A typical system, carried at 50, 000-ft altitude, can 

 survey and record a surface "swath" 20-50 miles wide along the flight 

 path with adequate resolution to categorize the size of surface vessels 

 down to the 100-ft class (50-ft resolution cell). 



The film may be returned to base for processing and 

 analysis, or may be processed in flight and the images transmitted to a 

 shore-based data center by microwave link. (The direct air-to-ground 

 range would be about 250 miles; greater over-water ranges would imply 

 relay, probably through communications satellites.) 



Low-altitude reconnaissance by fairly high speed 

 aircraft (Mach 0.9 up) would allow identification of specific vessels 

 and determination of the nature of their activity. (Pilot/observer 

 direct visual contact is, of course, valuable in developing the latter.) 

 High-resoludion (airspeed-compensated) color photographs of exposed-on- 

 deck-fish catch can be used to determine the species being taken. 



As opposed to "soft" data sensors, the "hard evidence" 

 provided by photography may have significant value in establishing the 

 credibility of fishing zone violation claims. 



All photographic missions are constrained by weather, 

 both from the point of view of flight safety and optical visibility. 

 Unlike satellites, aircraft can usually fly below cloud cover (at the 

 cost of reduced coverage as altitude is reduced) although surface fog 

 would obviate results. 



Electrooptical Sensors --Although they provide lower 

 image resolution than photography, TV techniques can be used to provide 

 a real-time readout (locally or at a remote control point) of shipping 

 activities. Notice is taken here of the low-cost, TV-equipped remotely 

 piloted vehicles currently under development for military reconnaissance. 

 Applications of greater interest are the FLIR (forward looking infrared) 



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