FROM THE AIR

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 152, 26 December 1945, Page 4

FROM THE AIR

HELPFUL PICTURES

AIDS TO PLANNING

Before the war aerial photography m New Zealand as a means of planning works projects was in its infancy, ana the use and value of it were not generally known. It was, in fact, looked upon with a certain amount of suspicion as being "some newfangled idea." A brief review made available through the Minister of Lands (Mr. Skinner) gives some indication of the development that has taken place and shows that aerial photography is playing a big part in public and private planning and is of prime importance in the preparation of topographical maps.

The Lands and Survey Department is 1 responsible for the letting of all flying contracts for aerial photography, the allocation 'of these contracts between a private organisation (N.Z. Aerial [Mapping Limited) and the R.N.Z.A.F., the fixing of priorities determined in accordance with the national urgency of the work, and the maintenance of a complete index and library of photos. Prior to the outbreak of the war all aerial photography for State departments was the function of the R.N.Z.A.F. , . ... .. The aerial photograph was initially used for mapping purposes in 1930, and by the Public Works Department for certain engineering investigation. Gradually national work such as afforestation, soil investigation , geological survey, coal resource survey, river control works, etc., demanded a more up-to-date basis for the illustration and planning of proposed future operations. During the war the R.N.Z.A.F. withdrew aircraft and personnel engaged hi aerial photography and N.Z. Aerial Mapping Limited, of Hastings, took over the responsibility for all photography required by the Army Department. Under this arrangement approximately 30 000 square miles were photographed on a scale of 20 chains to an inch, and this was a very material assistance in the production of topographical maps. POST-WAR ACTIVITIES. With the cessation of hostilities the post-war civil requirements of the State now receive precedence over Army requirements. The State Forest Service is undertaking a forest inventory, and catchment boards are investigating measures for the control of soil erosion and river protection. The Mines Department is carrying out extensive coal research surveys, and the Works Department is planning new hydro-electric developments, new national highways, and water-supply schemes. The initial investigation] work includes the aerial mapping of the areas affected. • The Lands and Survey Department is maintaining a complete record of all the photographs taken. As soon as copies of the photographs are available, every district office of the Department will be provided with supplies of those covering their own zones. These will be indexed and maintained as a library for public reference.

So far 80,000 aerial photographs have been referenced and indexed in the head office of the Department at Wellington, and are available for official and private reference. Duplicate copies, for district use, cannot be made available immediately, but will be distributed as soon as possible.