Human Factors Studies In Image Interpretation The Value Of Stereoscopic Viewing PDF Download

An evaluation was made of the separate screening of aerial photos prior to interpretation as a technique for improving performance in the quick-time extraction of information from imagery under varying conditions of frame overlap and image quality. Rolls of positive transparencies were interpreted by 48 interpreters under two conditions: In one condition, the photos had been screened by experienced interpreters; in the other, interpreters used normal Hot Report techniques combining frame selection and target identification in one process. Zero overlap and 50 percent overlap and two levels of image quality were represented in the imagery. On the first trial, half the subjects interpreted preselected imagery, half used regular techniques; on the second trial, procedures were reversed for the two groups. Interpreter performance was evaluated in terms of screening efficiency, accuracy and completeness of interpretation, time and rate of interpretation, and errors. The separate screening procedure added significantly to interpretation time. Overlapping imagery added significantly to interpretation time without increasing accuracy or completeness. The slight difference in image quality introduced did not seriously affect processing time. Accuracy of both screening and interpretation was lower with the lower quality imagery. Screening was more seriously affected than was interpretation. On the basis of evidence, screening cannot be recommended as a useful procedure in rapid interpretation. (Author).