Simulation of Photometric Conditions by Aerial and Space Photography of the Earth's Surface

A mathematical procedure is presented for simulating the results of aerial and space photography of the Earth's surface as a function of photometric survey conditions. The optical densities of the photographic film are computed with stipulated coefficients of reflection by the Earth's surface, atmospheric optical parameters, illumination conditions, and camera parameters. The described procedure makes it possible to draw conclusions concerning the choice of survey camera for given optical characteristics of the landscape and atmosphere.