GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 616

Sensor Detection 

Capabilities Study

Sensor Detection 

Capabilities Study

By John E. Wilson

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 616

fnteragency Report NASA- 7 43

Prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey for

the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

under contract No. W-12570, task No. 760-75-07-37-70

Washington 1969
United States Department of the Interior

WALTER J. HICKEL, Secrefary

Geological Survey

William T. Pecora, Director

First printing 1969 

Second printing 1970

Free on application to the U.S. Geological Survey, Washington, D.C. 20242
CONTENTS

Introduction and rationale------

Methodology ------------------

Internal accuracy determination 

Summary of results -----------

Selected references -----------

Page

1

1

2

2

2

ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure 1. Conventional black and white aerial photograph -------

2. Panoramic photography ----------------------------

Typical nine lens multiband camera exposure---------

Negative image from a scanning infrared system flown 

during darkness --------------------- -----------

Low-altitude radar image --------------------------

Passivejnicrowave image

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. Image produced by line-scanning electro-optical system

Page

6

7

9

10

11

12

Airfields ---------

Archeological sites 

Bridges ----------

Canals -----------

Cemeteries-------

Dams -------------------

Drainage systems --------

Earthquake areas --------

Estuarine studies --------

Fills ------- ------

Fires -------------------

Fish------ ---------

Flood areas -------------

Flood plains -------------

Forests -----------------

Gross geologic structures - 

Ice ---------------------

Irrigation networks-------

TABLES

Page

14 

15 

15 

14 

14 

14 

15 

16 

16 

17 

17 

17 

17 

16 

16 

16 

17 

17 

18

Hot springs ----------------------------

iviinci dio cAjji'ji. dLiLJn

Mining --------------------------------

P hysiography --------------------------

Petroleum exploration ------------------

Pollution, land -------------------------

P Dilution, water ------------------------

Radio transmitters ---------------------

R o il-rnarla _ _ - --

Page

18

19

19

19

18

19

19

19

19

19

20

20

20

21

21

20

21

21

21

III
IV

Rangelands --------

Roads-------------

Rock types --------

Sand and gravel pits 

Sea state----------

Sewage processing - 

Shorelines ---------

Siphons -----------

Snow pack ---------

Page

22

23

22

22

23

23

23

23

23

Soil----- ---

Stream channels 

Storm effects --- 

Vehicles -------

Vessels --------

Wakes ---------

Water -------

Wells - 

Page

24

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26
Sensor Detection Capabilities Study

By John E. Wilson

INTRODUCTION AND RATIONALE

The present state of remote sensing technology is the 

result of a large number of investigations concerning the use of both imaging and nonimaging sensor 

devices to detect and analyze various phenomena. This 

report summarizes results of a study in which 10 of 

those sensors were investigated and rated on their 

effectiveness in identifying characteristics of 98 earth 

resources targets.

Other investigations have not previously been correlated in a single document to summarize the relative 

capabilities of each sensor, applied to specific ground 

targets. In this study, the capabilities of each sensor 

have been listed and rated, in decreasing order of effectiveness from 1 to 8, through comparative analysis 

of sensor records. A project may require the use of one 

or more remote sensing devices, and the earth scientist 

is then confronted with the problem of instrument selection. Four major variables which affect the selection 

of an appropriate sensor are:

1. Target and background identity.

2. Sensor availablility.

3. Sensor capabilities and characteristics.

4. Data collection system economics.

Other variables are:

1. Time of day.

2. Longitude.

3. Cloud cover.

4. Precipitation.

5. Dust, smoke, fog.

6. "Look" angle.

7. Sun angle.

8. Weather history.

Consequently, the earth scientist with only a basic 

knowledge of remote sensing is confused by the detail 

required to make a confident selection of a system for 

a given research program.

METHODOLOGY

A list of earth science targets was first proposed, 

sufficient in number to allow for study depth and diversity, while maintaining a manageable number of indicator objects to satisfy the different users of those 

sensing devices. That list was submitted to Geological 

Survey personnel for study, additions, and deletions, 

and the modified list was accepted for project use. A 

mission was then evolved with multiple flightlines to 

provide sensor records for a majority of the listed objects. The flight mission (NASA Mission 73) utilized 

sensing devices that spanned a significant part of the 

electromagnetic spectrum from ultraviolet through 

airborne radar, and sensor redundance was provided 

whenever possible.

From the resultant images and signals, data sets 

were compiled. These sets, one for each target, normally consisted of one or more presentations of that 

target with representative data from each sensor. In 

addition to analyzing these data, a library search was 

made, and several Government agencies were visited, 

to view other pertinent multisensor images. Sensor 

records that were viewed and rated included:

1. Black and white photography.

2. Color photography.

3. Infrared (IR) color photography.

4. Black and white infrared photography.

5. 2- to 4-micron thermal infrared imagery.

6. 8- to 14-micron thermal infrared imagery.

7. Side-looking radar (SLAR) imagery.

8. Electro-optical (television) imagery.

9. Imaging microwave imagery.

10. Nonimaging scatterometer data.

Black and white photography as rated here includes 

multiband photography. Such photographic and electrooptical devices are evaluated as if the optimum filter 

for a given task was used.
The selection of the most appropriate airborne or 

spaceborne device for a given survey has become progressively more difficult with the development and (or) 

improvement of sensor systems. In past years, this 

selection was restricted to an airborne camera and 

panchromatic film. Present technology poses a choice 

among many instruments. Some of the newer sensors 

do not form an image but return an electric signal 

which varies in amplitude as changes in the target are 

encountered. All of the electromagnetic sensors record object reflectance, absorption, or radiation in 

wavelengths from 400 millimicrons to nearly 1.5 centimeters. Representative imagery produced by these 

sensors is shown in figures 1 through 7.

The quality determinations set forth in this report 

are subjective and are based on images derived from 

aircraft mounted sensors. Where a sensor is not rated, 

no capability is presumed to exist. The ranking of sensors by a succession of numbers does not imply that 

the higher rated sensors will accomplish any given detection task with precision and quality. The ratings 

are strictly relative; the detection capabilities of one 

sensor system are compared with another for each individual target.

No consideration is given here to those variables 

which affect sensor performance. Instead, performance ratings are based on the supposed optimum conditions existing at the time each target-is sensed. 

Camouflage caused by rain, fog, and clouds can change 

detection probabilities, and the probability and direction of such changes should be considered in sensor 

selection.

The attached evaluation sheets are arranged in al- 

. phabetical order of the selected targets. The numbers 

represent the order of capability for the rated sensor 

to function successfully in detecting and identifying the 

target object under study. Where no capability order 

is shown, no detection-recognition capability exists 

at present.

Because this report concludes that photographs of 

one type or another offer the greater remote sensing 

capability in most instances, it would appear appropriate to define the camera systems utilized. Performance evaluations are for low altitude (daylight), high 

altitude (daylight), and low altitude (night) conditions. 

Low altitude is presumed to include altitudes between 

1,000 and 5,000 feet, while high altitude is based on a 

presumed altitude anywhere between 10 miles and 100 

miles. Night data are given only for a presumed low 

altitude platform since no currently available infrared 

set or radar systems would yield useful data from orbital or extreme flight altitudes on targets under consideration in this report.

All low altitude evaluations are based on high quality, 

commercially available framing cameras, while the 

high altitude (or satellite) platform envisions theuse 

of a hypothetical system capable of a 10-foot ground 

resolution. The practicality of such ground resolution 

has been extrapolated from performances achieved by 

use of commercially available components at far lower 

altitudes.

INTERNAL ACCURACY DETERMINATION

Performance data for all of the sensor-target combinations were assembled in a matrix. The matrix was 

then reviewed for internal contradictions. When such 

contradictions were found, target and sensor relationships and characteristics were reviewed; new performance judgments were derived when indicated; and 

the new data were examined in the framework of the 

accuracy matrix.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS

Of the 98 targets considered in thi s evaluation, 89 

indicated that a photographic system held the greatest 

promise of object detection. Infrared, side-looking 

radar, scatterometer, and passive microwave each 

were capable of significant contributions over one or 

more of the listed targets.

Sensor evaluation indicated little spaceborne capability for extant devices other than photography. This 

is not to be construed as a condemnation of such sensors; rather, it reflects the need for continuing sensor 

improvement and continued investigation into the uses 

of "as is" imagery.

SELECTED REFERENCES

Beatty, F. D., Beccasio, A. D., Becker, E. S., Brodie, 

R. A., Holmes, R. F., Simons, J. H., and Powers, 

Richard, 1965, Geoscience potentials of sidelooking radar: Alexandria, Va., Autometric Facility, Raytheon Corp., 90 p.

Cameron, H. L., 1961, Interpretation of high altitude 

small-scale photography: Canadian Surveyor, v. 15, 

no. 10, p. 567-573.

Cantrell, J. L., 1964, Infrared geology: Photogramm. 

Eng., v. 30, no. 6, p. 916-941.

Chow, V. T., ed., 1954, Handbook of applied hydrology: 

New York, McGraw-Hill Book Co., 29 sec.

Cronin, J. F., 1967, Terrestrial multispectral photography: Cambridge, Mass., U.S. Air Force Cambridge Research Lab., Spec. Rept. 56.

Dellwig, L. F., and Moore, R. K., 1966, The Geological value of simultaneously produced like- and 

cross-polarized radar imagery: Jour. Geophys. 

Research, v. 71, No. 14, p. 3597-3601.

Hannah, L. D., and others, 1964, The Experimental 

evaluation of multisensor intelligence systems: 

Pittsburgh, Pa., Am. Inst. for Research, Tech. Doc. 

Rept.-64-l60, 137 p.

Holmes, R. F., and Footen, J. J., 1968, Selected bibliography of the terrain sciences: Alexandria, Va., 

Autometric Facility, Raytheon Corp., 39 p.

Holter, D. E., 1963, Contrast enhancement of military 

targets by spectral filtering: Redstone Arsenal, 

Ala., U.S. Army Missile Command, Rept. TR 63-3, 

32 p.

International Business Machines Corporation, 1968, 

Sensor definition study: Bethesda, Md., Internat. 

Business Machines Corp., 145 p., App. I, 188p.

Landen, David, 1963, Photo interpretation of ice and 

snow features in Antarctica: Symposium on photo
interpretation, Delft, Netherlands 1963, Proc. v. 

14, p. 367-373.

Morain, S. A., and Simonett, D. S., 1967, K-band radar 

in vegetation mapping: Photogramm. Eng., v. 33, 

no. 7, p. 730.

Polytechnical Institute of Brooklyn, 1965, The Microwave Institute programs: New York, Brooklyn 

Polytech. Inst., Kept. R-452.27.65, 143 p.

Rome Air Development Center, 1963, Optimized coherent optical receiver techniques: Rome, N. Y., 

Rome Air Devel. Center, Tech. Rept. TDR-63-490, 

22 p.

___1963, Rapid identification and interpretation 

techniques: Rome, N. Y., Rome Air Devel. Center, 

Rept. TDR-63-421, 107 p.

___1965, The Compilation of representative sensor 

imagery: Rome, N. Y., Rome Air Devel. Center, 

Rept. TR-64-555, 51 p.

Simpson, R. B., 1966, Radar as a geographic tool: 

Assoc. Am. Geographers Annals, v. 56, no. 1, 

p. 80-96.

Sridas, S., 1966, Interpretation and mapping of rural 

land from air photographs in Ceylon: Photogrammetria, v. 21, no. 3, p. 77-82.

Theurer, Charles, 1969, Color and infrared experimental photography for coastal mapping, Photogramm. Eng., v. 25, no. 4, p. 565-569.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1965, Earth Resources 

Surveys from Spacecraft: Ft. Belvoir, Va., U.S. 

Army Corps, of Engineers, prepared for Natl. Aeronautics and Space Adm., 2 v.

Van Steenburgh, R. P., 1963, Flight evaluation of the 

RCA image amplifier camera for night aerial reconnaissance: Long Island City, N. Y., Aeroflex 

Labs., Inc., Rept. ASD-TDR 62-992, 62 p.

Walters, R. L., 1968, Radar bibliography forgeoscientists: Lawrence, Kansas Univ. Center for 

Research, Rept. 61-30, 28 p.

Whittenburg, J. A., 1964, Effects of target-ground 

parameters on target identification: Human Factors 

Research and Development, 10 Ann. Conf., Oct. 

1964, Proc., p. 101-109.

Wilburn, D. K., 1965, Spectra notebook volume I, Material, targets, and background data: U.S. Army 

Tank Automotive Center, Tech. Rept. 8863, 63 p.

Wobber, F. J., 1968, Environmental studies using 

Gemini photography: Bethesda, Md., Internat. 

Business Machines Corp., Tech. Rept. 48-68-002.

FIGURES 1-7
Figure 1. A conventional black and white aerial photograph. Such photography can have

high geometric fidelity.
such
Figure 3. A typical nine lens multiband camera exposure. Object density differences in the 

nine selectively filtered photographs can aid in object recognition.
Figure 4. A negative image from a scanning infrared system flown during darkness. A cold 

river in the foreground and cold swamplands at the top are both displayed here as white.
Figure 5. This low-altitude radar image of Portland, Oreg., displays the system's inability 

to provide information on any but very large objects.

10
Figure 6. Imaging passive microwave displays various surface temperatures of 

the Salton Sea as changing levels of 

gray.

11
Figure 7. This image was produced by a line scanning electro-optical system. The resultant 

quality is very close to that of a conventional camera system.

12
TABLES
[Ground resolution requirements are given in 

and night) are between 1,000 and 5,000 feet; 

miles. The numerical ranking of sensors is in 

highest rank (1) does not imply precision and

Target identification requirements

Airfields

Sensor

Location 

(100 ft)

Runway analysis 

(25 ft) 1

Support facilities 

(10 ft or better) 2

Infrared (IR) color photography----- 

Black and white infrared

2- to 4-micron thermal infrared

8- to 14-micron thermal infrared

Side-looking radar (SLAR) imagery--- 

Electro-optical (television)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1 

2 4 

3 2

4 3 

6 1

7 2 

8 3

5 5

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1 

2 U3 2

4 3

6 1

7 2 

8 3

5 5

Daylight

Low

1 

2 

3

7

6

5

High

1 

4 

2

3

5

Night

2

1

Length, bearing, and taxiway 

pattern.

2 Hangars, POL storage, parking aprons, and 

control facilities.

Target identification requirements Continued

Canals

(absorption and 

shape)

Sensor

Cemeteries 

(total area, vegtation, and 

road network)

Crops

Bush

(5 by 5 ft, regularity)

Daylight Night Daylight Night Daylight Night 

Low High Low High Low High

Black and white photography ---- -

Color photography--- ----------------

Infrared (IR) color photography- ----

Black and white infrared

photography------------- ---_____

2- to 4-micron thermal infrared

photography----- - --- ------

8- to 14-micron thermal infrared

photography----- ------ ________

Side-looking radar (SLAR) imagery

Electro-optical (television)

imag e ry- --------------------------

Imaging microwave imagery-----------

Non imag ing scatt erometer -_---_____

2

4

1

3

7

6

8

5

1 3

4 2

2 1

3 4

2 6

1 7

3

5 5

1

4

2

3

1

2

5

2

4

1

3

7

6

5

1

4

2

3

5

2

1

14
parentheses. Low altitude evaluations (daylight 

high altitude (daylight only), between 10 and 100 

decreasing order of effectiveness, but even the 

optimum quality]

Target identification requirements Continued

Archeology site lo 

cation 

(various, moderate differentiation)

Daylight Night

Low High

3 1 

2 

1 2

4 3 

5 4

-

Construction Deck material 

detail (tone and 

(1 ft) texture)

Daylight Night Daylight Night

Low High Low High

11 11 

2 2 4 

32 42

4 3 33 

7 2 

6 1

54 55

Bridges

Length and width 

(10 ft or better)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1 

2 4 

3 2

4 3 

6 1 

7 2

5 5

Location within 

transportation 

network 

(50 ft)

Daylight

Low High

1 1 

2 4 

3 2

4 3 

7

6

8

5 5

Night

2

1 

3

Target identification requirements Continued

Crops Continued

Cereal 

(texture, tone, 

and engineered 

field shape)

Daylight Night

Low

3

2

1

4

7

6

High

1

5

2

3

2

1

Forage 

(texture, tone, 

time of year, 

and IR reflectance)

Daylight Night

Low High

2 1

4 5

1 3

3 4

6 1

7 2

Orchard 

(20 ft, regular 

spacing)

Daylight Night

Low High

3 1

4 4

1 2

2 3

6 1

7 2

Dams

Vine and (or) power 

(4- by 100-ft distribution 

lines) system)

Daylight Night Daylight Night

Low

4

1

2

3

High

1

5

2

3

Low

2

4

1

3

7

6

High

1

4

2

3

2

1

15
Target identification requirements Continued

Sensor

Infrared (IR) color photography- --

Black and white infrared

2- to 4-micron thermal infrared

8- to 14-micron thermal infrared

Side-looking radar (SLAR) imagery--- 

Electro-optical (television)

Dams or ponds , 1 

acre minimum 

(100 ft, stream 

pattern)

Daylight Night

Low High

3 1 

1 2 

2 3 

7 2 

6 1

5 5

Drainage systems 

(linear patterns)

Daylight Night

Low High

3 1 

1 2 

2 3 

7 2

6 1 

8

5 5

Earthquake areas 

(faults, slumps, 

shears, and 

shorelines)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1 

2 2 

3 3 

6 1 

7 2

5 5

Target identification requirements Continued

Sensor

Black and white infrared

2- to 4-micron thermal infrared

8- to 14-micron thermal infrared

Side-looking radar (SLAR) imageryElectro-optical (television)

Flood areas 

(limits)

Daylight Night

Low High

3 1 

4 4 

1 2

2 3 

7 2

6 1 

10

8 63 

5 5 

9

Flood plains, definition 

(shorelines, refuse lines, relief)

Daylight Night

Low High

2 2 

3 4 

4 3

1 1 

7 2

6 1 

8 3

5 5

Forests

Forest areas 

(texture, tone)

Daylight Night

Low High

4 1 

3 4 

1 2

2 3

6 1

7 2 

8 3

10 5 

5 5

9 U

16
Target identification requirements Continued

Estuarine studies

(tone, absorption, solar 

flares, and 

shorelines)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1

2 4

3 3

4 5

7 2

6 1

8 3

5 2

Fill

(tone, shadow, 

and temperature differences)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1

2

3 3

4 2

6 1

7 2

5 4

Fire

(gross thermal differences)

Daylight Night

Low High

6 4

4 1

5 2

3 3

2 2

1 1

7 53

Firelanes

(linear clearings 

and fire trails)

Daylight Night

Low High

3 1

1 3

2 2

4 4

7 2

6 1

5 5

Fish schools

(surface turbulence, fish 

oils)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1

2

4

3

5 2

Target identification requirements Continued

Conifer 3

Daylight Night

Low High

4 1

3 4

1 2

2 3

6 1

7 2

5 5

8 3

Forests Continued

Deciduous 3

Daylight Night

Low High

4 1

3 4

1 2

2 3

6 1

7 2

5 5

8 3

Mixed species 3

Daylight Night

Low High

4 1

3 4

1 2

2 3

6 1

7 2

5 5

8 3

Gross geologic Ice

Ice pack conditions

Daylight Night

Low High

2 1

3 5

5 3

4 2

7 2

8 3

1 ' 1

6 4

Daylight Night

Low High

3 1

1

4 1

2 2

'Texture, tone, photographic IR reflectance, and season of the year.

17
Sensor

Target identification requirements Continued

Ice Continued Irrigation networks High-voltage lines 

 (dams, canals, (poles, footers. 

Ice pack distri- and agriculture clearing acbution in an arid cli- tivity, and 

mate) insulators)

Daylight Night Daylight _ Night Daylight Night 

Low High Low High Low High

Black and white photography---------

Color photography---- ---------------

Infrared (IR) color photography-----

Black and white infrared

pho t o gr aphy- ----------------------

2- to 4-micron thermal infrared

photography--------- -------_____

8- to -4-micron thermal infrared

pho to gr aphy- - ---------------------

Side-looking radar (SLAR) imagery---

Electro-optical (television)

imagery--------- ------------------

Imaging microwave imagery-----------

Nonimaging sc atterometer--- ---------

2

1

3

4

7

6

8

9

5

1

4

3

2

7 2

6 1

8 3

9 4

5

3

4

1

2

7

6

5

3

4

1

2

2

1

5

1

2

3

4

7

8

6

3

5

1

5

2

3

4

2

3

I

Target identification requirements Continued

Land use Continued

Sensor

Recreation

(total area, road

network, game

fields, camp

areas, water)

Residential 

(20- by 20-ft 

buildings, 

road network)

Low-voltage lines 

(poles, lines, 

clearing)

Daylight Night Daylight Night Daylight Night

Low High Low High Low High

Black and white photography---------

Color photography----- --------------

Infrared (IR) color photography-----

Black and white infrared

photography- ----------------------

2- to 4-micron thermal infrared

photography- ----------------------

8- to 14-micron thermal infrared

photography----------- ------------

Side-looking radar (SLAR) imagery---

Electro-optical (television)

imagery--------------- ------------

Imaging microwave imagery-----------

Nonimaging scatterometer-- ----------

2

1

3

4

6

7

8

5

1

4

2

3

1

2

3

5

1

2

3

4

6

7

8

5

1

4

2

3

1

2

5

1 1

2

4

3

5

18
Target identification requirements Continued

Hot springs

(temperature variation of . 5° ,

salt deposits)

Daylight Night

Low High

4 1

5

6 2

7

2 2

1 1

3 3

Lakes

(40 acres and

larger)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1

2 3

3 2

4 4

7 72

6 61

8 83

9 94

5 5

Commercial

(40- by 80-ft

buildings ,

parking

areas )

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1

3 4

2 2

4 3

6 1

7 2

8 3

5 5

Land use

Industrial

(40- by 80-ft

buildings ,

storage areas ,

railspurs)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1

2 4

3 2

4 3

6 3

7 1

8 2

5 5

Institutional

(60- by 100 ft

buildings )

Daylight Night

Low High

2 1

1 4

3 2

4 3

6 1

7 2

8 3

5 5

Target identification requirements Continued

Linearities

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1

3 4

4 3

2 2

6 1

7 2

8 3

5 5

Minerals exploration

(roads, tailing

piles, small

buildings ,

trenching)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1

3 5

4 3

2 2

6 1

7 2

8 3

5 4

Mining activities

(roads, tailings,

support buildings, railways)

Daylight Night

Low High

2 1

1 4

3 2

4 3

6 1

7 2

5 5

Outcroppings

Daylight Night

Low High

2 1

1

4 4

3 2

5 3

Physiography

(100 ft)

Daylight Night

Low High

2 1

4

5 4

3 2

8 3

7 2

1 1

6 3

9 4

19
Sensor

Target identification requirements Continued

Pipelines Petroleum explora- Pollution 

(clearing activi- tion 

ty, pump sta- (roads, drill Air 

tions, stream pads, towers, 

crossings) settling ponds) Source

(2 ft, temperature 

variation)

Daylight Night

Infrared (IR) color photography----- 

Black and white infrared

2- to 4-micron thermal infrared

8- to 14-micron thermal infrared

Side-looking radar (SLAR) imagery--- 

Electro-optical (television)

Low

1 

3 

4

2 

6

7 

8

5

High

1 

4 

3

2

6 1

7 2 

8 3

5

Daylight Night

Low High

2 

1 

3

4 

6

7 

8

5

1 

4 

2

3

1

2 

3

5

Daylight

Low High

1 

4 

6

5 

3 

2

7

Night

2 

1

Target identification requirements Continued

Pollution Continued

Water Continued

Sensor Identity 5 Source

(tone, temperature)

Power generation 

(building shape, 

stacked fuel 

storage, 

switch yards, 

powerlines, 

heat)

Daylight Night

Infrared (IR) color photography----- 

Black and white infrared

2- to 4-micron thermal infrared

8- to 14-micron thermal infrared

Side-looking radar (SLAR) imagery--- 

Electro-optical (television)

Low

3

1 

2

4 

7 

6

5

High

2 

5

1

3 

2 

1

4

Daylight Night

Low High

3 1 

1 

2

4 

7 2

6 1

5

Daylight

Low Hi

1 

2 

3

4 

6

7 

8

5

gh

1 

4 

2

3 

6 

7

5

Night

1

2 

3

'Gross identity only; that is, chemical pollution, thermal pollution, and sedimentation.

20
Target identification requirements Continued

Pollution Continued

Air Continued Land

Distribution 

(tone changes) 1*

Daylight Night

Low High

2 1 

1 2

3 3

"*Not an established

Relative density Identity Location 

(tone gradation) 1* (10 ft, tempera- (50 to 100 ft) 

ture reflectivity)

Daylight Night Daylight Night Daylight Night

Low High Low High Low High

21 31 21 

12 13 14 

22 32

44 43 

7 27 2

6 16 1 

8 38 3

33 55 55

capability.

Water

Distribution 

(tone, temperature)

Daylight Night

Low High

2 1 

1 2 

3 3

4 4 

7 2 

6 1

5 5

Target identification requirements Continued

Quarries 

(deep excavation, 

road or rail 

services, handling equipment)

Daylight Night

Low High

2 1 

1 4 

3 2

4 3 

6 1

7 2 

8 3

Radio transmit- Railroads

(antennas, foot- Track gauge Location 

ings, clear- (12 in. or better) (25 ft, curve 

ings) radii)

Daylight Night Daylight Night Daylight Night

Low High Low High Low High

11 

244 

11 11 

323 

34 

43

432 22 

7 27 28 3

8 38 37 2

6 16 16 1

Switches 

(1 ft for confirmation, presence 

implied at 10 

ft)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1 

2 

3

4

21
Target identification requirements Continued

Railroads Continued

Sensor

System sophistication

(control structures, laybys, 

signal spacing, 1 to 100 

ft)

Trackage 

(10 ft or better)

Rangelands 

(lack of linearities, gross 

area, photographic IR reflectance)

Infrared (IR) color photography----- 

Black and white infrared

2- to 4-micron thermal infrared

8- to 14-micron thermal infrared

Side-looking radar (SLAR) imagery--- 

Electro-optical (television)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1 

2 

3

4 2 

7 2

6 1 

8

5

Daylight Night

Low High

1 

2 

3

7

6

5

1 

3 

2

4 

2 

1

5

Daylight

Low High

3 1 

2 4 

1 2

4 3 

6

7 

8

9 

5 5 

10

Night

1

2 

3

4

Target identification requirements Continued

Sensor

Roads Continued

Width 

(5 ft)

Rock types Sand and gravel

pits

(excavation, conveyors, classifiers, stock 

piles)

Daylight Night Daylight Night Daylight Night 

Low High Low High Low High

Black and white photography- -- --

Color photography-------- ---------

Infrared (IR) color photography-----

Black and white infrared

photography- ----------------------

2- to 4-micron thermal infrared

photography- ----------------------

8- to 14-micron thermal infrared

photography- --------------------

Side-looking radar (SLAR) imagery -

Electro-optical (television)

imagery---------------- ______ _

Imaging microwave imagery-----------

Non imaging scatterometer- -----------

1

3

4

2

5

1

4

3

2

5

2

1

3

4

6

7

8

5

1

4

2

3

1

2

5

4

1

2

3

6

7

5

1

4

2

3

5

1

2

22
Target identification requirements Continued

Roads

Barriers

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1

2 4

3 2

4 3

6 1

5 5

Constriction 

(10 ft)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1

2 5

3 3

4 2

6 1

7 2

8 3

5 4

Roadcuts

Daylight Night

Low High

3 1

1 3

2 2

4 4

6 1

7 2

5 5

B Multiband and multisensor records preferred to single

Geographic location

(25 ft)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1

2 4

3 3

4 2

8 3

7 2

6 1

5 5

sensor output.

Surface material 

(tones) 6

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1

2

4 4

3 3

5 2

Target identification requirements Continued

Sea state 

CIO ft or better, 

reflected signal intensity)

Daylight Night

Low High

2 2

4

5

3

9 4

8 3

7 2

10

6 3

1 11

Sewage processing 

(settling ponds, 

thickness, outflow, evident 

pollution)

Daylight Night

Low High

2 1

3 4

1 2

4 3

7 2

6 1

8 3

5 5

Shorelines

Daylight Night

Low High

5 3

4 4

1 1

2 2

7 72

6 61

8 83

9 94

3 5

Siphons 

(canal interruption)

Daylight Night

Low High

2 1

3 4

1 2

4 3

7 2

6 1

8 3

5 5

Snow pack

Conditions

Daylight Night

Low High

1

23
Target identification requirements Continued

Sensor

Infrared (IR) color photography----- 

Black and white infrared

2- to 4-micron thermal infrared

8- to 14-micron thermal infrared

Side-looking radar (SLAR) imagery--- 

Electro-optical (television)

Snow pack Continued

Distribution

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1 

2 4 

3 2

4 3 

7 72 

6 61

8 83 

5 5

Soil

Moisture

Areal distribution

Daylight Night

Low High

3 3 

5 5

1 1

2 2 

6 1 

7 2

8 3 

4 4

Local difference

Daylight

Low High

3 3 

5 5 

1 1

2 2 

6 

7

8 6 

4 4

Night

1 

2

3

Target identification requirements- Continued

Sensor

Infrared (IR) color photography----- 

Black and white infrared

2- to 4-micron thermal infrared

8- to 14-micron thermal infrared

Side-looking radar (SLAR) imagery--- 

Electro-optical (television)

Storm effects 

(visible damage, 

soil moisture, 

stream analysis)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1 

3 4 

2 2

4 3 

7 2 

6 1

8 3 

5 5 

9

Vehicles 

(type) 7 -

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1 

2 

3

4 

6 

7

5

Vessels

Hull 

(15- by 50-ft min)

Daylight Night

Low - High

1 1 

2 4 

3 3

4 2 

6

7 

8

5 5

1

2 

3

7 Truck, sedan, tractor, bus, and so on. Manufacturer and year not specified.

24
Target identification requirements Continued

Soil Continued Stream Channels

Texture

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1

4 5

3 3

2 2

7 2

5 4

6 61

Type Depth Location 

(Water penetration)

Daylight Night Daylight Night Daylight Night

Low High Low High Low High

11 11 31

45 33 13

23 24

32 42

6 1

54 22 55

7 2

Obstructions

Daylight Night

Low High

2 1

1 4

3 2

4 3

5 5

Target identification requirements Continued

Vessels Continued

Wake

(25 ft)

Daylight Night

Low High

1 1

3 4

4 3

2 2

6 1

7 2

Water

Absolute temp- Currents Relative

eratures (surface patterns temperatures

temperature differences )

Daylight Night Daylight Night Daylight Night

Low High Low High Low High

2 1

1 4

3 2

4 3

2 227 722 22

1 116 611 11

Supply and treatment

(settling ponds,

pipelines, pump

and (or) treatment building)

Daylight Night

Low High

2 1

4 4

1 2

3 3

7 2

6 1

8 3

25
Target identification requirements Continued 

Water Continued

Velocity Wells

Sensor (6 in. to 1 ft, (storage tanks,

wakes from lush plant

obstructions) growth)

Daylight Night Daylight Night 

Low High Low High

Black and white photography--------- 11 21

Color photography------------------- 4 14

Infrared (IR) color photography----- 2 32

Black and white infrared

photography----------------------- 3 43

2- to 4-micron thermal infrared

photography----------------------- 7 2

8- to 14-micron thermal infrared

photography----------------------- 6 1

Side-looking radar (SLAR) imagery--- 8 3 

Electro-optical (television)

imagery---------------------------

Imaging microwave imagery----------- 5 55

Nonimaging scatterometer------------

26

All. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 19YO O - 383-820