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Source: http://astimage.daps.dla.mil/docimages/0000/26/72/108527.PD6

ASCC
AIR STD 80/15
27 March 1992
Superseding
AIR STD 101/8B
27 July 1988

AIR STANDARD 80/15

MINIMUM RESOLVED OBJECT SIZES

FOR IMAGERY INTERPRETATION

AIR STANDARDIZATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE

Distribution Statement C
Distribution authorized to U.S. Government agencies and their contractors for administrative or operational use. Other requests for this document shall be referred to HQ USAF/XOXX(ISO) Washington D.C. 20330-5058

CHANGE LIST

Change No. | Change Date | By Whom Amended | Date | Signature

Protection of Proprietary Right: Release of technical information included in this AIR STD, for any purpose whatsoever, should be accompanied by the following statement: Proprietary Rights The receipt of the present information does not in any way constitute a license to utilize proprietary technical information that might be disclosed herein.

Claims to proprietary rights included in this information and known to the originating government are as follows:

Subject .................................... .................................... | Claimant .................................... ....................................

Notes:

1. The indications given in the above list do not exempt all those who would be led to use the present information from the obligation of verifying the completeness of this list. It is the responsibility of such users to ensure that no other proprietary rights apply to the present information and complete with third parties (whether governments or individuals) any agreements which may be necessary in respect of the use of the information.

2. The restrictions concerning the above stated proprietary rights in respect of the technical information herein contained should be clearly indicated by all national and international authorities or any individuals on releasing the whole or part of the information for any purpose whatsoever. (To this end, the present statement under the title "Proprietary Rights* should be attached to every release of the technical information herein contained).

3. Proprietary rights are to be understood in the broadest sense as covering rights in "know-how" as well as rights in inventions not yet patented and rights in patents, design, trade marks, utility models and copyrights.

TERMS OF AGREEMENT

1 . Object. The purpose of this agreement is to specify minimum resolved object sizes required in imagery used for interpretation and technical analysis.

2. Promulgating ASCC Ratifying Statement. Para 4a to ASCC Ratifying Statement dated 27 July 1988 relating to the 24th Meeting of Working Party 101.

3. References:

a. Related ASCC Air Standards. 80/17 (Latest Edition)

b. Other Standardization Agreements. NATO STANAG 3769 (Latest Edition)

c. Other Relevant Documents. Nil.

4. Release. This document will not be released to any government, organization or agency of a non ASCC nation without the expressed approval of the ASCC Management Committee. For conditions governing release within ASCC nations see ASCC Instructions.

5. Agreement. This agreement constitutes a declaration to conform to the provisions expressed herein. No departure therefrom will be made by any participant without prior consultation with the others, except that if unavoidable circumstances make it essential for any nation to take immediate action without prior consultation, the other ASCC nations will be informed as soon as possible.

6. Subscription Status. The Services which have subscribed to this AIR STD are shown in the following table:

NATION | AIR FORCE | NAVY | ARMY
AUSTRALIA | X | X | X
CANADA | X | X | X
NEW ZEALAND | X | X | X
UNITED KINGDOM | X | X | X
UNITED STATES * Custodian | X | X | X

X - Ratified,
R - Ratified with Reservation detailed bellow
N - Not Ratified.

7. Reservations and Implementing Documents.

IMPLEMENTING DOCUMENTS

AS: DI(AF)AAP8310.001
CA: STAND IN 7/84
NZ: NZAP 274 VOL 80
UK: MOD DIS (SP)/71 /1 D/28 Nov 84
US: AFM 200-50, FM 3-999, FM 34-53, NWP 55-7-1

By Authority of:

Chief of Staff, USAF
Chief of Naval Operations, USN
Chief of the Defence Staff, CF
Chief of the Air Staff, RAF
Chief of the Air Staff, RAAF
Chief of the Air Staff, RNZAF

For The Air Standardization Coordinating Committee
Washington, DC, 27 March 1992
1st Mtg WP 80

R. Sword Lieutenant Colonel CF Member ASCC Management Committee
W.K.L. MacGregor Wing Commander RNZAF Member ASCC Management Committee
R.G. Cumming Wing Commander RAF Member ASCC Management Committee
C.A. Beatty, Wing Commander RAAF Member ASCC Management Committee
J.V. Alexander Commander USN Member ASCC Management Committee
B.D. Fulbright Lieutenant Colonel USAF Member ASCC Management Committee

DETAILS OF AGREEMENT

Introduction

8. The participants agree that the accomplishment of specific imagery interpretation tasks is dependent upon the observation of minimum resolved target image detail. A guide to the requisite detail, which is not related to any specific sensor is contained in Annex A.

Definitions.

9. Detection: In imagery interpretation, the discovering of the existence of an object but without recognition of the object.

10. Recognition: The ability to fix the identity of a feature or object on imagery within a group type, ie, tank, aircraft.

11. Identification: The ability to place the identity of a feature or object on imagery as a precise type, ie, T-54 tank, MIG-21J.

12. Technical Analysis: The ability to describe precisely a feature, object or component imaged on film.

Minimum Resolved Object Sizes - Details

13. Bridges.

a. Detection : Location of an image, created by reflection of an object on the ground, astride a land transportation route, traversing a natural barrier. The smallest dimension to detect a bridge of tactical military significance is approximately 6m (20 ft).

b. Recognition: Recognition of a structure distinguishable from the normal roadbed required three-dimensional analysis and associated with a natural barrier (ie stream or depression). General identification within this category is aided by its association with terrain features normally more prominent than the object itself. A measurement of 4.5m (15 ft) is considered adequate in this case.

c. Identification : Determination of bridge type depends on measurements of the heights, span, arch, piers and approach. Measurements must be made within 1.5m (5 ft) of actual dimension in three dimensions.

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 30cm (1 ft).

14. Communication Equipment

a. Radar.

(1) Detection: Location of an image, created by reflection of an object on the ground which, if viewed from any angle could be enclosed in a rectangle ranging in size from 1.82m x 3.05m (6 ft x 10 ft) to 2.43m x 6. 1m (8 ft x 20 ft). Measurement required is 3m (10 ft).

(2) Recognition: Recognition of an antenna array and its supporting components which may vary in size from 0.45m (18 in) to 6.1m (20 ft). Measurement required is 1m (3 ft).

(3) Identification: Determination of the discriminatory characteristics of the antenna array and supporting components. Required measurement of objects of 30cm (1 ft).

(4) Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 13mm (1/2 in).

15. Supply Dumps

a. Detection: In tactical situations, supply dumps are frequently strung out along roadsides and under fencerows, rather than occurring a formalized storage areas. A measurement of 3m (10 ft) is required.

b. Recognition: Recognition of gasoline tins, small stacks of ammo, ration boxes, etc, with dimensions as small as 0.60m x 0.60m x 0.45m (2 ft x 2 ft x 1.5 ft). Three dimensional viewing is normally required. A measurement of 0.5m (1 1/2 ft) is required.

c. Identification: Precise identification as to type of supply dump, because of similarity in shapes and sizes of a variety of possible material, involves analysis. A measurement of 15cm (6 in) is required.

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 2.5cm (1 in).

16. Troop Units (Bivouac/Road Convoys).

a. Detection: General detection of motorized units either in bivouac or in a convoy status on a road requires dimensions of 6m (20 ft).

b. Recognition: Identification of personnel shelters and associated bivouac equipment of non-motorized units requires dimensions of 2m (7 ft).

c. Identification: Determination of the capacity of foxholes, field fortifications, and personnel shelters requires measurements to 0.5m (1 1/2 ft).

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 15cm (6 in).

17. Airfield Facilities.

a. Detection: Location of an image, created by reflection of an object on the ground in an environment suitable for air operations. -This category does not include landing ground or helicopters. The detection of associated facilities requires measurements of 6m (20 ft).

b. Recognition: Recognition of a runway pattern, taxi ways, parking and repair facilities. This requires measurement of 4.5m (15 ft).

c. Identification: Determination of the type of support facilities requires detailed three- dimensional measurements of 3m (10 ft).

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 15cm (6 in).

18. Rockets. Missiles and Artillery.

a. Detection: Location and general detection of an object image could be obtained with a minimum measurement of 1 m (3 ft).

b. Recognition: A rough overall image outline would permit general identification. Recognition of the image in the general classification of artillery and rockets could be ascertained with a 0.5m (1 1/2 ft) measurement.

c. Identification: Length of tubes, muzzle brakes, recoil mechanisms, etc., must be determined to identify items within a specific class. Determination of the special characteristics to precisely identify artillery and rockets requires measurement of object of 15cm (6 in).

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 3.8cm (1.5 in).

19. Aircraft.

a. Detection: Location of an image, created by reflection of an object on the ground, which, if viewed from any angle could be enclosed in a rectangle ranging in size from 4.60m x 6. 10m (15 ft x 20 ft) to 7.62m x 13.71m (25 ft x 45 ft). A measurement of 4.5m (15 ft) is required.

b. Recognition: Recognition of an aircraft as to classification such as a fighter, a fighter bomber, or a bomber requires measurements to 1.5m (5 ft).

c. Identification: To determine for example one swept wing aircraft from another, or one delta wing aircraft from another, or specific type of aircraft, measurement of 15cm (6 in) is required.

d. Technical Analysis. Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 3.8cm (1.50 in).

20. Command Control Headquarters.

a. Detection: Location of image, created by reflection of an object on the ground, which if viewed from any angle could be enclosed in a rectangle ranging in size from 1.82m x 2.40m (6 ft x 8 ft) to 6.10m x 24m (20 ft x 80 ft) or larger. Installation will usually be found in a suitable environment. A measurement of 3m (10 ft) is required.

b. Recognition: Recognition of communication facilities, flyswatter antennas, nearby helipad, liaison vehicles, camouflaged trucks, mess facilities, mobile power units, clustering of mobile vans and proximity to generally good roads which lead to areas where combat troops are deployed are required. Headquarters type communications antennas, and associated equipment require measurements of 1m (3 ft).

c. Identification: Recognition of a clustering of heavily camouflaged vehicles, near a large command tent to control room formed by joining tree vans in a tee configuration; messing facilities for approximately 10 to 30 men, together with a constant source of mobile power must be identified. Precise identification depends on analysis of the command antenna array and its orientation coupled with the associated support elements. This requires measurements to 30cm (1 ft).

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 7.6cm (3 in).

21. Missile Sites (SSM/SAM).

a. Detection: Location of an image within the proper environment viewed from any angle could be detected as a possible missile related site within an outline enclosed in a rectangle with a minimum dimension of 3m (10 ft) which is the required measurement.

b. Recognition: Recognition and identification of an image a [sic] an SSM Site versus a SAM Site requires a minimum accuracy; a measurable dimension of 1.5m (5 ft) is required.

c. Identification: Determination of the discriminatory characteristics of the missile site including the missile and to precisely identify it as a specific model of an SSM or a SAM requires a 15cm (6 in) minimum dimension.

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 3.8cm (1.50 in).

22. Surface Ships.

a. Detection: Normally to detect as a separate distinct reflection when at sea a measurement of 15m (50 ft) is required.

b. Recognition: To generally identify type of ship as to cargo, tanker, warship a measuring capability of 4.5m (15 ft) is required.

c. Identification: To recognize gun installation, torpedo tube mounts, SSM launchers, missile tubes, depth charge doors, etc., a measurement of 15cm (6 in) is required.

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 3.8cm (1.50 in).

23. Nuclear Weapons Components.

a. Detection: Location of an image, created by reflection of an object on the ground which if viewed from any angle, above ground or reverted, could be enclosed in a rectangle ranging in size from 1.20m x 2.40m (4 ft x 8 ft) to 2.40m x 4.80m (8 ft x 16 ft). Measurement requirement is 2.5m (8 ft).

b. Recognition: Recognition of a heavily guarded and bunkered area located in an environment suitable for the storage of nuclear components. Storage areas are road served; however, maximum use of natural terrain features and camouflage for concealment may be expected. Overhead sensors alone may not positively identify nuclear component storage, however a ground measurement of 1.5m (5 ft) is adequate to identify ground handling equipment.

c. Identification: Determination of the type depends on plan view measurements of the actual warhead requiring measurements to 30cm (1 ft).

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail required measurements to within 13 mm (1/2 in).

24. Vehicles

a . Detection: Location of a vehicle image created by reflection of an object on the ground which is distinguishable from natural terrain features and other man made features requires measurements of 1.5m (5 ft).

b. Recognition: To determine shape, appearance, length-width ratio and the presence of major vehicular components a measurement of 0.5m (1 1/2 ft) is required. Stereoscopic viewing is required to determine overall shape and sense height and depth.

c. Identification : Determination of specific type and model of military vehicles requires the discernment of location and shape of all compartments, location and shape of hull, etc. Stereoscopic viewing is required to determine shape and component positions. Measurement requirements are 15cm (6 in).

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description to fine detail requires measurements of within 3.8cm (1.50 in).

25. Land Minefields.

a. Detection: Location of an image, of disturbance of a natural terrain feature in a discernable pattern requires a measurement of 3m (10 ft).

b. Recognition: Shape and location of belts will assist in determining the type of minefield. Stereoscopic viewing is required to detect associated features such as barbed wire which indicated the overall configuration and type. A measurement of 1.5m (5 ft) is required.

c. Identification: Positioning of clusters will assist in identifying anti-tank and anti- personnel minefields. Detection of clusters of mines within the mine belts of a minefield requires measurements of 30cm (1ft).

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 7.6cm (3 in).

26. Ports and Harbours.

a. Detection: Location of an image, which, if viewed from any angle could be enclosed in an area of about 30.50m x 30.5m (100 ft x 100 ft). A general exception to this is an isolated offshore pipeline berth which must be enclosed in an area of about 15.25m x 15.25m (50 ft x 50 ft). Generally a measurement of 30m (100 ft) is required.

b. Recognition: Recognition of a port and its support components, or a portion of a port, which can be enclosed in an area of about 15.24m (50 ft x 50 ft). A measurement of 6m (20 ft) is required.

c. Identification: Determination of the characteristics of a port and its supporting components requires measurements of objects no larger tan [sic]1.5m (5 ft).

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 30cm (1.25 ft).

27. Coast and Landing Beaches.

a. Detection: To locate coasts and describe the coastal terrain a measurement of an object 15m (50 ft) long is required.

b. Recognition: To determine precise geographic location and its suitability or unsuitability for amphibious operations, measurement of objects 4.5m (15 ft) in length are required.

c. Identification: To ascertain the degree of suitability for amphibious operations, ie major beach, minor beach, or landing places, measurements of objects of 0.5m (1 1/2 ft) in length are required.

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 15cm (6 in).

28. Railroad. Railroad Yards and Shops.

a. Detection: To be able to detect the presence of a railroad yard, a measurement of 15cm (50 ft) is required.

b. Recognition: Recognition of the general type of yard and shops required identification of structures requiring measurements of 4.5m (15 ft)

c. Identification: Determination of the exact type of yard including major functions of shops requires measurements of 1.5m (5 ft).

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 38cm (1.25 ft).

29. Roads.

a. Detection : To detect a section of roadway a measurement of 6m (20 ft) is required.

b. Recognition: In the recognition of a road as to alignment and general usage, a measurement of 4.5m (15 ft) is required.

c. Identification: In determining the width and state of repair, ie ruts, chuck holes, exits, entrances, etc., a measurement of 1.5m (5 ft) is required.

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 38cm (1.25 ft).

30. Urban Areas.

a. Detection: Location of an image, created by reflection of cultural features and objects on the ground, would cover areas ranging from less than an acre 60m x 60m (200 ft x 200 ft.)(A strategic hamlet) to several miles

b. Recognition: Recognition of structures, streets, and patterns requires measurements from 15m (50 ft) to several kilometers.

c. Identification: Determination of unique features as identifying characteristics. In the case of large urban areas measurements of 15.25m (50 ft) or larger will suffice. Hamlets may require measurements as small as 3m (10 ft).

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 0.75m (2.50 ft).

31. Terrain.

a. Detection: This type of photography is not applicable for determining the extent of broad patterns of landforms (plains, hills, and mountains).

b. Recognition: General identification of individual landforms (a valley, a hill) and vegetation features (a forest) require linear measurements of dimensions within a wide range, from approximately 91m (300 ft) to several kilometers/miles.

c. Identification: Identification of minor relief features, such as ravines, gullies, and ditches, includes a range of dimensions, analysis of the effect of such obstacles to movement of tracked vehicles requires measurements of dimensions to about 4.60m (15 ft). Analysis of density of tree spacing and its effect on cross-country movement requires measurements to about 3m (10 ft).

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 0.75m (2.50 ft).

32. Surfaced Submarines.

a. Detection: Location of the image of a submarine, normally in the water, could be detected with a measurement capability at 7.5m (25 ft).

b. Recognition: Identification of the object as a submarine can be made when a reasonably accurate length/beam ratio can be established or identifying characteristics such a the sail can be distinguished. Normally identification can be made by a measurement of 4m (15 ft).

c. Identification: Identification of a known type of submarine may be made when measurements can be made of a 15cm (6 in) object.

d. Technical Analysis: Precise description of fine detail requires measurements to within 2.5cm (1in).

AIR STANDARD RECORD OF CHANGE

1. AIR STD 80/15 is a republication of AIR STD 101/813. Responsibility has been assumed by Working Party 80 as agreed at the 1st Meeting of WP 80. This AIR STD incorporates designation of the AIR STD custodian, national implementing documents and this Record of Change as a result of procedural change contained in the 11th Edition of ASCC Instructions.