTER 

UTILIZATION OP AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS 

Paragraphs 



Section I. General 22-26 

II. Utilization by ground forces^ 27-34 

III. Utilization by air forces 85-42 

IV. Practical limitations 43-46 

V. Directives for photography 47-51 



Section I 
GENERAL 

■ 22. Classification. — a. Military aerial photography is di- 
vided by its tactical employment and equipment into two 
general classes: 

(1) Aerial photography for mapping (photographic map- 
ping) . 

(2) Aerial photography for military information (photo- 
graphic reconnaissance) . 

b. While these classifications apply generally to all opera- 
tions, there, are times when photographs made for mapping 
are used for intelligence purposes, and conversely when recon- 
naissance photographs are used for mapping purposes. 

H 23. Mapping Photography. — a. Aerial mapping photography 
is a relatively inexpensive means of securing accurate data 
for the construction of military maps. This may be accom- 
plished by means of a series of overlapping single or multiple- 
lens photographs. Regardless of which type camera is used 
for mapping, the flight procedure is the same, that is, the 
systematic flying of parallel courses at such intervals as will 
insure adequate coverage of the area. It is desirable that 
mapping photography be accomplished from as high an alti- 
tude as weather conditions and operating equipment permit. 

b. The negatives and two prints from each are delivered to 
the topographic engineers for map construction or correction 
purposes. 



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24-27 AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 

■ 24. Photomaps (AR 300-15, FM 30-20, and *TM 1-220) . — 
a. The usual form of photomap is the lithographic reproduc- 
tion of a mosaic of many overlapping vertical photographs 
carefully assembled to some form of ground control. How- 
ever, a photomap may be made from any vertical or composite 
photograph. 

b. For marginal data to be shown on all photomaps see 
AR 300-15. 

■ 25. Weather Required. — Excellent weather is required for 
obtaining best results in mapping photography. It is, there- 
fore, requisite that the need for mapping photography be 
anticipated in order that advantage may be taken of accurate 
favorable weather conditions. 

■ 26. Reconnaissance Photography. — a. Aerial photography 
is one of the principal means for securing information of 
hostile activity in rear areas. The camera is a valuable acces- 
sory for every aerial observer and is carried habitually on all 
reconnaissance missions whenever the type of aircraft per- 
mits. The photographs used by intelligence sections may be 
made by any of the standard cameras, but the multiple-lens 
camera is not generally used because of the length of time 
required in processing. 

b. The vertical is frequently the most satisfactory type of 
photograph for reconnaissance purposes. When weather or 
other conditions prevent the taking of verticals, oblique photo- 
graphs can often be substituted. Obliques will frequently 
prove of greater value than verticals, particularly in locating 
objects under cover of woods, facilitating a correct under- 
standing of relief, and revealing breaks and gaps not visible 
on vertical photographs. Oblique photographs when studied 
with verticals of the same area are more readily exploited. 

Section II 

UTILIZATION BY GROUND FORCES 

■ 27. General. — Aerial photographs are of value to all com- 
mand echelons of ground forces. Some specific applications 
are given in the following paragraphs. 

*See appendix II. 

17 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



28-31 



■ 28. Theater of Operations. — Prior to the movement of a 
ground force into a theater of operations, the entire area 
may be mapped by aerial photography if existing maps are 
inadequate. Even though adequately mapped, this area 
should be rephotographed, if the situation permits, to obtain 
the latest information of natural cover and lines of communi- 
cation, Obliques should be made of all critical points in the 
lines of communication, such as bridges, railway junctions, 
highway centers, and passes. 

■ 29. Landing Operations. — Whenever a landing is contem- 
plated on a hostile shore, photographs of all proposed beach 
heads must be secured to permit intelligent planning. One 
or more reconnaissance strips are desirable for this type of 
operation; however, oblique strips may be substituted therefor. 

■ 30. River Crossing. — Just prior to initiation of an antici- 
pated river crossing, one or more reconnaissance strips should 
be made of the stream. Both banks of the stream should be 
covered to a depth of at least 500 yards. Unless the water 
is very muddy, sand bars and underwater obstructions will 
probably be indicated. Bridges, ferry slips, and rough water 
will be readily apparent. The nature of the banks and stage 
of the river will be indicated. Fordable portions of the 
stream may frequently be indicated from a careful study of 
the aerial reconnaissance photographs. 

■ 31. Forces in Contact, — a. Supported ground forces will 
desire aerial photographs of installations and activities when- 
ever ground forces are in contact. When weather conditions 
or enemy interference does not permit obtaining verticals, 
oblique photographs are secured. 

b. Large scale stereoscopic pin points are made for a study 
of suspected locations of artillery, reserves, command posts, 
and other enemy installations. 

c. Visualization of the terrain over which troops are to ad- 
vance is best facilitated by the use of high oblique photo- 
graphs. High obliques are also useful to artillerymen and 
to balloon observers, 

d . Details of construction of bridges which will become 
targets for artillery fire are best revealed in low obliques. 



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AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



e. Details of organized positions are best revealed by co- 
ordinate study of vertical and oblique photographs of the 
position. 

/. The location of front lines may be determined by either 
vertical or oblique photographs if natural cover is not too 
heavy. Panels are generally visible in vertical photographs 
made from altitudes up to approximately 5,000 feet. 

■ 32. Roads. — a. Visual reconnaissance is the most rapid 
means of examining roads. When large columns of vehicles 
or troops are observed, either oblique or vertical photographs 
provide the simplest means for accurately recording the com- 
position and strength of the columns. 

b. Night photographs are of great value in securing in- 
formation of the presence and nature of traffic on roads at 
night. 

H 33. Fortifications. — Fortifications should be studied by 
means of aerial photographs. It is generally preferable to 
use a reconnaissance strip or strips to cover the zone of 
fortification. 

■ 34. Changes. — Photographs of effect of fire, of construction 
or organized positions, and of establishment of supply dumps 
and artillery positions are compared with the previous aerial 
photographs to determine the changes that have occurred. 
The successive photographs should present the same aspect of 
the area involved. 



Section III 

UTILIZATION BY AIR FORCES 

■ 35. General. — Aerial photographs may be used by air forces 
in many different ways to assist the commander in the 
preparation for and execution of various missions. Some of 
these methods are listed in the following paragraphs. 

■ 36. Visual Reconnaissance. — Aerial photographs will be 
used frequently during the conduct of visual reconnaissance 
missions for the purpose of recording observations; for ex- 
ample, the number and type of vessels or vehicles in a convoy, 
the number and type of aircraft in a formation, and descrip- 



19 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



36-42 



tion of hostile airdromes, including the presence or absence 
of aircraft thereon. In many of the illustrations used above 
the information will be of such character that it must be im- 
mediately reported by some means of signal communication to 
the interested commander. The purpose of securing photo- 
graphs under these conditions is to verify and amplify the 
information reported. 

■ 37. Striking Force Objectives. — Aerial photographs are 
used to locate and develop objectives and will invariably be 
included in the objective folder. Aerial photographs will 
frequently record the effects of air attacks. 

■ 38. Other Installations. — Airdromes, supply establish- 
ments, industrial areas, and similar objectives should be 
photographed so as to permit stereoscopic study. In photo- 
graphing airdromes some of the surrounding terrain should 
be included for study of the presence and dispersion of air- 
craft and facilities. 

■ 39. Antiaircraft Defenses. — Aerial photographs are used 
for the location of and detection of the nature of antiaircraft 
defenses. 

■ 40. Aid to Navigation. — Aerial photographs are used to ac- 
quaint flight personnel with the appearance and nature of 
the terrain along the route to or from objectives. This may 
be accomplished by means of a photographic reconnaissance 
strip without forewarning hostile forces. Aerial photographs 
of the area, about and including an objective are of particular 
value to reconnaissance personnel who are charged with 
illumination of targets for night attack. 

■ 41. Selection of Airdromes. — Aerial photography can be 
used to assist in determining suitable location of airdromes and 
supply installations in a new theater of operations. 

■ 42. Concealment and Camouflage. — Aerial photographs are 
furnished camouflage officers for determining the adequacy of 
concealment of troops and installations. The adequacy of 
camouflage of airdromes, landing fields, aircraft, supply in- 
stallations, antiaircraft defenses, and other friendly activities 
will be verified frequently by means of aerial photography. 



20 




43-45 



AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



Section IV 

PRACTICAL LIMITATIONS 

■ 43. Factors. — a. The uses to which aerial photographs may 
be put depend to some extent upon the technical quality of 
the photograph. 

b. This quality in turn is dependent upon the following: 

(1) Characteristics of the equipment. 

(2) Ability of the cameraman. 

(3) Ability of the pilot. 

(4) Ability of the laboratory personnel. 

(5) Light conditions. 

(6) Weather. 

c. The effect of the first four limiting factors can be greatly 
reduced by correct indoctrination in employment and by 
thorough training of personnel. The effect of the fifth limi- 
tation, light conditions, may be reduced to some extent by in- 
struction. For instance, proper instruction will prohibit the 
ordering of early morning or late afternoon mapping mis- 
sions unless required by the tactical situation. 

■ 44. Weather. — a. Weather is the dominant factor limiting 
the quality of aerial photographs. Aerial photography of 
objectives covered by fog or clouds is impractical. In general, 
clouds reduce in some degree the quality that would otherwise 
prevail. Similarly, any obstruction to vision, such as dust, 
smoke, haze, or precipitation, reduces photographic quality. 

b . Filters may be used to overcome some of the handicaps 
of dust, smoke, and haze. 

■ 45. Trained Personnel. — a. An aerial photographer is 
trained to select and manipulate the available equipment in 
order to produce photographs of high quality despite adverse 
visibility conditions. However, an aerial photographer should 
be consulted when preparing requirements for a mission to 
avoid unnecessarily rigid specifications.' The photographic 
crew should thoroughly understand the need and the basic 
requirements of the aerial photographs desired. At least one 
member of each crew performing photographic missions at 
a distance from the base should be a thoroughly trained 
aerial photographer. 



276972°— 41 4 



21 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



45-48 



b. Success or failure of any photographic mission hinges 
upon the efficiency of personnel performing any one of nine 
separate operations. 

■ 46. Time Factor. — The processes of photography all require 
time for their accomplishment. Time is required for each of 
the several steps of processing negatives and prints as well 
as for the mechanics of preparing for, performance of, and 
return from the aerial mission. The supported unit which 
uses the photographs, the airdrome, and the photographic 
laboratory may be separated by such distances as will in- 
volve a loss of time. This time factor must be considered by 
all who request aerial photographs. The time factor is con- 
tingent on many variables and can be definitely determined 
only by units concerned. 



Section V 

DIRECTIVES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY 

B 47. What and When to Photograph. — a. The supported 
unit will decide, as a general rule, what will be photographed 
and when the photography will be accomplished. 

(1) The “what” as used above refers to an area or an 
objective or a class of objects. 

(2) The “when” is used to indicate either exact or approxi- 
mate time, as a mapping mission may be scheduled for as 
soon as weather permits, a photographic reconnaissance for 
early morning, late afternoon, or at 10:00 p. m. 

b. This does not prohibit employment of the camera on 
visual reconnaissance missions to record information when- 
ever the nature of the mission, time, weather, and equipment 
permit. 

■ 48. How to Photograph. — The Air Corps unit responsible 
for photographic reconnaissance or mapping missions will 
decide upon the methods best calculated to insure satisfactory 
completion of the mission. Consideration is given to the re- 
quirements of the supported unit, limitations of equipment, 
hostile activities, and weather conditions. 



22 




49 



AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



■ 49. Requests for Aerial Photography. — a . Requests by 
the supported unit for the accomplishment of aerial photog- 
raphy are forwarded through command channels. 

b. Requests for mapping photography will specify the area 
to be covered, scale, type of camera to be used, limitations 
on shadows, overlap in direction of flight and between flights, 
and type of paper required for prints. The prescribed alti- 
tude should be held as closely as possible. Frequently alti- 
tude variations as little as 100 feet will render the photographs 
unusable. 

c. Requests for intelligence or reconnaissance photography 
will be made in accordance with the provisions of FM 30-21. 
The requests may be oral or in writing, and when possible 
should specify the following: 

(1) Map areas to be photographed. When possible this 
area should be accurately delimited on a map, photograph, 
or overlay. The tendency to include a larger area than that 
needed imposes an unnecessary burden upon both flying and 
laboratory personnel, and utilizes valuable and limited facili- 
ties to no advantage. 

(2) Type of photograph — oblique or vertical. 

(a) High or low oblique and elevation and direction at 
which it is to be taken. 

( b ) Scale of vertical desired (small, medium, or large) . 
The scale may be varied if weather conditions, enemy activity, 
or other causes render impossible the securing of the scale 
specified. 

(3) Purpose for which desired. This means the exact and 
not the general purpose and must be supplied in order that 
the crew performing the mission may understand the require- 
ments, and thus be able to decide upon alternatives applicable 
under adverse conditions. For example, request will state, 
“To locate machine gun emplacements in the vicinity of X” 
“To study the organization of the ground,” “To select an air- 
drome,” “To verify concealment of troops,” etc., rather than 
“Photographic reconnaissance.” 

(4) Time photographs would be taken. 

(5) Number of copies desired and time and place of delivery. 

(6) Unless otherwise stated, reconnaissance photography is 
accomplished by producing single-lens vertical photographs 



23 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



49-5 1 



with a 60 percent overlap between successive exposures in 
a strip, and 40 percent overlap between adjacent strips in the 
event that two or more strips are required. If the scale of 
the photograph desired is not specified, photographs will be 
secured at a scale of 1:5,000, provided conditions of weather 
and enemy activity permit. 

■ 50. Dual Purpose. — Mapping photography is performed at 
high altitude with a wide coverage camera to permit photo- 
graphing of extensive areas in a minimum length of time and 
with the least number of pictures at a scale consistent with 
the proper delineation of the terrain. Mapping photography 
should not be confused with intelligence purposes because of 
small scale and lack of detail. However, mapping photog- 
raphy, even though on small scale and especially when taken 
over enemy terrain, may contain important information, and 
prints of all mapping photography should be made available 
to military intelligence officers for study. On the other hand, 
photographs taken for intelligence purposes may be useful in 
mapping, primarily in revision, and their use may obviate 
the necessity for sending special photographic missions over 
enemy territory. 

■ 51. Coordination With Engineers.— The relationship of 
the Air Corps to the Corps of Engineers with regard to aerial 
photography is set forth in AR 300-15 and FM 30-20. These 
regulations provide that the Air Corps will perform the pho- 
tography required by the Corps of Engineers in accordance 
with specifications prepared by the engineers, and that the 
negatives and necessary prints will be delivered for use in 
preparing maps. Photography for use in photogrammetric 
mapping is prescribed in paragraph 50. In addition to this 
photography, corps topographic companies will need wide 
coverage, small-scale photographs for use in preparing map 
substitutes. This photography is similar in nature to intelli- 
gence photography. The commanding officer of an organiza- 
tion to which Air Corps units are assigned or attached will, 
through the assistant chief of staff, G-2, coordinate requests 
for aerial photographs emanating from ground troops, includ- 
ing topographic engineers, and will coordinate photographic 
missions of his own and subordinate units. 



24 




CHAPTER 3 
OPERATIONS 

Paragraphs 

Section I. Air Corps function relating to aerial photography. 52-54 



II. Requirements of photographic mission 55-69 

III. Pilotage 70—82 

IV. Cameraman 83-86 

V. Filters 87 

VI. Color photography : 88 

VII. Night photography 89-94 



Section I 

AIR CORPS FUNCTION RELATING TO AERIAL 
PHOTOGRAPHY 

■ 52. General. — a . It is a function of the Air Corps to per- 
form all types of tactical aerial photography and to deliver 
as soon after the exposure as possible a limited quantity of 
the resulting prints or the negative itself to the supported 
units. 

b. All training must emphasize the necessity for speed dur- 
ing the several steps in processing while maintaining a high 
technical quality of the finished product. A photographic 
mission is not completed until the photographs are actually 
in the hands of the user. Aerial photographs secured at 
great hazard to personnel and equipment may be rendered 
valueless if not rapidly processed and delivered. The neces- 
sity of reducing to the minimum the elapsed time between 
the exposure of the negative and the delivery of the print 
must be appreciated. 

■ 53. Classes of Aviation Performing Photography. — The 
camera is the principal auxiliary of visual aerial reconnais- 
sance; therefore all aviation performing reconnaissance will 
be equipped with aerial cameras when aircraft design permits. 
However, the bulk of aerial photography will be performed by 
that class of aviation primarily organized and equipped to 
perform reconnaissance. 

■ 54. Laboratory Restrictions. — Mapping photography is 
normally of the multiple-lens type and must be processed 



25 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



54-59 



under conditions approaching those of a permanent peace- 
time establishment. The equipment and methods employed 
in laboratory processing differ materially from those used 
by units performing reconnaissance or intelligence photog- 
raphy, which utilize the small mobile trailer laboratory. 

Section II 

REQUIREMENTS OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MISSION 

■ 55. Orders. — Each order directing a photographic mission 
will include applicable parts of the information specified in 
paragraph 49. The means and methods of delivery of photo- 
graphs will be specified in the appropriate operations, field, 
or administrative order. 

■ 56. Records. — An accurate record must be maintained by 
either the pilot or cameraman, or in part by each, in order 
that the information required by FM 30-21 may be placed 
upon the negatives. Also, record must be kept of the order in 
which the area is covered. When aircraft space permits, it 
is desirable that other members of the crew keep records of 
the data that must otherwise be maintained by the camera- 
man. 

■ 57. Overlap. — a. Unless otherwise stated, all vertical aerial 
overlapping photographs will be made with 60 -percent over- 
lap in direction of flight. This amount of overlap insures 
coverage if for any reason one exposure cannot be used and 
also gives a normal relief when successive photographs of a 
strip are viewed through a stereoscope. 

b. Adjacent strips will normally overlap 40 percent when 
made for mapping and usually for reconnaissance photog- 
raphy. This depends, however, upon the situation, as a 
photographic reconnaissance of a river might be performed 
well by flying a strip centered over each bank with overlap 
varying from 50 to 10 percent as the river changed its width. 

■ 58. Tilt. — Mapping photographs will be made with the 
axis of the camera lens within 1 l /z ° of the vertical. 

■ 59. Navigation. — Accurate navigational equipment and 
methods are required for the satisfactory accomplishment of 



26 




59-61 



AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



vertical photographic missions, and special instruments may 
frequently be needed when flying on mapping photographic 
missions. 

■ 60. Maps. — a. When maps are available, the trace of flight 
lines will be computed and transcribed if the mission involves 
vertical photography. Methods of determining spacing of the 
flight line are outlined in *TM 1-220. When the mission is 
to be performed at some distance from the airdrome and 
weather conditions and enemy activity cannot be acccurately 
determined, it is more desirable to carry templates showing 
the spacing of flight lines at each of several altitudes. The 
template for the altitude finally selected can then be super- 
imposed upon the map and the trace of the flight line upon 
the ground determined. 

b. When maps or map substitutes are not available, one 
or more of several methods may be applied to locate flight 
lines. 

(1) Navigational methods that are used for dead reckoning 
courses are applicable to the photographic mapping of an 
area. A drift sight is required for satisfactory accomplish- 
ment. 

(2) Having determined the course for the first flight line, 
it is practicable to use an alidade and sketch board to assist 
in determination of the adjacent flight line. Some member 
of the crew adjusts the sketch board to give a line of sight 
that intersects the ground at the trace of the next flight line, 
and using the alidade sketches its relationship to peculiarities 
of terrain, such as lakes, bends in streams, clearings, and 
roads. 

(3) A formation of photographic airplanes may take up 
the correct interval while over familiar terrain and continue 
on the same heading over the area to be mapped. 

■ 61. Weather. — a. Eliminating for the moment the effect of 
enemy activity, weather is the dominant limiting factor of 
aerial photography. In dispatching photographic missions, 
consideration must be given to the weather conditions fore- 
cast for the area to be photograhed. Existing weather condi - 



*See appendix II. 



2 ' 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



61-63 



tions will be considered when known. Present systems of 
indicating weather conditions are not sufficiently specific for 
efficient photographic operations. To illustrate, a correctly 
reported unlimited ceiling with high overcast may mean 
clouds at or below the level at which it is necessary to operate. 
Scattered clouds may or may not interfere with mapping 
photography. Ground cover — snow — is rarely indicated. 
The above illustrated conditions adversely affect photographic 
mapping to a greater extent than they do photographic 
reconnaissance. 

b. It is possible to make aerial photographs of some mili- 
tary value whenever it is practical to fly contact without sole 
reliance upon instruments. 

■ 62. Secondary Objectives. — When a large area or widely 
separated areas are to be photographically mapped, each 
crew ordered on photographic missions will be equipped with 
maps and necessary data for more than one mission or area. 
Experience has shown that when objectives are separated by 
as little as 50 miles there are many occasions when one may 
be photographed while the other is obscured by clouds. The 
same consideration applies to photographic reconnaissance, 
particularly of air attack objectives. 

■ 63, Security. — a. Aerial photographic mapping normally 
will be performed under excellent weather conditions, and 
the performance of the mission may become difficult if oper- 
ating over defended areas. Flight just below the service ceil- 
ing of the photographic aircraft will permit the maximum 
coverage with each exposure. This increases the flight line 
interval to several miles and when combined with long flight 
lines will be less noticeable to ground observers. 

b . Aerial photographic reconnaissance frequently requires 
that photographs be made of defended areas. In planning 
this type of mission special consideration must be given to 
security. The actions taken to insure the return of the air- 
craft with the information desired will, of course, depend upon 
the situation and cannot be covered in detail. 

(1) Aircraft operated singly are neither as noticeable nor 
as profitable a target as formations of aircraft. 



28 




63-65 



AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



(2) (a) A wide range of altitudes is offered to a photo- 
graphic crew by judicious selection of the camera or cameras 
having the focal length to give the required scale. 

(b) Every effort consistent with the security of the mission 
should be used to secure the scale requested. By the use of 
the 6-inch, 8 *4 -inch, 12-inch, or 24-inch focal length cameras 
this scale should be secured without operating in the area 
of most effective ground defensive fire. 

(3) Broken cumulo -stratus clouds may act as a barrier to 
successful vertical photography, but may be used as a shield 
for oblique photography if the photographic airplane drops 
just below the clouds in order to make the exposure and re- 
tires into or above them between exposures. 

(4) Satisfactory oblique photographs may be made from 
aircraft flying just above the ground, provided that the 
cameraman is alert and familiar with the objective to be 
photographed. 

(5) Photographic airplanes will operate generally as high 
as cloud conditions and the nature of the missions permit, 
and will use the longer focal length cameras in order to 
secure an image of adequate size. 

(6) Photographs may be made from one or more airplanes 
flying in formation for purposes of security against fighter 
aircraft. 

■ 64. Vertical Versus Oblique Photography. — Verticals are 
frequently superior to oblique photographs, especially when 
the details contained thereon are to be transferred to a map, 
because the scale is approximately uniform on any individual 
photograph and data are more accurately transferred to a 
map. Whenever weather conditions or enemy activity makes 
vertical photography impracticable, an oblique, either high 
or low, will be made of the area desired. This, however, 
means that the aircraft will be operated at a lower altitude, 
and invariably the enemy will be aware of photographic 
activity. 

■ 65. Oblique Photography. — For intelligence purposes ob- 
liques are frequently superior to verticals, especially for 
wooded or covered areas. In situations where it is believed 
that the enemy has made extensive use of camouflage, oblique 



29 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



65-68 



photographs, when compared with vertical photographs and 
other obliques of the same area, will be of great assistance in 
detecting installations and fortifications. 

■ 66. Quantity. — The quantity of aerial photographs re- 
quired for intelligence purposes will be as prescribed in FM 
30-21. In specifying the number to be printed, the limited 
capacity of the mobile laboratory will be borne in mind. 
Upon the successful completion of a photographic mission, 
the photographic negatives are developed immediately and 
two prints of each negative, except those made exclusively for 
mapping purposes, are made and sent to the squadron intelli- 
gence officer. The squadron intelligence officer, assisted by 
the observer who made the flight, and the intelligence liaison 
officer from the corps or army, if present, study these prints 
for information of immediate importance, which is trans- 
mitted to the headquarters of the unit concerned by the most 
rapid means of communication available. These prints then 
become a part of the observer’s report, and the total number 
of additional prints prescribed will be printed by the squadron. 

■ 67. Distribution of Aerial Photographs. — a. When the 
photographs are received in the intelligence section of the 
supported unit they are evaluated and interpreted in the same 
manner as other information. But few additional prints will 
be needed for strictly intelligence purposes. When a large 
number of prints are required by lower echelons of command 
for use as maps, to visualize enemy terrain, formations, or 
fortifications, the engineer reproduction unit will be required 
to furnish the specified number of copies either lithographi- 
cally or by the rapid multiple-contact printer. 

b. The additional photographic prints required for objec- 
tive folders or to orient flying personnel operating over 
unfamiliar terrain will be provided by the photographic 
laboratory. 

■ 68. Aerial Photographic Equipment. — a. The camera 
equipment is a part of the airplane and will be available at 
all times for use in the airplane unless undergoing inspection 
or repair. This inspection and repair will take place in the 
vicinity of the airdrome, not necessarily at the photographic 



30 




68-71 



AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



laboratory. Present equipment in the way of magazine or film 
holders permits the transfer of film, whether exposed or un- 
exposed, from the laboratory to the airplane, or vice versa, 
without requiring special means of transportation. Any type 
of vehicle is sufficient to transport a magazine or film holder 
from the airplane to the laboratory. 

b. When the photographic laboratory is not conveniently 
located with reference to the airdrome, it is practical to drop 
the film magazine by parachute to the laboratory. The 
cameraman’s record of objectives and exposures will be 
included with the magazine. 

■ 69. Supply and Transportation. — It is the responsibility 
of the commanding officer of the flight unit operating aerial 
cameras that sufficient quantities of sensitized film are imme- 
diately available with which to perform all those missions 
which may be scheduled within a 24-hour period. He is also 
responsible for having sufficient quantities of photographic 
flashlight bombs available for a like period. Transportation 
must be available to meet landing photographic aircraft and 
to transfer exposed film to the photographic laboratory for 
processing in case magazines are not dropped at the 
laboratory. 

Section III 

PILOTAGE 

■ 70. Responsibility. — a. The commanding officer of the Air 
Corps unit performing aerial photography is charged with the 
responsibility of training his combat crews to perform all 
types of photographic missions which are normally performed 
with the camera equipment allotted. 

b. Aerial photography requires a high degree of coordina- 
tion between the pilot and the rest of the crew. The pilotage 
required on any photographic mission is of a precise nature, 
and especially qualified personnel should be selected whenever 
practicable. 

■ 71. Pilot Knowledge of Camera. — It is desirable that each 
pilot expected to perform a photographic mission have some 
training as a camera operator, in order that he may better 
realize the field of coverage of the various types of cameras, 



31 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



71-73 



the difficulties of securing vertical photographs, and appre- 
ciate the need for precision pilotage. Efficiency in flying 
photographic missions comes only with experience. Each 
pilot performing this type of mission should be required to 
check the results of the mission — that is, actually study the 
photographs with the cameraman who made the exposures. 

B 72. Requirements for Mapping Photography. — Satisfac- 
tory results from operation of the mapping camera require 
that the airplane be flown precisely in azimuth and altitude 
along a projected flight line. Level altitude of the airplane 
at all times permits the cameraman to secure vertical photo- 
graphs with the minimum difficulty. It is not practicable to 
perform satisfactory mapping photography under conditions 
of rough air or from an airplane lacking stability. A high 
degree of coordination is required between the cameraman 
and the pilot in order to insure exposures at the proper 
instants. 

B 73. Level Flight. — a. Maintaining the airplane level later- 
ally and simultaneously adhering to the required altitude is a 
difficult task even under favorable conditions. This becomes 
further complicated when it is necessary to follow a precise 
path over the ground. It has been found that level flight 
may be maintained best by using the visible horizon as a 
reference. Before attempting to follow a given flight line, the 
pilot must be thoroughly familiar with its trace on the 
ground and be oriented with relation to it. It should be un- 
necessary to refer to a map while following the flight line. 
Before starting down the flight line the airplane should be 
trimmed to fly level. The altitude can be maintained only by 
frequently observing the altimeter reading. 

b. Under visibility conditions of approximately 25 miles or 
less, maintenance of the flight path by means of instruments 
and ground reference is more practical. The visibility dis- 
tance required will vary with airplane speed and individuals. 
However, this will not result in as level an airplane as when 
the clearly visible horizon is available for reference. 

c. Whenever the airplane gets out of proper alinement, 
corrections should be effected immediately but gradually. 
Whether this correction be one of tilting the airplane about 



32 




73—77 



AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



any of its axes or of changing altitude, return to the normal 
flight path should be gradually effected. The sudden check- 
ing of any motion of the aircraft displaces the spirit level 
and the camera to such an extent as to render vertical 
photography difficult. A slight bank or a slow turn will cause 
less displacement of the camera spirit level than will an 
abrupt correction. 

■ 74. Automatic Pilot. — The use of an automatic pilot to fly 
the aircraft is not recommended during the actual time of 
photography. The sudden checking of displacements of the 
aircraft from the normal, inherent in automatic pilots, sets 
up accelerations that render the spirit level reading in- 
accurate. 

H 75. Altitude. — a. Vertical photography is concerned with 
the actual altitude above the area to be photographed, there- 
fore the indicated altitude used on a given mission must 
correspond to the desired true altitude. 

b. The use of the throttle is recommended as a method 
of maintaining altitude. If above the desired altitude, the 
operator reduces the throttle in order that the airplane may 
return to the correct altitude without materially changing its 
attitude; if below the desired altitude, the operator increases 
the throttle. 

c. When airplanes normally equipped with two sets of flight 
controls are used for vertical photography, it will be found 
that one pilot operating only the elevator control may main- 
tain altitude within a 50-foot variation, while the other pilot 
maintains a flight path over a predetermined line on the 
ground and keeps the wings level by reference to the visual 
horizon. 

■ 76, Heading. — In flying long flight lines the drift may 
change materially during passage along the flight line. To 
fly a precise flight path over the ground, it is essential that 
prompt correction be applied to compensate for every change 
of drift. 

■ 77. Oxygen. — The use of oxygen whenever flying a photo- 
graphic mission at 12,000 feet or above will increase visual 
acuity. 



33 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



78-80 



B 78. Effect of Future Cameras. — Whereas at present the 
five-lens camera, either used singly or in tandem, is the 
standard topographic camera, future development envisages 
the employment of a single-lens, wide-angle camera for this 
purpose. The adoption of such a camera will undoubtedly 
speed up the laboratory process materially; however, the 
flight requirement will remain the same, chiefly that the 
flight path be as nearly precise as possible. 

■ 79. Reconnaissance Strips. — The technique of flying recon- 
naissance strips differs in no material way from that re- 
quired for mapping photography. However, they are fre- 
quently flown at lower altitudes, and greater tolerances are 
permitted in the azimuth and altitude variation of the air- 
plane. 

H 80. Signals and Procedure. — Verbal signals will be used 
between pilot and cameraman whenever voice communication 
is possible. When voice communication fails, visual signals 
suitable for the aircraft allotted to be used will be prescribed 
by unit commanders. 

a. The following procedure is particularly applicable to 
mapping photography. It will be used to the extent prac- 
ticable in all types of missions. 

(1) When the aircraft is on the flight-line, extension, on 
correct heading, at correct altitude, with proper trim, and, 
when conditions permit, at least 3 miles* from the boundary of 
the area, the pilot gives the signal ready. The cameraman 
acknowledges by repeating “Ready,” and then proceeds to 
determine the camera crab and exposure Interval. 

(2) As the aircraft passes over the boundary into the area, 
the pilot gives the command shoot. The cameraman 
acknowledges command by repeating “Shoot,” and immedi- 
ately commences camera operation. 

(3) When passing over far boundary the pilot gives the 
command cut. The cameraman makes one more exposure 
and then acknowledges by repeating “Cut.” 

b. The pilot continues along the flight line extension until 
sufficiently beyond boundary to permit orientation of aircraft 
and camera upon the next flight line. Then the above pro- 
cedure is repeated. 



34 




80-81 



AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



c. The allowance of time or distance for stabilization of 
the aircraft and camera need not be so great on succeeding 
strips unless the wind changes or camera adjustments are 
required. 

d . (1) In the event of a malfunction of the camera or if a 
magazine is exhausted during the “shooting” of a flight line, 
the cameraman immediately gives the signal cut. 

(2) The pilot acknowledges this by repeating “Cut.” The 
pilot immediately places the aircraft in a turn and marks on 
the map the place over which the last exposure was made. 

(3) If the malfunction is cleared rapidly, the aircraft con- 
tinues on a 360° turn, and shooting is recommenced on signal 
without taking interval. 

(4) If not cleared by the time a 180° turn is completed, 
the aircraft proceeds back down the flight line or parallel 
thereto until the cameraman announces that he is ready to 
operate again. The crew then proceed as outlined in a above. 

■ 81. Oblique Photography. — a . The pilotage of aircraft 
from which oblique photographs are to be made requires that 
the pilot have complete understanding of the coverage of the 
particular camera being employed. He should also under- 
stand the perspective normally desired, the effect of lighting 
upon the objective, and must thoroughly understand the 
nature of the objective in order that he may place the camera- 
man in the best position from which to secure a photograph 
that will portray the information desired. The best camera 
operator cannot return with satisfactory photographs unless 
the airplane from which he is working is placed in approxi- 
mately the correct position. The camera operator must also 
be on the alert in order to take pictures when the airplane 
is in a position which permits securing exposures of the 
desired composition. 

b. Pilots are cautioned that the terms “high and low 
oblique” do not refer to altitude and that orders requiring the 
oblique may state that obliques are desired from approxi- 
mately 1,000 feet or 5,000 feet, as the case may be. In general 
practice, operations orders will merely state the coverage re- 
quired by each photograph. It is the responsibility of the 
commander of the mission or of the pilot to determine the 



35 




aerial photography 



81-82 



altitude from which the photograph will portray the objec- 
tive in the manner which will meet the requirements. In 
connection with the making of oblique photographs particu- 
larly, the element of security of the mission must always be 
borne in mind. 

c. The flying for oblique photography requires the utmost 
in teamwork between pilot and cameraman, as oblique photo- 
graphs are invariably made from lower altitudes than vertical 
photographs and the time interval between the approach to 
and passage by an objective is much less. It is essential that 
the pilot and the cameraman develop a system of simple sig- 
nals that will insure the cameraman’s operating the camera 
as soon as the aircraft is in proper position. Furthermore, 
the cameraman must know what the pilot wishes photo- 
graphed and be able to recognize the objective when he sees it. 

d. Standard procedure for recording the information re- 
quired to identify aerial photographs is difficult to prescribe for 
all types of missions. The pilot is charged with locating the 
objective. He will maintain a record of where photographs 
were made, either in tabular form or by means of mark- 
ing maps or overlays. It is essential that combat teams uti- 
lize a simple method of recording all data that will be re- 
quired on the negative. The recording of these data is the 
responsibility of the pilot and the cameraman. The camera- 
man alone knows how many exposures were made and the 
time they were made. As a rule, only the pilot knows the 
exact location unless a navigator is being used, in which case 
the navigator may take over the pilot’s responsibility for the 
determination of location of individual photographs. The 
pilot or navigator knows the direction in which the flight is 
being made, if vertical, or the direction from which the ex- 
posure is made, if oblique. Where aerial photography is used 
as an aid to reconnaissance on a mission that is primarily 
visual, the cameraman must be prepared to go into action 
rapidly and secure the photographs needed with the mini- 
mum amount of delay, as it is generally inadvisable to 
advertise the presence of aircraft by circling an objective. 

■ 82. Versatility. — The commanding officer of the unit per- 
forming photographic missions should permit his combat crew 



36 




82-86 



AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



considerable latitude in the choice of camera equipment. 
Every crew must be prepared to perform either vertical or 
oblique photography as the objective or the weather requires. 

Section IV 
CAMERAMAN 

■ 83. Camera Operator's Requirements. — ct. In selecting a 
cameraman, consideration must be given to the fact that the 
operation of any type of aerial camera involves working in 
cramped quarters, usually at low temperatures, while per- 
forming precise work that requires concentrated effort. Indi- 
viduals subject to airsickness should not be selected. The 
cameraman should be one who has already qualified as a 
photographer. Aerial cameramen are required to change 
exposure settings and filters to meet weather and light condi- 
tions, as it is impractical to operate at all times with settings 
determined before take-off. 

b. The operation of a camera for a vertical photograph 
requires more precise work than any other type; however, 
the physical strain of oblique photography is the greater. 

■ 84. Previous Photographs. — The cameraman should be 
familiar with previous photographs made of an objective in 
order to duplicate the viewpoint and coverage. It is desirable 
that a print, marked to show the objective which is to be 
rephotographed, be furnished to the operating crew. 

■ 85. Relation to Photographic Laboratory. — The securing 
of maximum quality in aerial photographs requires that aerial 
cameramen be members of the laboratory section which 
processes their film. It is desirable that the cameraman pay 
close attention to the method of processing and the density 
of the negatives secured in order that he may have the neces- 
sary knowledge to correct the exposure used on future mis- 
sions. It is advantageous to have the photographic laboratory 
facilities used by any aircraft unit physically situated in the 
immediate vicinity of the operating airdrome and should be 
so located whenever practicable. 

■ 86. Identification. — It is the responsibility of the combat 
crew and the commander thereof properly to identify all 



37 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



86-88 



negatives turned in by them to the photographic laboratory 
for processing. It must be emphasized that negatives uniden- 
tified are valueless, and that the entire mission is wasted 
unless these negatives are properly and rapidly identified. 

Section V 

FILTERS 

■ 87. Filters. — a. Filters are used in mapping photography 
for the purpose of penetrating haze or in order to secure more 
contrast, or both. (For use of filters see *TM 1-221.) 

b. In reconnaissance photography filters perform the same 
function and, in addition, are used to reveal camouflage. 
Materials may be colored to blend visually with surroundings, 
but their reflective or absorptive characteristics may be dif- 
ferently shown by the correct use of filters. Enemy installa- 
tions not apparent in existing photographs but thought to be 
present may be revealed by additional photographs through a 
different type of filter. 



Section VI 

COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY 

■ 88. Development. — Color photography is undergoing de- 
velopment, and its place in military photography has not defi- 
nitely been determined. The laboratory working of color 
negatives and the making of a transparency are laborious, 
painstaking, and time-consuming processes. Color photo- 
graphs give a good rendition of color value when properly 
exposed. The quality of color photographs is more readily 
affected by varying light conditions than is that of ordinary 
black and white photographs. Color photography may play 
an important part in the interpretation of camouflaged or 
concealed installations. Delivery of color photographs is 
restricted to one transparency from each exposure. The 
using agency will require a transparency viewer in order best 
to utilize the transparency. 



♦See appendix II. 



38 




89—92 



AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



Section VII 

NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY 

■ 89. Technical Limitations. — a. Night aerial photographs: 
are limited in area (coverage) and in number because of the 
following facts: 

(1) Altitude from which photographs can be made is re- 
stricted to 8,000 feet or less by the limitations of the area that 
can be illuminated by present photo flash bombs. 

(2) The number of photographs that may be made on any 
individual mission is limited to the number of photo flash 
bombs that can be carried. 

b. Because of the comparatively small coverage of each 
exposure, night aerial photography is limited by the accu- 
racy of the navigation. The photo flash bomb must be 
dropped directly above the objective in order to secure the 
desired photograph. 

■ 90. Navigation for Night Aerial Photographs. — a. At night- 
aerial photographs can be made of such objectives as can be 
located by pilotage or dead reckoning navigation. 

b. The coverage of the night photograph exposed at 8,000 
feet altitude is about 4,700 feet in the direction of flight and 
about 5,900 feet across the line of flight. The coverage indi- 
cates the allowable errors in azimuth and range which will 
still permit successful accomplishment of missions to photo- 
graph objectives of various sizes. 

■ 91. Pilotage. — Personnel performing night photographic 
missions should be thoroughly familiar with the area of the 
objective when it is to be located by pilotage. 

■ 92. Dead Reckoning Navigation. — Dead reckoning may be 
required for determination of time of release of the photo 
flash bomb. 

a. For accurate dead reckoning navigation approach to a, 
night photo objective, there must be a clearly defined initial 
point within a few miles. 

b. If this initial point lies within friendly territory it may 
be marked by an artificial light, that is, a signal light. 

c. If there is no natural feature, such as a waterway or 
mountain, then it may be necessary to define the course by 



39 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



93—94 



projecting it rearward from the initial point, and at a point 
a known distance to the rear to fix another line or beacon. 
The two course beacons must both be visible at the same 
time to a pilot flying at the altitude from which the photo- 
graphs will be made and sufficiently to the rear to enable 
him to achieve stability of the aircraft in both azimuth and 
altitude. That is, drift and heading will be determined prior 
to passing over the first beacon. Ground speed will be deter- 
mined by the time and distance between beacons. It is evi- 
dent from the above that the computation of distance between 
lines must be accurate and that great accuracy must be ob- 
served in clocking the flight of the airplane between the two 
beacons in order that the range or distance to run to the 
target may be accurately determined. 

d . If a highway or railroad is the objective, the proba- 
bilities of securing a photograph are increased by flying 
across the highway or railroad at an acute angle rather than 
parallel to its length. 

■ 93. Formation.— Small formations may be used to photo- 
graph areas difficult to locate during darkness. Only one 
flashlight bomb would be released for a formation of three or 
four airplanes. For larger formations more bombs will be 
required. 

■ 94. Photography of Air Attack Results. — Photographs 
of the results of a night air attack may be made from one 
or more airplanes of the attack formation. 



40 




CHAPTER 4 



PHOTOGRAPHIC LABORATORY 



Paragraphs 



Section I. Classification 95 

II. Location 96-98 

III. Laboratory procedure 99-103 



Section I 
CLASSIFICATION 

■ 95. Classification. — Laboratories may be either fixed, mo- 
bile, or portable. 

a. A fixed photographic laboratory is one housed in a 
building especially designed for that purpose with perma- 
nently installed equipment. Fixed laboratories are not com- 
monly used except in rear areas. 

b. A mobile photographic laboratory is installed in a truck, 
trailer, or similar mobile unit. 

c. A portable photographic laboratory is one consisting of 
equipment which is compact and readily portable, that may 
be operated in portable tent darkrooms, or installed in impro- 
vised darkrooms. Darkrooms may be improvised or con- 
structed in any type of building or cellar capable of being 
made light-tight and in which the necessary utilities may be 
installed. 

Section II 
LOCATION 

■ 96. Utilities. — The fundamental requirements for a photo- 
graphic laboratory are electricity and water. 

a. Electricity may be provided by small gasoline generator 
units. However, where possible, full utilization is made of 
locally available electrical power supply. Any fluctuation in 
the voltage of the power furnished will increase the difficulty 
of making evenly matched prints. This may be overcome by 
the use of motor generator units as the final power supply. 



41 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



96—98 



b. Water may be secured by pumping directly from a stream 
or other source, by transporting in tank trucks, or by attach- 
ment to a public waterworks system. Pure water gives the 
best results. However, some types of contaminated water, 
while not affecting the quality of the print, decrease the life 
of the developing solution. When necessary, distilling units 
may be obtained. Mud and sediment may be eliminated in 
settling tanks or basins. 

■ 97. Concealment and Security. — Concealment may be 
achieved by housing a laboratory in a barn, warehouse, or 
other buildings or in a wooded area. The advantage of going 
into the woods (near a stream) should be carefully weighed 
against the vulnerability to chemical attacks. 

■ 98. Supported Unit. — a. While it is desirable to be con- 
veniently located with relation to the flight unit, it is more 
important to be located adjacent to positive and rapid com- 
munication with the supported unit that utilizes the photo- 
graphs. If the photographic laboratory is engaged in photo- 
graphic mapping, then it should be located as closely as phy- 
sically practicable, considering other factors, to the laboratory 
of the engineer topographical unit. However, if the photo- 
graphic laboratory is performing reconnaissance photography, 
then it should be located within a reasonable distance of the 
supported unit. Many objectives will be photographed just 
prior to darkness, and the film and prints will not be processed 
until some time after nightfall. It is unwise to place reliance 
upon the delivery of photographic prints to the supported 
unit by dropping from an airplane at night. The time limit 
will normally require delivery of the finished prints before 
the following day. 

b. A photographic laboratory in close proximity to the sup- 
ported unit facilitates consultation with photographic tech- 
nicians regarding the quality or photographic characteristics 
of the prints furnished. By this means it may be determined 
whether peculiar appearances on the prints are the result of 
the photographic image or of technical difficulties. Much 
misunderstanding and delay may be avoided by this pro- 
cedure. 



42 




99-100 



AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



Section III 

LABORATORY PROCEDURE 

■ 99. Organization of Laboratory. — Personnel and equip- 
ment of the photographic laboratory will be so organized that 
incoming film will be efficiently and rapidly processed. The 
functional organization of the laboratory will be designed to 
receive incoming exposed film and in an orderly manner rap- 
idly produce prints of high photographic quality. 

■ 100. Routine. — a. Each laboratory requires one or more 
rarely less than two) small darkrooms for the development 
and fixation of aerial film. The laboratory commander will 
learn from the squadron operations when film from photo- 
graphic missions may be expected at the laboratory and will 
have the necessary solutions and equipment prepared for 
negative processing. 

b. While film is being processed in a darkroom, the camera- 
man’s record of the mission will be placed either on a clip or 
in a receptacle in the entrance in order that the identity of 
the film may not be lost. 

c. Stamps will be set at this time for marking of the nega- 
tive as soon as ready. 

d. As soon as the negative is washed and dried, it will be 
placed on the plotting table and stamped or otherwise marked 
with the identifying data. 

e. Two prints that will meet the topographic engineer re- 
quirements are produced from each mapping negative. 

f. Two prints having the proper balance between high light 
and shadow are produced from each reconnaissance negative. 
When the contrast of the negative or the deficiency in the 
contrast scale of the printing papers available makes it im- 
practicable to show the required detail in both the high light 
and shadow with each print, one print is made to show detail 
in the high light and one to show it in the shadow for each 
negative. As soon as the prints from any one mission have 
been completed they are delivered to the supported unit. 

g. Negatives are properly indexed and reports furnished to 
the second and third sections of the staff of the Air Corps 
unit charged with the responsibility of procuring the photo - 



43 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



100-103 



graphs. Maps are prepared showing the area covered by 
individual photographs. 

■ 101. Negative Filing. — Mobile laboratories do not have 
sufficient filing space for extensive storage of photographic 
negatives. Arrangements must be made for the periodical 
transfer to rear area laboratories for file. Large photographic 
laboratories will file negatives that come into their hands in 
such manner that they may be readily reprinted. 

* 102. Number of Prints. — Requirements for prints for in- 
telligence purposes are given in paragraph 66. Uncontrolled 
mosaics and reconnaissance strips made by the Air Corps 
are normally not copied or furnished in quantity. Quantity 
reproduction is a function of the Corps of Engineers. 

■ 103. Assembly. — a. Reconnaissance strips and uncon- 
trolled mosaics are assembled by one or more of the following 
methods : 

(1) Paver clips . — This is a rapid but temporary means. 

(2) Thumb tacks „ — This is rapid and is permanent as long 
as undisturbed. 

(3) Stapling (Hotchkiss or substitute). 

(a) By stapling to suitable backing. 

( b ) Without the use of backing; that is, by stapling each 
successive overlapping photograph to the preceding one by 
at least two staples. This is a rapid means of showing the 
relationship of one photograph to another. If the edges of 
the strips are then bound with masking tape, the complete 
assembly may be loosely rolled and its transportation made 
simpler. 

(4) Paste . — By the more permanent but laborious method 
of attaching the photographs to suitable backing (nonwarp- 
ing composition board) with gum arabic or paste. 

(5) Tape . — By the use of masking tape along two edges. 
This may be facilitated by first using thumb tacks to assemble 
the prints, then by applying the tape along the edges of the 
strip and removing thumb tacks. 

b. In all of the above-mentioned methods of assembly it is 
generally desirable to cut away portions of the overlapping 
photographs and utilize only the central portion of the print. 



44 




103 



AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



These methods may be applied by the personnel of the in- 
telligence section of the staff using the pictures or by the 
photographic laboratory. Determination of which method 
will actually perform the assembly should be by mutual agree- 
ment or by the common commander. 



45 




Appendix I 



GLOSSARY OF TERMS 

Aerial photograph . — A picture taken from any kind of air- 
craft. 

Altitude . — On aerial photographs the true elevation above 
the area photographed or an approximation thereof. 

Azimuth . — The bearing of a celestial body measured as an arc 
on the horizon from the true meridian north or south to 
the east or west. Abbreviation: Z. Abbreviation Zn is 
used .when the azimuth is specified to read from north 
through east to 360°. 

Camouflage . — Work done for the purpose of deceiving the en- 
emy as to the existence, nature, or location of materiel, 
troops, or military works. The importance of camouflage 
depends, in general, upon the activity and effectiveness of 
the enemy’s air service, although it is important to camou- 
flage against ground observation. 

Composite photograph . — The picture that results from the 
joining of the vertical and the transformed oblique photo- 
graphs made by a multiple-lens camera. 

Coverage . — The area included in any one exposure by an 
aerial photograph. 

Darkroom . — A room from which all light has been excluded. 
Darkrooms are required for many of the steps of processing. 

Evaluation .—^ The determination of the probable value of 
information. 

Exploitation . — The tactical or strategical analysis of the in- 
formation obtained from the photograph. 

Exposure . — The act of exposing an emulsion-coated film to 
the light through the mechanics of a camera. An exposure 
is a silver image resulting from processing film that has 
been exposed to reflected light in the camera. 

Exposure setting . — The amount of time that the shutter of 
the camera remains open. 

Film . — A plastic base upon the surface of which a light- 
sensitive emulsion has been coated. 



46 




AIR CORPS FIELD MANUAL 



Filter. — A transparent medium that modifies the action of 
light upon the emulsion. 

Glossy photograph. — A photograph having a glossy, bright 
finish. 

Heading. — The angular direction of the longitudinal axis of 
the aircraft with respect to true north; in other words, 
the course with the drift correction applied. It is true 
unless otherwise designated. 

High oblique. — An oblique that includes the image of the 
horizon. 

Interpretation. — The operation of determining just what the 
features shown on a vertical photograph really are, or of 
discovering obscure or hidden features through related vis- 
ible features. 

Low oblique. — An oblique photograph that does not include 
the image of the horizon. 

Magazine. — That portion of the camera that contains film. 

Matte paper. — A photographic paper having a rough, dull 
finish. 

Mosaic. — An assembly of several aerial photographs into one 
picture. 

Multiple-lens camera. — An aerial camera in which two or 
more lenses are fastened in permanent relationship to each 
other. A multiple-lens camera is in effect two or more 
single-lens cameras permanently mounted in one assembly. 

Negative. — A photographic image with light values reversed. 

Oblique aerial photograph. — A picture made when the optical 
axis of the camera is tilted away from the vertical. 

Overlap . — That portion of a photograph common to an adja- 
cent photograph. 

Photographic mapping. — Aerial photographs accomplished for 
the purpose of constructing a map or map substitute. 

Photographic reconnaissance. — All military aerial photog- 
raphy accomplished for other than mapping purposes. 

Photomap. — An aerial photograph upon which contours or 
other information commonly found on maps has been 
placed. It is usually reproduced by lithograph. 

Pin point. — A vertical aerial photograph in which the object 
of interest is centered. 



47 




AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY 



Print — A photographic positive on paper. Contact print 
refers to the method of production from the negative. 
Contact prints are made at a ratio of one to one. The term 
is used in contradistinction to a projection print. All 
enlarged and transformed prints are projection prints. 

Processing. — The successive steps of securing a permanent 
silver image on either film or paper by chemical action. 

Sensitized film. — Film that is sensitive to light. This is used 
in contradistinction to developed exposed film which is no 
longer sensitive to light. 

Single-lens camera . — A camera in which only one lens assem- 
bly is mounted at one time. 

Stereoscope . — An instrument used to obtain stereoscopy while 
viewing photographs. 

Stereoscopy. — The ability to obtain an effect of relief by 
simultaneously viewing two photographs of an object made 
from different viewpoints. 

Target . — The space within which fire must be placed to 
accomplish the desired result. 

Template. — An opening cut in a sheet of celluloid, plasticele, 
or cardboard to show the area covered on a map by an aerial 
photograph. Also, to show the interval between flight lines 
on a map. 

Templet. (See Template.) 

Tilt . — The angular deviation of the optical axis of the vertical 
camera from the vertical at the time of exposure. It is 
measured in degrees. 

Topographic engineer unit. — A military organization that pre- 
pares, prints, and distributes maps. 

Transforming printer. — A photographic printer specially con- 
structed to transform the oblique perspective of an oblique 
aerial negative to the vertical perspective. The type of 
transforming printer referred to in this manual is designed 
to transform negatives having a fixed angle of obliquity. 

Transparency. — A positive on film or glass. 

Vertical aerial photograph. — One made with the optical axis 
of the camera at or near the vertical. 

Visual reconnaissance. — See FM 1-20. 



48 




Appendix II 

LIST OF REFERENCES 



Aerial photography 
Basic photography 



Map and aerial photograph 
reading ! 

Maps and mapping 

Role of aerial photography in 
military intelligence- 
sketching 



TM 1-220 (now published as 
TM 2170-6). 

TM 1-221 (now published as 
TM 2170-5). 

FM 21-25 (now published as 
BFM, vol. I, ch. 5) . 

TM 5-220 (now published as 
TM 2180-5). 

AR 300-15. 

FM 30-21. 



49 




INDEX 



Paragraphs Pages 

Adjustment artillery 8 8 

Aerial photographs: 

Data 10 9 

Definition > App. I 46 

Description 3-21 1 

Distribution 67 30 

Military purposes 1-21 1 

Reading App. II 49 

Utilization: 

Air forces 35-42 19 

General 22-51 16 

Ground forces 27-34 17 

Aerial photography: 

Equipment 68 30 

Military classification 22 16 

References App. II 49 

Air attack: 

Objectives 62 28 

Results, photography 94 40 

Air Corps function 52-54 25 

Airdromes: 

Photographing 38 20 

Selection 41 20 

Alidade 60 27 

Altitude : 

Definition App. I 46 

General 75 33 

Night photography 89 39 

Variation on mapping photography 49 23 

Antiaircraft defenses 39 20 

Artillery adjustment 8 8 

Assembly of strips and mosaics 103 44 

Automatic pilot * 74 33 

Aviation, classes performing photography 53 25 

Azimuth, definition App. I 46 

Basic photography App. II 49 

Beacons for night photography 92 39 

Board, sketch 60 27 

Bomb: 

Flashlight, responsibility for having available. 69 31 

Photo flash 89,92,93 39,40 

Camera : 

Artillery adjustment 8 8 

Crab 80 34 

Future-. 78 34 

Inspection 68 30 

Malfunction 80 34 

Motion picture 9 9 

Multiple -lens, definition App. I 47 



51 




INDEX 



Camera— Continued. Paragraphs Pages 

Operator’s requirements 83 37 

Pilot knowledge _ 71 31 

Repair 68 30 

Single-lens, definition App. I 48 

Types 4 2 

Cameraman 83-86 37 

Camouflage : 

Adequacy . 42 20 

Definition App. I 46 

Detection : 

Color photography , 88 38 

Filters 87 38 

Oblique photography 65 29 

Interpreted by color photography 88 38 

Officers, furnished photographs 42 20 

Changes, photographs compared for 34 19 

Channels, request for aerial photograph 49 23 

Cinematography 9 9 

Clouds as shield for security 63 28 

Collimating marks 10 9 

Color photography 88 38 

Combat crew, responsibility for training 70 31 

Composite photograph : 

Definition App. I 46 

General 7 6 

Concealment : 

Adequacy 42 20 

Laboratories 97 42 

Contact : 

Forces 31 18 

Print, definition App. I 48 

Coordination with engineers 51 24 

Copies : 

Furnished by engineer reproduction unit 67 30 

Number 66, 102 30, 44 

Corps of Engineers, relationship to Air Corps 51 24 

Coverage, definition App. I 46 

Crab, camera 80 34 

Crossing, river 30 18 

Darkroom, definition App. I 46 

Data pertaining to aerial photographs 10 9 

Dead reckoning navigation 92 39 

Defenses, antiaircraft 39 20 

Delivery of photographs 55 26 

Directive for photography 47-51 22 

Drift : 

Compensation .. 76 33 

Sight 60 27 

Dropping prints at night 98 42 

Electricity for laboratories 96 41 

Engineer unit: 

Reproduction 67 30 

Topographic : 

Definition App. I 48 

Negatives delivered 23 16 



52 




INDEX 



Paragraphs Pages 

Engineers, coordination 51 24 

Equipment, aerial photographic 68 30 

Evaluation : 

Definition App. I 46 

Intelligence section 67 30 

Exploitation, definition , App. I 46 

Exposure: 

Definition App. I 46 

Interval 80 34 

Setting, definition App, I 46 

Field order 55 26 

Filing 101 44 

Film: 

Definition App. I 46 

Responsibility for having available . 69 31 

Sensitized, definition App. I 48 

Filter : 

Definition App. I 47 

General 44,87 21,38 

Flash bomb 89, 92, 93 39, 40 

Flashlight bomb 69, 93 31, 40 

Flight: 

Level 73 32 

Line _ 60 27 

Focal length, varied to secure requested scale. „ 63 29 

Folder, objective: 

Pin points 15 12 

Prints 67 30 

Forces in contact 31 18 

Formation : 

Night photography 93 40 

Photographic airplanes 60 27 

Security 63 28 

Fortifications 33 19 

Function, Air Corps 52-54 25 

Glossary — App. I 46 

Glossy paper 11 9 

Glossy photograph, definition App, I 47 

Ground forces, utilization of photographs 27-34 17 

Heading: 

Definition App. I 47 

General 76 33 

High oblique: 

Altitude 81 35 

Definition 6, App. I 6, 47 

Highway, night photography „ 92 39 

How to photograph 48 22 

Identification of negatives 86 37 

Index number 10 9 

Initial point for night photography 92 39 

Inspection of camera 68 30 



53 




INDEX 



Intelligence: Paragraphs Pages 

Officer 66 30 

Reference App. II 49 

Section : 

Evaluation of photographs 67 30 

Interpretation of photographs 67 30 

Overlap cutting 103 44 

Photographs used 26 17 

Interpretation of photographs: 

Definition App. I 47 

Intelligence section 67 30 

Interval, exposure 80 34 



Laboratories, classification 95 

Laboratory : 

Fixed 95 

Location 85, 96-98 

Mobile 95 

Organization 99 

Photographic 99-103 

Portable 95 

Procedure 99-103 

Relation to cameraman 85 

Restrictions 54 

Landing operations 29 

Level flight 73 

Light, signal, for initial point in night photog- 
raphy 92 

Limitations: 

Practical, of aerial photographs 43-46 

Shadows on mapping photography 49 

Technical, of night photography 89 

Line, flight 60 

Lithographic reproduction of mosaic 24 

Lithography : 

Photomap reproduction 19 

Vertical photographic reproduction 5 

Location of laboratory 85, 96-98 

Low oblique: 

Altitude 81 

Definition 6, App. I 



41 

41 

37,41 

41 

43 

43 

41 

43 

37 

25 

18 

32 

39 

21 

23 

39 

27 

17 

14 

2 

37,41 

35 
6, 47 



Magazine, definition App. I 47 

Malfunction of camera 80 34 

Map and aerial photograph reading App, II 49 

Mapping, photographic 22 16 

Definition App. I 47 

Mapping photography : 

General 23 16 

Laboratory restrictions 54 25 

Procedure applicable 80 34 

Requests 49 23 

Requirements 72 32 

Maps 60 27 

Maps and mapping App. II 49 

Marks, collimating 10 9 



54 




INDEX 



Paragraphs Pages 



Matte paper 11 9 

Definition App. I 47 

Military grid 19 14 

Military intelligence App. II 49 

Mission : 

Photographic, requirements 55-69 26 

Visual reconnaissance : 47 22 

Mobile laboratory 95,101 41,44 

Mosaics : 

Assembly 103 44 

Definition App. I 47 

General 19 14 

Strip 20 15 

Motion -picture camera 9 9 

Multiple-lens camera, definition App. I 47 



Navigation: 

Aid 40 

Dead reckoning 92 

General 59 

Night photography 90 

Negative : 

Definition App. I 

Filing 101 

Indexing 100 

Mapping photography, disposition 23 

Night photographs of road traffic 32 

Night photography 89-94 

Number : 

Index 10 

Prints 66, 102 

Objective folder 15, 37, 67 

Objectives: 

Air attack 62 

Secondary 62 

Striking force 37 

Obliques 6 

Aerial photograph, definition App. I 

High, definition 6, App. I 

Low, definition 6, App. I 

Photographs made flying Just above ground 63 

Photography: 

General 65 

Pilotage and procedure 81 

Versus vertical 64 

Strips 18 

Operations : 

General 52-94 

Landing 29 

Maps, uncontrolled mosaics 19 

Order to specify delivery 55 

Theater 28 

Operator, camera, requirements 83 

Orders: 

Photographic mission 55 

Technical 2 



20 

39 

26 

39 

47 

44 

43 

16 

19 
39 

9 

30, 44 
12,20,30 

28 

28 

20 
6 

47 
6, 47 
6, 47 
28 

29 

35 

29 

14 

25 
18 
14 

26 
18 
37 

26 

1 



55 




INDEX 



Overlap : 

Definition 

General 

Mapping photography 

Mosaics 

Oblique strips 

Pin points 

Reconnaissance photography 

Reconnaissance strips 

Overlays 

Oxygen 

Paper : 

Mapping photography 

Matte, definition 

Print 

Semimatte 

Parachute, film magazine 

Personnel: 

Selection 

Trained 

Photographic: 

Laboratory 

Mapping 

Definition 

Mission, requirements 

Reconnaissance 

Definition 

Photographs : 

Aerial, definition 

Composite, definition 

Delivery 

Glossy, definition 

Number — 

Preliminary 

Previous 

Reading 

Photography: 

Aerial 

Air attack results 

Basic 

Photomap, definition 

Photomaps 

Pilot: 

Automatic 

Knowledge of camera 

Pilotage 

Pin point: 

Definition 

General 

Stereoscopic examination 

Point, initial, for night photography. 

Portable laboratory 

Print : 

Definition 

Paper 



Paragraphs 


Pages 


App. I 


47 


57 


26 


49 


23 


19 


14 


18 


14 


16 


13 


49 


23 


17 


14 


12 


10 


77 


33 


49 


23 


11, App. I 


10, 47 


11 


9 


11 


9 


68 


30 


70 


31 


45 


21 


— 95-103 


41 


22 


16 


-- App. I 


47 


55-69 


26 


22 


16 


— App. I 


47 


App. I 


46 


— • App. I 


46 


55 


26 


App. I 


47 


— 66, 102 


30, 44 


8 


8 


84 


37 


._ App. II 


49 


App. II 


49 


94 


40 


— App. II 


49 


19, App. I 


14,47 


24 


17 


74 


33 


71 


31 


70-82, 91 


31,39 


— App. I 


47 


15 


12 


16 


13 


92 


39 


95 


41 


— App. I 


48 


11 


9 



56 




INDEX 



Printer, transforming: Paragraphs Pages 

Definition App. I 46 

Use 7 6 

Prints : 

Dropping 98 41 

Number 66, 102 30, 44 

Procedure : 

Artillery adjustment 8 8 

Laboratory 99-103 43 

Photographic mission 80 34 

Processing, definition App. I 46 

Projection print, definition App. I 46 

Purpose : 

Intelligence photography 49 23 

Mapping photography 50 24 

Reconnaissance photography 49 23 

Quantity of photographic copies 66 30 

Railroad, night photography 92 39 

Reconnaissance : 

Photographic: 

Definition App. I 47 

Purpose 22 16 

Photography 26, 47, 53 17, 22, 25 

Secondary objectives 62 28 

Strips 17, 79 14, 34 

Assembly 103 44 

Visual : 

Definition App. I 47 

General 36 19 

Record, pilot’s or cameraman’s 56 26 

References 2, App. II 1, 49 

Repair of camera 68 30 

Reproduction unit 67 30 

Requests for aerial photography 49 23 

Requirements : 

Camera operator’s 83 37 

Mapping photography 72 32 

Photographic mission 55-69 26 

Restrictions, laboratory 54 25 

Results, air attack, photography 94 40 

River crossing 30 18 

Roads 32 19 

Role of aerial photography in military intelligence- App. II 49 

Routine, laboratory 100 43 

Scale: 

Prescribed in orders 55 26 

Specification 49 23 

Uniform 64 29 

Scope of manual 1 1 

Secondary objectives 62 28 

Security 63 28 

Laboratories 97 42 

Semimatte paper 11 9 

Sensitized film, definition App. I 48 



57 




INDEX 



Paragraphs Pages 

Setting, exposure, definition App. I 46 

Shadows, limitations 49 23 

Sight, drift 60 27 

Signal light for initial point in night photography- 92 39 

Signals 80 34 

Single-lens camera, definition App. I 48 

Situation maps, uncontrolled mosaics 19 14 

Sketch board 60 27 

Sketching App. II 49 

Speed in processing 52 , 25 

Stereoscope 14 12 

Definition App. I 48 

Stereoscopic examination of pin points 16 13 

Stereoscopic study 19 14 

Stereoscopy 13 11 

Definition App. I 48 

Striking force objectives 37 20 

Strips : 

Mosaic 20 15 

Oblique 18 14 

Reconnaissance 17, 79 14, 34 

Assembly 103 44 

Supply 69 31 

Supported unit 98 42 

Target, definition App. I 48 

Technical limitations, night photography 89 39 

Technical Orders 2 1 

Template : 

Collimating 10 9 

Definition App. I 48 

Flight lines 60 27 

Templet. (See Template.) 

Terms App. I 46 

Theater of operations 28 18 

Tilt : 

Definition App. I 48 

Specification _ 58 26 

Time factor 46 22 

Topographic engineer unit, definition App. I 48 

Topographic engineers, negatives delivered 23 16 

Trained personnel 45 21 

Training: 

Combat crews, responsibility 70 31 

Films 9 9 

Speed in processing 52 25 

Transforming printer: 

Definition App. I 48 

Use 7 6 

Transparency, definition App. I 48 

Transparency viewer 88 38 

Transportation 69 31 

Type: 

Camera 4 2 

Specification 49 23 



58 




INDEX 



Type— Continued. Paragraphs Pages 

Paper, specification 49 23 

Photography to be used 21 15 

Uncontrolled mosaic 19 14 

Utilities for laboratories 96 41 

Versatility of crew 82 36 

Vertical aerial photograph, definition App. X 48 

Vertical versus oblique photography 64 29 

Verticals 5 2 

Visibility conditions 73 32 

Visual reconnaissance: 

Definition App. I 48 

Mission, use of camera 47 22 

Photographs used 36 19 

Water for laboratories 96 41 

Weather 25, 44, 61 17, 21, 27 

What to photograph 47 22 

When to photograph 47 22 



o 



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