An Improved Mode of Obtaining Photographic Maps and Earth or Ground Measurements.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 12th May, 1896
Complete Specification Left, 12th Feb., 1897-Accepted, 12th May, 1897
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by ALFRED NOBEL, of 59 Avenue Malakoff, Paris,
in the Republic of France, Chemist.]
An Improved Mode of Obtaining Photographic Maps and Earth or
Ground Measurements.
I ALFRED VINCENT NEWTON of The Office for Patents, 6 Bream's Buildings,
Chancery Lane in the County of London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The object of the present invention is to provide means for taking photographic
images at a great height above the ground, and making such images serve as maps,
useful for telemetric measurements.
The following is a description of the invention as given by its author :-
I provide a balloon, a rocket, a projectile, or missile, of any suitable construction,
with a photographic camera, which, except when carried by a captive balloon, is
provided with a parachute, which at the right moment (as hereinafter explained) is
disjoined from the vehicle which has carried it upwards, and gently descends,
carrying said camera with it. A suitable arrangement of shutter admits and cuts
off, at the right moment, as hereinafter described, the light to the lens.
If a captive balloon serves as the vehicle, the apparatus consists only of a
photographic camera and a suitable arrangement for admitting and cutting off the
fight at the proper time.
If a rocket or projectile is made to carry the camera, it is necessary to provide
also for a parachute arranged on the same plan as those now in use for parachute
light balls, and for disconnecting at the right moment said parachute and said
camera from said rocket or projectile which carries it. Such action can be
regulated by a time fuse, as well as the opening and closing of the shutter, and the
parachute causes the camera to descend gently.
The time fuse or analogous arrangement which has to regulate the opening and
shutting of the camera, acts at the exact moment when the camera and parachute,
which, on getting disconnected from the vehicle, are somewhat unsteady, have
practically ceased to vacillate.
When a balloon is used as the camera carrier, the opening and shutting of the
camera should be so regulated by time fuse or other kind of mechanical or electric
arrangement, has not to take place until said balloon has reached the limit which it
is intended to reach.
In order to obtain a clear image, it is necessary that such image should be taken
when the camera is, as far as practicable, at rest, and especially free from rotatory
motion, which would tend to render very distant objects greatly confused. In
order to make the unavoidable motion of the camera, cloud as little as possible the
image of such distant objects, the opening and shutting of the camera should be as
instantaneous as practically possible.
The negative image obtained is developed in the usual way, and positive images
are taken therefrom. I then proceed to enlarge the image by micro-photography,
or to project, by suitable lenses, an enlarged image on a wall or other well adapted
surface. And in order to make such enlarged images serve as maps, and permit of
telemetric measurements being readily made, I take such enlarged photographs on
sensitized plates or films, or project the aforesaid enlarged images on surfaces,

page_text: which plates, films, or surfaces, have been previously so lined or squared as to
represent equal distances or surfaces of real ground on the enlarged map. These
measures will, however, need correction to compensate the difference of level of
the photographed ground.
It is clear that in order to get accurate measurement, the height at which the
primary image is taken should be accurately known. And moreover it is of
importance that successive images should be taken practically at the same height,
in order not to be obliged to compute cach time the extent of ground which each
square represents on the enlarged image. If such precaution is taken, the aforesaid
squared surfaces may be prepared beforehand, and a large extent of ground can be
mapped within a very short time.
The choice of a proper vehicle for carrying the photographic camera upwards,
will depend on the object in view, the state of the atmosphere, and various
other circumstances. The easiest mode is by a captive balloon, since the height
above the ground is easily ascertained, and easily equalized for each image taken,
and since no parachute and no disconnection of the photographic camera is needed.
But in windy weather a captive balloon, whatever bc its form, is apt to be unsteady,
and by influencing the camera, to displace the lens from its perpendicular position.
or turn it more or less upon its axis. In such case, it is well to have recourse to a
rocket or projectile as the vehicle.
A rocket, if accurately charged, can be made to ascend practically with a
determined force, and if provided with a long steering rod or tail, its trajectory
will be very regular, and the height to which it ascends will but slightly vary. A
projectile shot straight upwards from a mortar, has a trajectory still more under
control, and can be sent up to a very great height, which height varies very little
with a constant charge, and is easily computed by measuring the time between its
firing and its striking the ground.
A rocket or a projectile may be provided with a parachute and photographic
camera, which, by means of a time fuse and proper mechanical arrangement, may
be disconnected at the computed moment from said rocket or projectile. A simple
time fuse or suitable mechanical contrivance will then regulate, at the proper
moment, the opening and shutting of the camera, and the parachute gently descends,
carrying with it the camera and image which is then being developed.
From the description herein given, it will be understood that the mechanical
construction of the apparatus offers no essential difficulty, since the vehicles, para-
chutes, and optic cameras, of which it is composed, are in current use, and since time
fuses and various mechanical devices for keeping time and promoting such dis-
connection as herein described are well known. "But the combination of devices
for the aim and purposes herein described constitutes a feature of perfect novelty.
The aforesaid apparatus will be found useful for military reconnoitring, for land
surveying, and for taking maps or measurements needed for various purposes.
Dated this 12th day of May 1896.
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.
An Improved Mode of Obtaining Photographic Maps and Earth or
Ground Measurements.
I ALFRED VINCENT NEWTON of The Office for Patents, 6 Bream's Buildings,
Chancery Lane in the County of London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be 5
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The object of the present invention is to provide means for taking photographic

page_text: images at a great height above the ground, and making such images serve as maps
and for telemetric purposes.
The following is a description of the invention as given by its author.
I provide a small balloon, a rocket, a projectile, or a missile of any construction,
suitable to be sent to a sufficient height, with a photographic camera, which,
except when carried by a captive balloon or equivalent aerial support, is provided
with a parachute, that, at the suitable moment, as hereinafter explained, is auto-
matically detached from the vehicle or missile carrying it upwards, and gently
descends, carrying with it the said camera. A suitable automatic shutter arrangement
admits and cuts off, at the right moment, as hereinafter described, the light to the
lens.
If a small captive balloon or a kite serves as the vehicle for carrying the camera,
the apparatus consists only of the photographic camera and the automatic shutter
arrangement, which, at the proper time, admits and shuts off the light.
But when a rocket or a projectile is used to carry the camera, a parachute
arranged in the same manner as those now in use for parachute light balls, is
employed to bear up the camera in its descent, when detached from the rocket.
For disconnecting, at the right moment, the parachute with said camera from
the rocket or projectile that carries it, a time action is provided, it being regulated
by a time fuse, as is also the opening and closing of the camera shutter. The
parachute, when opened, ensures the gentle descent of the falling camera, and the
time action for regulating the opening and closing of the shutter, operates as soon
as the descending camera and parachute have practically ceased to vacillate.
In order to obtain a sharp and clear image, it is necessary that the exposure shall
take place when the camera is, as far as practically possible, free from side motions,
and especially from rotary motion, which would tend to confuse distant objects
received on the sensitised plate or film. In order to prevent, as much as possible,
the unavoidably remaining motion from clouding the image, the exposure should be
as short as practicable.
The negative image thus obtained is developed in the usual way, and positive
transparent images taken from it. I then proceed to enlarge such positive image
by projecting it, with suitable lenses or an enlarging camera, on a wall, or on a
prepared surface. And in order to make such enlarged pictures serve as maps,
and permit of telemetric measurements being readily made I project said enlarged
images on sensitised surfaces, as films, plates, or paper, which have been previously
so ruled, or square ruled, as to represent, by the distance between the lines, or by
the size of the squares, equal distances or surfaces of real ground on the enlarged
map. These distances or measurements may, however, require corrections for the
difference in level of the photographed ground.
It is clear, that, in order to get accurate measurements, or to enlarge the image
to a certain scale, either the height, at which the exposure is made, or else the
distance between two places showing in the map, must be accurately known, the
latter being by far the most practicable. With the precaution, the surface which
is to receive the enlarged image may be previously prepared by ruling or cross-
ruling to any desired scale, the image being enlarged to suit this scale. Thus, a
large extent of ground can be mapped within a very short time.
This method can also be used for height measurements by taking successive
images at different heights, when the difference in the angles of vision will furnish
data for computing the heights of different objects shewing on the maps.
The choice of vehicle for carrying the photographic camera upwards, will
depend on the objects to be mapped in, the state of the atmosphere, and sundry
other circumstances, such as the means most ready to hand, &c. The simplest
arrangement is a small captive balloon, as it allows an easy and accurate adjustment
of the height, and because no parachute, and no arrangement for detaching the
camera, is needed. But in windy weather, a captive balloon, whatever be its form,
is apt to be unsteady, and cause the camera to vacillate, or to turn upon its axis,
thus clouding the image received onto the sensitised surface.

page_text: Besides this disadvantage, the retaining cord will always shew, and disfigure
the picture. In most cases, therefore, a rocket or a projectile will be found more
suitable.
A rocket, if accurately charged and well balanced, can be made to ascend
practically to a determined height, and in a regular trajectory. A projectile shot
straight upwards from a mortar, has a trajectory still more under control, and can
be sent up to a great height, closely regulated by the charge in the mortar, such
height being capable of easy computation by observing the time between the firing
of the projectile and its striking the ground.
The rocket or the projectile, as the case may be, is provided with a photographic
camera connected to a parachute. These appliances, by means of a time fuse, or
other time action in connection with suitable mechanical or other arrangement,
may be detached, at a calculated moment, from the rocket or projectile, and allowed
to fall to earth.
A second time fuse, or time action, in connection with a suitable mechanical (or
other) contrivance, will then, at the proper moment, effect a momentary exposure
of the sensitised film, the parachute with the camera gently descending with the
image, which subsequently is to be developed.
Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates the mode of fitting a rocket with
a camera and with a parachute, and Figs. 2 and 3 show, in plan and sectional
elevation, details of the means for opening and closing, at the right moment, the
camera shutter.
a is the rocket shell, to the bottom of which is fitted a plug b, having a central
hole communicating with a conical hollow or space c in the driving composition d
inserted in and filling the case. The gases generated by the combustion of the
driving composition escape, as usual, from the bottom of the shell. e is a block
which fits the rocket shell gas-tight, & is pierced at the centre with a fine hole
leading to a recess in the upper face of the block, which recess is charged with
gun cotton, for the purpose to be presently explained. Seated on this block, and
fitting tightly into the rocket shell, is a tube containing the camera. This tube
is closed at bottom by a removable plug 9, which serves to confine the gun-cotton
in the recess of the block e. On the explosion of the gun cotton, the plug g
receives an impulse from the ignited charge sufficient to drive out the tube f, and
detach it from the rocket shell. This plug g is open at the centre to receive a
lens h, which is covered by a spring shutter i. In the tube f above the lens,
is fitted a cross partition for carrying a sensitive film k, and above the partition is
a chamber for containing a folded parachute l, which is made fast to the partition
by a short line or cord.
which
The parachute chamber is closed at top by a hollow conical cap m containing an
explosive, and underlying this cone, which fits tightly upon the tube f, is a loose
disc n,
serves to protect the parachute from the fire of the explosive in
the cap m.
The parachute and cap are temporarily connected by a cord, which serves to
draw out the parachute from its chamber, when the cap charge is exploded.
Leading down from the cap m to the chamber in the plug e, or, it may be,
to the driving charge d, is a time fuse o, which, when the gun cotton in the
chamber of the plug e, or the driving charge d, is fired, conducts the fire to the
explosive in the cap m, and, igniting it at the proper moment, causes it to throw off
the cap and disc, and free the parachute, which expanding, will support the camera
in the air, and allow it to fall gently to the ground.
The shutter i, fitted to the plug g, is provided with a time action, & auitable
mechanical contrivance for operating it for producing instantaneous exposure, after
the manner of the "snap "
cameras.
This will be understood by reference to Figs. 2 & 3, where i is the shutter
(which is shewn in Fig. 2 in its set or starting position) pivotted at on the
plug g, carrying the lens h. The shutter i is segment-shaped, and pierced with
a hole, which is capable of being brought into coincidence with the central

page_text: opening in the plug g containing the lens h, when acting under the impelling force
of a spring .
9 is a lever catch pivotted on the plug g, and designed to bear against the edge
of the segment-shaped shutter, and enable it to resist the pressure of the spring.
To this end, the tail of the lever g is held fast by a thread of gun cotton ql attached
to a'stud 2. Connected with this cord, is a time fuse q³, which is led along the plug g,
to meet the external fuse o before mentioned.
It will now be understood that when the rocket is fired, and the external fuse o is
consequently ignited, the time-fuse will, as the rocket ascends, take fire, and
will, at the proper moment, ensure the destruction of the gun cotton thread g'.
This secures the instant release of the shutter i, which, under the impulse of its
spring, brings the opening in the shutter into momentary coincidence with the
lens h, and ensures the reception onto the sensitive plate k (at the proper inoment)
of the underlying picture.
p is a pair of crossed wings that may be used instead of the ordinary wooden rod
for steering and balancing the rocket.
On firing such rocket after the driving composition d is consumed, the gun-
cotton is ignited through the central hole in the plug e, and ejects the camera.
Simultaneously, or nearly so, by the fuse o, the charge in the cap m is fired, thereby
throwing off the cap and developing the parachute. After a few moments, sufficient
to allow the camera to attain a steady descending motion, the shutter i, by the
fuse or time action before mentioned operating it, is opened and shut, giving a
momentary exposure to the sensitised surface k. After this action, the camera
descends gently, is picked up, and the picture is developed, when it is ready to be
utilised as described.
This arrangement may be varied in its details, and is only described as an example,
illustrating the principles embodied in my invention.
The apparatus and arrangements hereinbefore described will be found of great use
for military reconnoitring, for land surveying, and for taking maps and measurements
needed for various purposes.
Having now particularly described as ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
from abroad, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. An apparatus for making photographic maps, consisting of a suitable carrier,
as a small balloon, a rocket, a projectile, or the like, a photographic camera with
or without a parachute, a time action suitable to disconnect, at a given moment, the
camera and parachute from the carrier, and another time action suitable for
operating, at the proper time, the shutter of the camera, substantially as and for
the purpose described.
2. The method of making photographic maps, to a suitable scale, consisting in
taking a picture with the apparatus described in above claim, and subsequently
enlarging such picture to the desired scale, as above set forth.
Dated this 12th day of February 1897.
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.