The Analog-to-Digital Transition and Implications for Operational Use of Airborne Videography

Recent advances in domestic consumer video technology and improvements in computing power indicate possibilities for overcoming the limitations of analog video. This has prompted a re-evaluation of the potential of airborne video as an operational digital remote sensing tool. First, in retrospect, the difficulties of applying digital analysis to video are explained, based on four major links for image quality degradation. To exemplify the importance of technological advance in improving analog video digitization, a comparison is made of synchronization fidelity between older and newer model frame-grabbers. Recent developments in custom-built digital video cameras and PC video are explained, to highlight the important technological advance of "off-theshelf" digital video. Finally, the "digital revo1ution"from the commercial video and computer markets is discussed in terms of the significance for the practicality of digital video remote sensing. In conclusion, from the perspective of past limitations, it is asserted that the "digital revolution" will lead to significant benefits for routine use of operational digital video remote sensing.