From Mapping to Measuring with the Analytical Stereoplotter

The analytical stereoplotter is a modern mapping tool, usually acquired by photogrammetric organizations with a history of providing clients with topographic maps. However, the analytical stereoplotter is much more than a mapping device. It is an extremely versatile and powerful system for extracting measurements from images. The exploitation of system measuring capabilities by a traditional mapping organization is hampered by biases and mind‐sets of personnel with only a mapping background. This presents barriers that must first be recognized and appreciated if they are to be overcome. Several of these barriers that have been identified while integrating a modern analytical plotter into a mapping group are discussed. The changing needs of the clients and the obstacles to meeting those needs are also described.