The analog-to-digital transition and implications for operational use of airborne videography

Recent advances in domestic consumer video technology and improvements in c omputing power indicate possibilities for overcoming the limitations of ana log video. This has prompted a re-evaluation of the potential of airborne v ideo as an operational digital remote sensing tool. First, in retrospect, t he difficulties of applying digital analysis to video are explained, based on four major links for image quality degradation. To exemplify the importa nce of technological advance in improving analog video digitization, a comp arison is made of synchronization fidelity between older and newer model fr ame-grabbers. Recent developments in custom-built digital video cameras and pc video are explained, to highlight the important technological advance o f "off-the-shelf" digital video. Finally, the "digital revolution" from the commercial video and computer markets is discussed in terms of the signifi cance 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 operationa l digital video remote sensing.