Mini-Format Remote Sensing for Civil Engineering

Information (data) acquisition is an important part of civil engineering practice, especially in the preparation of environmental impact assessments. The mini-format remote sensing system is used to gather on-site data by exposures of both color and color infrared films for site condition identification and interpretation using two hand-held 35-mm cameras (50-mm lenses) mounted with a mechanism to trip the cameras' shutters simultaneously. Photography is taken from an open door or window of a single engine aircraft at an altitude of 500-1,000 ft. The interpretation may be accomplished by projecting the color and color infrared slides, side by side, on two screens or using an 8x magnifier and viewing the slides on a light table; thus observations and analyses are made of vegetation vigor, disease or stress, drainage problems, slope stability, landslide susceptible terrain, reclaimed land progress, locations of abandoned mines and field tile, pavement deterioration, water quality, and wetland and natural resources classifications.