Capabilities of Ground Observers to Locate, Recognize, and Estimate Distance of Low-Flying Aircraft

Abstract : A considerable amount of research has been conducted during the past 10 years concerning the abilities of ground observers to detect, recognize, and estimate the range of aircraft. This report integrates and evaluates the results of 20 technical reports concerning these abilities. The effects on visual detection and recognition of visual aids, search sectors, target altitudes, and search methods are discussed. The techniques used for training in aircraft recognition are reviewed for historical origins and research validity. The accuracy of ground-to-air range estimation is described for unaided and stadimetric (size-distance) methods. Techniques of training range estimation in miniaturized situations are described. The influence of environmental factors on estimation accuracy is examined.