| Summary: | Progress Code: completed Statement: See the report for further information. The values provided in spatial coverage are approximate only. Remarks Aerial Photography This is the latest of many unsuccessful attempts at acquiring aerial photography of Macquarie Island. If aerial photography is to be considered a priority for the Mapping Program's support of the scientific community it is evident that a different approach is required. Attempting to acquire a systematic coverage during a three to four day re-supply visit is unrealistic owing to the short time frame, emphasis on cargo operations and generally poor weather conditions. Other options put forward by Noel Ward in January this year are: - Leave a suitably equipped aircraft on the island for a short summer season - During a short ship visit place one aircraft under the control of the mapping program so that cargo operations cannot compromise attempts at aerial photography - Engaging a contractor to acquire photography on a pay on results basis Because of the weather conditions it is unrealistic to expect to be able to acquire photography of the whole island in one mission during a re-supply visit. The aircraft is required for cargo operations and it takes about 1-2 hours to equip the helicopter. If an aircraft were equipped and dedicated to the aerial photography it may be possible to photograph the island 'bit by bit' as the weather allows. To improve response time most of the camera equipment could be permanently pre-fitted to the rack and a full wiring harness developed. This would reduce the time it takes to fit the camera equipment into the helicopter, enabling a faster response when weather conditions become suitable for aerial photography. GPS Problems at Hurd Point Problems with the Leica GPS equipment prevented the measurement of the baseline from the Aurora Camera Stand NMX1 to Hurd Point Trig NMX7. These problems may have been avoided if the surveyor, Frank Hoogesteger, had had the opportunity of testing the equipment prior to the departure of ...
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