EPA-600/4-78-008
January 1978
Environmental Monitoring Series
OVERHEAD ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
WITH LIGHT UTILITY AIRCRAFT:
Demonstration and Evaluation of the System
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Las Vegas. Nevada 89114
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad categories
were established to facilitate further development and application of environmental
technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously planned to foster
technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields. The nine series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
7. Interagency Energy-Environment Research and Development
8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING series.This series
describes research conducted to develop new or improved methods and instrumentation
for the identification and quantification of environmental pollutants at the lowest
conceivably significant concentrations. It also includes studies to determine the ambient
concentrations of pollutants in the environment and/or the variance of pollutants as a
function of time or meteorological factors.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Information
Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161
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EPA-600/4-78-008
January 1978
OVERHEAD ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
WITH
LIGHT UTILITY AIRCRAFT:
Demonstration and Evaluation of the System
by
Gordon E. Howard, Jr. and
Frank R. Wolle
Remote Sensing Division
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Warrenton, Virginia 22186
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND SUPPORT LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89114
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Environmental Monitoring
and Support Laboratory-Las Vegas, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or
commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommen-
dation for use.
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FOREWORD
Protection of the environment requires effective regulatory
actions which are based on sound technical and scientific informa-
tion. This information must include the quantitative description
and linking of pollutant sources, transport mechanisms, interac-
tions, and resulting effects on man and his environment. Because
of the complexities involved, assessment of specific pollutants
in the environment requires a total systems approach which tran-
scends the media of air, water, and land. The Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory-Las Vegas contributes to the
formation and enhancement of a sound integrated monitoring data
base through multidisciplinary, multimedia programs designed to:
• develop and optimize systems and strategies for
monitoring pollutants and their impact on the
environment
• demonstrate new monitoring systems and technologies
by applying them to fulfill special monitoring
needs of the Agency's operating programs
This report addresses the development and feasibility demon-
stration of a self-contained sensor module called the Enviro-Pod
(Pod). This device, which in its initial configuration houses
two panoramic cameras, is intended to place an aerial photographic
data acquisition capability into Regional and other field offices
of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Pod is capable
of satisfying some of the many special-purpose monitoring tasks
facing the Agency, including monitoring for enforcement and com-
pliance and during environmental episodes and emergencies.
Future developmental efforts will provide other sensor configura-
tions of the Pod.
George Bl Morgan*
Director
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Las Vegas, Nevada
111
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ABSTRACT
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking to
provide its 10 Regional Offices with a low-cost remote-sensing
capability through development of a self-contained sensor module
called the Enviro-Pod (Pod). Its key attributes are economy,
compactness, portability, and simplicity. It has been certified
by the Federal Aviation Administration for use on commonly
available light aircraft.
The design, development and manufacture of the prototype was
accomplished by the U.S. Air Force Avionics Laboratory through an
interagency agreement with the EPA. As presently configured, the
Pod module contains two identical KA-85A panoramic cameras. One
is mounted in the conventional vertical position and the second
in an oblique position looking 45 degrees forward of the aircraft.
The Pod has been successfully demonstrated in Washington, B.C.,
Boston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and New York for EPA staff offi-
cials and personnel from eight other Federal agencies. Use of
the Pod is foreseen in enforcement, compliance, episodic, and
emergency monitoring activities.
This document summarizes results of feasibility demonstra-
tions and recommends a program for the production and suitability
testing of the Pod module. Possible future sensor configurations
for the Pod are also presented.
IV
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CONTENTS
Foreword iii
Abstract iv
Figures vi
Table vi
Acknowledgements vii
Introduction and Background 1
Conclusions 2
Recommendations 3
System Concept and Design 5
Demonstrations 11
Bibliography 17
Appendices
A. Federal Agency Participants 18
B. Camera and Pod Specifications 19
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FIGURES
Number Page
1. The Pod installed on a Cessna 172 6
2. Contact print of Pod imagery and
a 40X enlargement of one segment. 7
3. Examples of Pod imagery from the vertical- and
forward-looking cameras. 8
4. Preparing the Pod for installation on the Cessna. 10
5. Contractor-acquired photograph of the Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, flood. 12
6. Pod-acquired photograph of the Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, flood Csame scale as Figure 5). 13
TABLE
Number Page
1. Typical photographic mission costs for
Enviro-Pod. 15
VI
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Demonstration flights to assess the usefulness of the
Enviro-Pod for monitoring environmental problems were conducted
in EPA Regions I, II, III, and IV during the periods of May 31 to
September 1, 1977. The efforts of the following individuals in
planning, scheduling and coordinating the flights at each location
are sincerely appreciated.
Region I - Boston, Massachusetts
Mr. Richard Keppler, Office of Research and Development
Mr. Edgar Bernard, Management Division
Region II - Edison, New Jersey
Dr. Robert Mason, Surveillance and Analysis Division
Region III - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mr. William Cook, Chesapeake Bay Program
Region IV - Atlanta, Georgia
Dr. David Hill, Surveillance and Analysis Division
vii
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INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
As part of its regulatory responsibility, the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency (EPA) has the task of monitoring the
environment of this Nation to ensure the validity of its environ-
mental standards and to assure legal compliance. The territory
to be monitored is vast. Consequently, aerial photography as
well as other rapid, cost-effective remote-sensing systems have
gained increased use in EPA's operational monitoring programs.
The Agency's Office of Research and Development has, since
its inception, supported monitoring technology development pro-
grams. The Enviro-Pod (Pod) with its potential for several
different sensor configurations is one recent product of these
programs.
The U.S. Air Force Avionics Laboratory, Wright-Patterson
AFB, Ohio, designed and fabricated the prototype Pod under and
interagency agreement with the EPA. On January 19, 1977, formal
approval for flight operation of the Pod was granted by the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with issuance of a Supple-
mental Type Certificate. Familiarization and checkout procedures
for support personnel began in March 1977, and during the period
April through August, feasibility tests were conducted.
This report describes the initial flight tests and Regional
demonstrations. The tests were intended to simulate, as closely
as possible, actual operational conditions.
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CONCLUSIONS
The results of the feasibility tests and demonstrations
indicate that the camera-configured Pod is capable of cost-
effectively acquiring high quality, high resolution imagery over
small areas and single targets. Demonstrations also disclosed a
keen interest in the Pod by potential users in EPA Regional
Offices and in other Federal organizations.
Several minor problems encountered during the demonstrations
will necessitate limited design modifications and/or adherence
to specified operational procedures. A redesign of the control
box is required to add an individual intervalometer and frame
counter for each camera. The given weight maximums of the
aircraft must be strictly adhered to and in most cases will
allow only one observer to fly along when the Pod is attached.
While the KA-85A panoramic camera is a rugged, relatively simple
device, it should be loaded and maintained by experienced person-
nel to prevent damage to the shutter curtains.
The Pod was designed primarily as a reconnaissance system
and as such is not suitable for coverage of large geographic
areas. Essentially, it is ideal for routine and emergency
monitoring of point targets, stream segments, and small areas of
generally less than 25 square miles. If program requirements
dictate the use of the image data for mensuration, mosaicking,
or transfer of detailed information to a controlled base, the
use of metric cameras will be necessary.
The Pod in its current configuration provides high resolu-
tion panoramic imagery in both the vertical and oblique camera
positions. At a typical flight altitude of 3000 feet, the reso-
lution of panchromatic film at nadir is 18 centimeters (0.6 ft.).
This type of imagery is well suited to analyzing details of, for
example, industrial facilities, utilities, and outfalls.
Because of its overall higher cost, color film should only
be used where the color information of the subject is vital for
analysis of the environmental problem.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the experience gained during the demonstrations and
comments from participants, the following recommendations are
made concerning the Pod.
• Modify the engineering by redesigning:
the operation control box and wiring harness
to provide individual camera interval and
count circuits for frame counting.
charging circuitry to provide external battery
charge circuits.
• Review Pod assembly details, adjusting as required
to minimize manufacturing costs.
Develop a Standard Operating Procedures manual for
Pod users. This manual should address consideration
of such factors as:
availability of adequate existing photographic
coverage.
utility of panoramic imagery in providing
desired data.
film type used to assess the environmental
problem.
secondary targets of interest in the area to
be covered.
cost effectiveness for the specific mission.
• Conduct additional demonstrations for other EPA
Regional Offices.
Produce a sufficient number of Pods to provide one to
each requesting EPA Regional Office.
Transfer the FAA Supplemental Type Certificate from
the U.S. Air Force to the EPA to facilitate the pro-
duction of the Pod.
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Amend the FAA Supplemental Type Certificate to include
all applicable aircraft of the Cessna 172 series, e.g.,
172K, 172N.
Redesign or modify the equipment to permit FAA certi-
fication for the higher performance Cessna 182 series.
Establish a program to provide support to Agency users
of the Pod, to include:
training in the operation, maintenance, and
applications of the Pod.
training in the use of remote sensing imagery in
environmental quality assessment.
establishing a system for supporting the Pod
program to include camera maintenance, film
processing, and photographic interpretation.
Establish a program to identify, determine applicability,
produce, test, and gain certification for additional sen-
sor systems for the Pod, e.g., television cameras and
infrared sensors.
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SYSTEM CONCEPT AND DESIGN
The design criteria initially established for the Pod were:
fit a commonly available aircraft.
be easily installed.
be transportable as checked luggage
aboard commercial airlines.
require no modifications to aircraft.
be fully FAA certified for the aircraft.
be adaptable to more than one sensor.
provide data that could be analyzed by the
environmental scientist as well as the photo
interpreter.
Under the interagency agreement with EPA, the U.S. Air Force
Avionics Laboratory's Reconnaissance Division determined that it
should indeed be possible to develop a compact, low-cost device
meeting these criteria. The group also showed that the aircraft
most suitable, in terms of availability, performance, and payload,
was the Cessna 172 series (see Figure 1).
The KA-85A camera system (specifications listed in Appendix
B) was identified as the initial sensor for the system. Its
primary features included compactness and high resolution. Forty
of these cameras in operating condition were located and subsequently
transferred to the EPA.
Figure 2 is a contact print of imagery from the vertical-
looking camera along with a 40X enlargement of one section.
Figure 3 is an example of imagery from the forward- and vertical-
looking cameras and illustrates the monitoring capabilities of
the sensor system.
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•--,
Figure 1. The Pod installed on a Cessna 172.
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Figure 2. Contact print of Pod imagery (below) and a
40X enlargement of one
segment
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00
Figure 3. Examples of Pod imagery from the vertical -(above)
and forward-looking cameras.
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The pod consists of two mated sections carried as an integral
unit (specifications listed in Appendix B). The two sections
designated A and B (see Figure 4) each contain a camera bay
mounting one of the KA-85A cameras connected to a power source
consisting of two 12-volt Gel/Cell" batteries. The camera in the
forward section (Section A) is oriented to photograph at nadir
(vertical), while the one in the aft section (Section B), is
oriented 45 degrees forward of nadir. The two compartments each
have a viewing window of 6.4-mm thick select plate glass set into
a removable frame. A metal plate covers the window and protects
the glass during shipment.
The Pod sections are constructed of sheet aluminum riveted
to a framework of aluminum bulkheads and bracing and are mated
together with a set of four hinges locked in place with pip pins.
The dimension of the completely assembled unit is about 122
centimeters by 41 centimeters by 33 centimeters and its weight is
about 66 kilograms. Each section, fitted with a removable cover
and handles, can be transported as a piece of luggage on commercial
airlines.
The top rim of the Pod, designed to fit the Cessna 172
fuselage, is fitted with a pliable weather seal to mold it to the
fuselage contour and to protect the aircraft finish.
The assembled Pod is attached to the aircraft with four
stainless steel straps anchored to the seat rails with a clamp
mechanism. The straps are fitted with turnbuckles which attach
to heavy brackets bolted to the Pod. The flexible straps are
contoured to fit over the door sill so that interference with
door closure is negligible. Also, the underside of each strap is
lined to prevent scratching of the aircraft.
A camera control box located in the aircraft cabin is wired
into the Pod electrical system through a four-strand ribbon wire
located in the aircraft cockpit. The control box allows the
operation of the cameras either separately or simultaneously.
Cycling can be accomplished by manual control or at five pre-set
intervals of 1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, or 16-seconds. A frame counter,
ready light, cycling light, and individual camera on/off switches
are also included. A small solid-state battery charger permits
recharging of the batteries between flights.
Registered Trademark
Globe Battery, a Division of Globe-Union Inc.
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Figure 4. Preparing the Pod for installation on the Cessna
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DEMONSTRATIONS
The first series of demonstration flights was conducted by
the EPA Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Environ-
mental Photographic Interpretation Complex (EPIC) in the Washing-
ton, B.C., area during April 1977. These were conducted to
acquaint EPA headquarters personnel and representatives of other
Federal agencies with the Pod.
Demonstrations were also held in four EPA Regions during the
period May through August of 1977 to evaluate the utility of
imagery data from the Pod and its application to practical
monitoring problems. The tests were designed to (1) ascertain
the technical attributes and problems involved in the operation
of the Pod; (2) determine the utility of the camera-configured
Pod as a monitoring tool for the Regional Offices; and (3) identify
specific environmental problem situtations during which Pod
photography would be applicable. The demonstrations were conducted
in a manner which would duplicate the operational employment of
the Pod. Aircraft charter or leasing companies near the base of
operations were contracted for these missions.
The Pod has also been evaluated during actual operational
field programs. At the request of EPA Region IV a segment of the
South Fork of the Forked Deer and Obion Rivers in Tennessee were
photographed using the Pod system, and questionable dredging
activities were documented. The Emergency Response Branch in
Region III requested Pod coverage of an area along the Delaware
River in Philadelphia. Of interest was a site where electrical
transformers were dismantled allowing the PCB-laden oil to seep
into the ground and eventually enter the river. The imagery
obtained showed definite traces of oil bleeding from the shore
area near the site.
Finally, following the Johnstown, Pennsylvania, flood of
July 20, 1977, EPA's Oil and Special Materials Control Division
requested photographic coverage of the flood area using both the
Pod and conventional techniques. The imagery was acquired on
July 22 and sent, after processing and analysis, to the Regional
Response Team at Somerset, Pennsylvania, where it was immediately
used for the direction of clean-up activities and to brief the
Federal Disaster Assistance Agency Coordinator. More detail was
apparent in the imagery from the KA-85A cameras in the Pod even
though the scale was about a third of the conventionally acquired
9-inch format metric data (Figure S and 6). It was also noted
11
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Figure 5. Contractor-acquired photograph of the Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, flood.
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Figure 6. Pod-acquired photograph of the Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, flood (same scale as Figure 5).
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that the imagery from the 45 degrees forward oblique camera
provided a more familiar perspective than the vertical.
Additional potential applications of Pod imagery include:
• Emissions identification and documentation.
• Compliance monitoring.
• Discovery and location of non-filers.
• Discovery and documentation of dredge and
fill violations.
• Oil and hazardous materials spill detection,
reconnaissance and storage, and containment
surveillance.
• Water supply reservoir surveillance and preferred
intake locations documentation.
• Monitoring station siting.
• Determination of extent and area coverage of
nuisance weed and/or algae growths.
• Location of leachate around landfills and
surveillance of landfill operations.
• Documentation of existing land use and prediction
of environmental impacts.
• Provide imagery for inclusion in Environmental
Impact Statements.
It is anticipated that as Regional remote sensing programs
mature, many other uses for Pod imagery will become apparent.
With the future development of other sensor configurations
(thermal scanner, television systems, forward-looking infrared
systems, and other camera systems) the Pod would become even
more versatile in its monitoring role.
Experience with the Pod during the trial phases firmly
established its cost effectiveness when used to rapidly acquire
imagery over a small geographical area. Table 1 summarizes the
cost data derived from the Pod demonstration flights for a
typical low level mission for which the Pod is best suited. The
cost figures are based on the maximum color film load which can
be carried by the Pod. The typical mission was assumed to take
place at a 2500-foot altitude at an operational camera-on range
of about 43 miles. The travel radius from the base airport was
assumed to be 150 miles.
14
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Alternative imagery acquisition methods, i.e., use of
Agency or contractor photo-reconnaissance aircraft for the type
of mission described which are clearly within the capabilities of
the Pod system, are less cost-effective. The primary difference
results from the higher overhead and operational costs for the
class of aircraft used and the conventional ^(mapping) systems on
board. These latter systems are essential, however, when detailed
mensuration and/or mosaicking are required. Typically, imagery
acquired from the Pod system also demands less interpretation and
analysis because of the strike nature of the missions on which it
would most frequently be used. Hourly rates for the use of
generally higher performance photo-reconnaissance aircraft
systems range upwards from a minimum of $150 per hour. Crew and
per diem costs may be added to that base depending on the operator.
For the mission described, therefore, the total cost using the
conventional techniques would range from about $500 to nearly
$800.
TABLE 1. TYPICAL PHOTOGRAPHIC MISSION COSTS FOR ENVIRO-POD
CAMERA DATA
Format size
Total frames required
Total area covered
AIRCRAFT COSTS
Lease/Rent
Total this mission
LABORATORY PROCESSING
Original color and one
duplicate copy (total
materials)
5.7 cm x 18.3 cm
(2.25 in x 7.2 in)
300
85.2 sq miles
$37-$43/hour
$116-$131
$164
TOTAL ACQUISITION AND
PROCESSING
TOTAL/SQUARE MILE
$280-$295
$3.29-$3.46
15
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An important aspect of the demonstrations was to determine
what problems might be encountered in an operational mode and
what system modifications are recommended. Several minor problems
related to the cameras, the Pod itself, or the aircraft were
corrected during the tests.
In addition one problem was noted with the design of the
control box. When attempting to fly a mission at a prescribed
altitude and ground speed, the fixed intervals available on the
intervalometer (1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 seconds) did not permit
adequate flexibility. This resulted in film being used at a
faster than necessary rate (to ensure stereo coverage) or to
cycle at a slower rate and not acquire stereo coverage. Also, as
both cameras are cycled from the same intervalometer and the
coverage of che forward-looking camera far exceeds that of the
vertical, considerable excess film was used by the forward-
looking camera. During the demonstrations the cameras were
normally operated manually to conserve the film supply. A redesign
of the control box and the incorporation of separate, infinitely
variable intervalometers and separate counters would correct this
deficiency.
Problems with the cameras were totally related to loading.
It was found to be very easy to damage the shutter curtain during
loading, causing the camera to malfunction.
Aircraft-related problems were dependent on the aircraft
used. The most serious problem encountered was oil from the
engine getting on the camera ports giving resultant imagery a
fuzzy or out-of-focus effect. This was a problem only on a few
aircraft, and in an operational mode this problem could be minimized
by checking the aircraft for oil deposits on the underside prior
to installing the Pod. A second solution would be to design a
spoiler which would direct the oil away from the camera ports.
It is anticipated that through the experience gained from
the demonstrations many of the problems encountered can be elimi-
nated or minimized in production versions.
16
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Fowle, E. E. Descriptive Installation Data for Portable
Camera Pod on Cessna 172. Report No. 7402-75D, U.S. Air Force
Systems Command, Air Force Avionics Laboratory, Reconnaissance
and Weapon Delivery Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,
Ohio. July 1975. 30 pp.
2. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, AOPA's Airports
USA 1976. Washington, D.C. 1976. 528 pp.
17
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APPENDIX A. FEDERAL AGENCY PARTICIPANTS
Eight government agencies attended Enviro-Pod demonstrations
in the Washington, D.C., area.
U.S. Department of Agriculture:
Agricultural Stabilization § Conservation Service
Soil Conservation Service
Forest Service
Foreign Agricultural Service
U.S. Department of the Interior:
U.S. Geological Survey
Land Information Analysis
U.S. Department of Commerce:
National Oceanic § Atmospheric Adminstration
U.S. Treasury Department
U.S. State Department
U.S. Army Engineer Topographic Laboratory
U.S. General Services Administration:
Federal Preparedness Agency
U.S. Department of Energy
18
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APPENDIX B. CAMERA AND POD SPECIFICATIONS
POD DESCRIPTION
The Pod is designed in two sections which are mated together
with hinges and pip pins and installed as a unit on the aircraft.
As presently configured, each section has a camera bay and space
for mounting two 12-volt Gel/Cell batteries. The camera in the
forward section (Section A) is oriented to photograph the nadir;
the camera in the aft section (Section B) is oriented to photo-
graph 45 degrees forward of the nadir.
The weight and dimensions of the Pod ready for shipping
(with batteries and without cameras) are:
Section
A
B
Length
50.8 cm
71.1 cm
Width
40.6 cm
40.6 cm
Height
33 cm
33 cm
Weight
18.1 kg
25.9 kg
The assembled unit dimensions are 121.9 by 40.6 by 33 centi-
meters.
CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS - KA-85A
Camera type:
View angle:
Lens:
Shutter type:
Shutter speed:
Cycle interval:
Interval mode
Autocycle mode
Panoramic
39° 18' in line of flight; 130°
perpendicular to line of flight
80 mm, adjustable iris, f/2.8 to
f/22
Focal plane, two fixed slits
1/1000 sec, optional 1/250, 1/500,
1/2000
1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 sees
0.6 sec
Registered Trademark
19
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Forward motion compensation:
Rate
Type
Format size:
Lens filter:
Film load:
Scanning time:
Thermal control:
Heater temperature
Power requirements
(average):
Camera weight
(with film):
Dimensions:
Width
Height
Length
0,500 or 700 milliradians change-
able cams, cosine corrected for
scan angles
Moving lens
57 x 183 mm
Wratten 21 (Orange)
70 mm x 61 m Cstandard base),
300 frames; 70 mm x 122 m (thin
base), 600 frames
0.18 sees per frame
External heaters and thermostats
22.2° ± 2.8° C
24 to 28.5 Vdc, 3 amps with
heaters off, 6 amps with heaters
on. Surge current, 35 amps for 100
milliseconds
10 kg
30.8 cm
31.1 cm
16.5 cm
20
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO.
EPA-600/4-78-008
4.
7.
9.
12
15
1b
17.
a.
18.
2.
TITLE AND SUBTITLE
OVERHEAD ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING WITH LIGHT UTILITY
AIRCRAFT: Demonstration and Evaluation of the System
AUTHOR(S)
Gordon E. Howard, Jr. and
PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AI\
Environmental Monitoring a
Office of Research and Dev
U.S. Environmental Protect
Warrenton, VA 22180
Frank R. Wolle
ID ADDRESS
nd Support Laboratory
elopment
ion Agency
. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Las Vegas, NV
Office of Research and Development
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Las Vegas, NV 89114
. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION-NO.
5. REPORT DATE
January 1978
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
1HD620
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/07
. ABSTRACT
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking to provide its 10
Regional Offices with a low-cost remote- sensing capability through development
of a self-contained sensor module called the Enviro-Pod (Pod) . Its key attributes
are economy, compactness, portability, and simplicity. It has been certified by
the Federal Aviation Administration for use on commonly available light aircraft.
The design, development and manufacture of the protype was accomplished by the
U.S. Air Force Avionics Laboratory through an interagency agreement with the EPA.
As presently configured, the Pod module contains two identical KA-85A panoramic
cameras. One is mounted in the conventional vertical position and the second in
an oblique position looking 45 degrees forward of the aircraft. The Pod has been
successfully demonstrated in Washington, D.C., Boston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and
New York for EPA staff officials and personnel from eight other Federal agencies.
Use of the Pod is foreseen in enforcement, compliance, episodic, and emergency
monitoring activities.
This document summarizes results of feasibility demonstrations and recommends a
program for the production and suitability testing of the Pod module. Possible
future sensor configurations for the Pod are also presented.
DESCRIPTORS
Monitoring
Remote Sensing
Aerial Camera
Photography
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
RELEASE TO PUBLIC
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS C. COSATI Field/Group
Emergency Response 14D,E
Self-Contained Aerial
Camera Module
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report) 21. NO. OF PAGES
UNCLASSIFIED 32
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page) 22. PRICE
UNCLASSIFIED
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
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