(4) It allows observation of movement.
b. It has four major disadvantages:
(1) No permanent record for future direct comparison.
(2) Weather and time of day may limit it.
(3) The observer's experience and mission may limit the information
obtained.
(4) Human error may result in incomplete and incorrect information.
4. In indirect observation the IA analyzes imagery of the subject, and not
the physical subject itself. Aerial photography, infrared (IR), radar, and
electro-optical (E-C) imagery are used in indirect observation.
a. Advantages of indirect observation.
(1) Comparative cover is successive imagery of the same area which may
detect changes that have taken place.
(2) It results in a permanent record.
(3) It increases the spectrum for
observation
to
the
IR
and
other
spectrums invisible to the human eye.
(4) It can be distributed to all echelons for their particular needs.
(5) Photographs may be studied at length.
(6) It reduces distance of observation by enlargement.
(7) Radar will usually detect a metallic object behind a
nonmetallic screen, such as a conventional burlap garnished camouflage net.
b. Disadvantages of indirect observation.
(1) The time
required
to
develop
photographs
and
disseminate
the
information.
(2) Weather may interfere with aerial photographs.
(3) The skill of the IA may limit information obtained.
c. Aerial Photography. In modern warfare aerial photography as assumed a
place of extreme importance, and in regard to camouflage detection and
inspection, photography has reached a stage where it is
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IT 0649
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