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FSH 1609.21 - PHOTOGRAPHY MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK
R2 SUPPLEMENT 2409.17-94-1
EFFECTIVE 6/1/94
CHAPTER 30 - PERMANENT CAMERA POINTS: SELECTION,
ESTABLISHMENT AND USE
31.02 - OBJECTIVE. Through the use of permanent camera points, continue or
obtain photographic coverage of resource management activities and effects on all
National Forests and National Grasslands of the Rocky Mountain Region.
31.1 - Permanent Camera Point.
31.11 - Defined. A permanent camera point is an established photography station
where a long-term photographic record is obtained within prescribed conditions,
which include an assigned frequency for retaking pictures.
31.12 - General Description. The permanent camera point is identified on-theground by a durable marker. Appropriate reference points such as trees or large
rocks are referred to in written records kept for the point. The camera point
number assigned by the Forest shall be included on the marker.
Permanent camera point photographs are taken at regularly scheduled intervals
(normally five years) during the same month as the original photograph. Interim
photographs may be taken to meet specific resource management needs. Prescribed
conditions for followup photography are established at the time the original
photograph is taken.
There is no prescribed life span for a permanent camera point. The value of the
photography from a properly established point increases with time. The long term
visual record of social, economic, environmental and ecological effects of natural
resource management activities cannot be obtained in any other way.
31.13 - Purpose. Resource managers have statistical basis to explain what happens,
but the opportunities to show what happens have been limited. Carefully selected
points established before or at the time of any proposed management action can
furnish visible representation of what actually happens in the long run.
Permanent camera points encourage evaluation through visual observation of what
actually takes place. Camera points help measure how well the land receives and
responds to the application or absence of resource management practices.
31.2 - Use of Permanent Camera Point to Meet Resource Management Needs.
31.21 - National Forests and National Grasslands. Need for establishment of
permanent camera points shall be considered for all significant planned and on-theground activities in the Rocky Mountain Region.
The public's understanding of renewable resource management activities, and our
ability to evaluate management practices can be improved through the use of longterm visual record keeping.
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31.22 - State and Private Forestry. Cooperative activities offer many opportunities
to cooperatively establish permanent photograph points which meet the needs of all
concerned.
31.23 - Research Results. Applied research results can be effectively monitored, in
many instances, by long-term photographic records. Timber stand treatment and
type conversion activities are particularly photographic. Response, or lack of
response to treatment, can quite often be recorded by a permanent camera point.
31.3 - Selecting, Establishing and Maintaining a Permanent Camera Point.
31.31 - Selecting a Permanent Camera Point. A permanent camera point should be
established when the need for a long-term photographic record is identified. Pick
the point where it will do the job most effectively now, and in 50 or 100 years.
Many units have aerial photographs (vertical angle) dating to the 1930s. A
selection of these old photos (in stereo pairs) with subsequent photographs of the
same general area provide excellent records that can be maintained with your
camera point collection.
Relocating historic camera points (Hayden Expedition 1870-80, 19th century
reports, etc.) should also be considered when selecting camera points. Some units
already have camera points studies that should be reestablished.
When establishing a camera point give consideration to the following points: (1)
Locate it at a point with some elevation, or where hillside or terrain permits a view
across what may eventually be a mature tree stand; (2) Include permanent, easily
identifiable objects (bends of road, hills, ridges, rock outcrops, etc.) that will not be
eventually obscured by growing vegetation.
31.31a - Number of Permanent Points. Establish enough points so that a visual
record is kept of what has taken place at the site. Do not try to set a specific
number. Think in terms of what kind of photography resource managers,
historians, and others are going to find useful in their work when they are on the
scene in the near and distant future. Select points that will meet both their needs
and yours. The numbers or points needed will vary with the complexity and variety
of activities or issues.
31.32 - Establishing a Permanent Camera Point. The initial photographer needs to
give careful attention to proper installation of the point and preparation of the
written record, since subsequent retakes will usually be done by personnel
unfamiliar with the location.
Make the point and its photographic records visible to others who have a need to
know. State Foresters and researchers may be considering establishment of photo
points for purposes similar to an established point, and should be informed of the
photo points and their locations.
31.32a - Field Instructions for Establishing and Using Permanent Camera Points.
It is important that your system for establishing camera points facilitate ease of
relocating and rephotographing from the same point.
R2 AMENDMENT 1609.21-94-1
EFFECTIVE 6/1/94
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31.32a(1) - Records and Equipment Needed.
1. Aluminum cap on post with number inscribed (ex. 01).
2. Aluminum location poster (ex. 02).
3. Aluminum Nails.
4. Hatchet (to be used as axe and hammer, and so forth.).
5. Compass (with declination properly set for vicinity).
6. Protractor - ruler (12").
7. Aerial photos for vicinity of point selected.
8. Field stereoscope.
9. Abney label or other device for measuring vertical angle variance.
10. Vicinity map showing township, range, section and meridian of photo point.
11. Map showing terrain of photo point.
12. Backpack equipment to transport.
13. Clipboard.
14. Camera(s)
15. Film
16. Lens
17. Light Meter
18. Tripod (must permit camera to be approximately 5' above ground level).
19. Forms for record keeping (Forms R2-1600-7 and R2-1600-8). (ex. 03 and
04.)
20. Case file with previous photographs.
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EFFECTIVE 6/1/94
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31.32a(1) - Exhibit 01
SEE THE PAPER COPY OF THE MASTER SET
FOR SECTION 31.32a(1) - EXHIBIT 01.
CAMERA POINT MONUMENT
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EFFECTIVE 6/1/94
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31.32a(1) - Exhibit 02
FOREST SERVICE
CAMERA POINT LOCATION POSTER
T.
:
. . . .:.
:
:
:
. . . .:.
:
:
:
. . . .:.
:
:
:
. . . .:.
:
:
R.
S.
:
:
. . . .:. . . . . . . .:. . . . . .
:
:
:
:
:
:
. . . . . . .:. . . . . . . .:. . . . . .
:
:
:
:
:
:
. . . . . . .:. . . . . . . .:. . . . . .
:
:
:
:
:
:
. . . . . . .:. . . . . . . .:. . . . . .
:
:
:
:
TACK INDICATES LOCATION OF POSTER
. . .
DISTANCE
TO CAMERA PT.
BEARING
DATE
BY
16 - 1
:
. .:.
:
:
:
. .:.
:
:
:
. .:.
:
:
:
. .:.
:
:
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
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31.32a(1) - Exhibit 03
USDA - FOREST SERVICE
(FSM 1640)
INITIAL TAKE-PERMANENT CAMERA POINT RECORD
N.F.
R.F.
Camera Point No.
Retake Due Date
Retake Frequency
Description of Point; Access route to point. Describe vicinity and actual location.
Include a map or sketch map showing route of travel to point.
Legal Description:
Section
Initial Take Information: Subject:
Date
Time
Weather
View 1
Camera Height
Camera vert variance +
Lens
f stop
Shutter speed
Filter
Focus dist
Bearing
,T
am,pm, Film
,R
ASA
View 2
Camera Height
Camera vert variance +
Lens
f stop
Shutter speed
Filter
Focus dist
Bearing
,
Meridian
Camera
View 3
Camera Height
Camera vert variance +
Lens
f stop
Shutter speed
Filter
Focus dist
Bearing
REFERENCE POINT DESCRIPTION
Reference Point 1
Description
Bearing and distance to
camera point
How is RP marked?
Reference Point 2
Description
Bearing and distance to
camera point
How is RP marked?
Reference Point 3
Description
Bearing and distance to
camera point
How is RP marked?
Sketch Reference point location. Show
bearing and distance to Camera
Point Monument.
31.32a(1) - Exhibit 04
R2 AMENDMENT 1609.21-94-1
EFFECTIVE 6/1/94
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Page 7 of 12
USDA - FOREST SERVICE
(FSM 1640)
RETAKE-PERMANENT CAMERA POINT RECORD
Camera Point No.
National Forest
RETAKE Information: Subject:
Date
Time
Weather
View 1
Camera Height
Camera vert variance +
Lens
f stop
Shutter speed
Filter
Focus dist
Bearing
am,pm, Film
ASA
View 2
Camera Hieight
Camera vert variance +
Lens
f stop
Shutter speed
Filter
Focus dist
Bearing
District
Camera
View 3
Camera Height
Camera vert variance +
Lens
f stop
Shutter speed
Filter
Focus dist
Bearing
Aerial Photo No.
RETAKE Information: Subject:
Date
Time
Weather
View 1
Camera Height
Camera vert variance +
Lens
f stop
Shutter speed
Filter
Focus dist
Bearing
am,pm, Film
ASA
View 2
Camera Hieight
Camera vert variance +
Lens
f stop
Shutter speed
Filter
Focus dist
Bearing
Camera
View 3
Camera Height
Camera vert variance +
Lens
f stop
Shutter speed
Filter
Focus dist
Bearing
Aerial Photo No.
RETAKE Information: Subject:
Date
Time
Weather
View 1
Camera Height
Camera vert variance +
Lens
f stop
Shutter speed
Filter
Focus dist
Bearing
Aerial Photo No.
am,pm, Film
ASA
View 2
Camera Hieight
Camera vert variance +
Lens
f stop
Shutter speed
Filter
Focus dist
Bearing
Camera
View 3
Camera Height
Camera vert variance +
Lens
f stop
Shutter speed
Filter
Focus dist
Bearing
R2 AMENDMENT 1609.21-94-1
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31.32a(2) - Procedure. Secure number assigned to camera point by Forest. Scribe
number assigned to the camera point on cap, using rotary steel stamps or numbered
dies.
31.32a(3) - Travel to Preselected Photo Point Vicinity. Care must be taken to
identify a route to the point in sufficient detail to permit locating the point in
subsequent years. Record travel route on the "Initial Take-Permanent Camera
Point Record" (R2-1600-7, FSM 1643.04 R-2 Supplement).
31.33 - Camera Point Site Selection. The photographer must seek out and find the
best spot to get the kind of photography needed. Locate the photo point marker and
reference points. Mark and record them as prescribed in your Forest's instructions.
31.33a - Stake Placement. Use aluminum alloy monument. Written records and
metal stake numbers must match. Capped stakes may be ordered through the
Regional Office of Information. (ex. 01) A rock cairn around the monument
provides added protection.
31.33b - Reference Point Selection and Establishment. A reference point is a live
tree or other fixed object, normally within 200 feet of the camera point, which is
identified to indicate direction and distance to the photo point.
When possible, at least one reference point shall be established for each permanent
camera point to make future location easier.
A metal location tag, facing the photo point and scribed with the photo point
number, bearing and distance to the stake, is recommended. (ex. 02, 31.32a(1))
If there are not fixed usable objects within 200 feet of the point, consider installing
iron pipes or something similar for reference points. They should be clearly
described in the written record to eliminate confusion with the camera point
marker. Rocks are not normally used for reference points, but are satisfactory if
they can be clearly identified and marked.
All distances from reference point to camera point stake should be horizontal.
Bearing is described from the reference point to the camera point. (ex. 01,
31.32a(1).)
It is helpful to sketch a map of what is at the photo point on the Initial Take:
Permanent Camera Point Record. (ex. 01)
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31.33a - Exhibit 01
IDENTIFYING A PERMANENT CAMERA POINT
Top of the poster is always north.
Scribe township, range, section.
o
FOREST o SERVICE
o
|
|
| <---|
CAMERA POINT LOCATION POSTER
Aluminum nail as reference point
near outer edge of poster, show
beraring and distance to point
. . : . . . . : . . . . : . . . . : o < - - - - - - stake. no need to scale out
__:__ __:__ __:__ __:__
distance.
..:.. ..:.. ..:.. ..:..
__:__ __:_\ /_:__ __:__
Scribe an "X" for camera point
. . : . . . . : . / \ .< - - - - : - - - - - - - - - stake location which is always in
__:__ __:__ __:__ __:__
center of tag. Use a ball point
..:.. ..:.. ..:.. ..:..
pen or pocket knife on this
:
:
:
:
aluminum tag.
TACK INDICATES LOCATION
OF POSTER
T. |
| R. |
| S. |
- -> DISTANCE ____
|
TO CAMERA POINT ____
|
BEARING ____
|
DATE ____
BY ____
á
|
16-1
á
|
|
|
Scribe direction and horizontal distance
to camera point stake. Measure
distance in feet/inches or meters.
(R.P.)
\
\
\
\
\
Show camera point number.
Name of photographer locating point
and date (month, day, and year.)
(R.P.)
/
/
/
/
/
\
Permanent camera- - - - - - - - - - - - - - > (C.P.)
point monument
|
|
|
|
|
|
Make sure location poster on reference
|
point (R.P.) is facing camera point - - - > (R.P.)
stake (C.P.)
/
Location poster on reference
point (healty tree, etc.)
Transfer poster data to Initial
Take: Permanent Camera Point
Record, Form R2-1600-7.
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31.33c - Photo Point Identification on Aerial Photos and Maps. Identify each
permanent camera point on the aerial photo, along with its number. Note aerial
photo numbers on camera point record and, if possible, file the photograph with the
record. Also, locate the camera point on a topographic map and file with the photo
point record.
31.34 - Camera, Lens and Film. For permanent photo point photography, normally
the larger the negative size, the better the result.
If a 4 by 5 inch camera is available, use it. The 2 1/4 inch format is acceptable;
however, the 35mm format is marginal.
Use as large a depth of field as possible (small aperture). Use a "normal" lens.
It is important to match the angle of coverage in a new photograph to the previous
photograph.
Film size format matched to "normal" lens focal lengths.
Film Forma
24mm x 36mm (135)
2 1/4" x 2 1/4" (120)
2 1/4" x 3 1/4" (120)
4" x 5" (sheet film)
5" x 7" (sheet film)
"Normal" Lens Focal Length
45-50mm
75-85mm
95-110mm
135-165mm
200-225mm
Film: The camera point photograph should be taken on black and white film. Color
and chrome films are not permanent, they deteriorate over time. Color photographs
may be taken at the same time; however, only to supplement the black and white
record.
Use the fine grain black and white film (ASA 25 through 125) to eliminate grainy
enlargements and have film processed promptly.
31.35 - Vicinity Photograph. A picture of the general area at the camera point is
recommended. It may be useful to the photographer who will be trying to find the
point in the future.
31.36 - Photography Retake Schedule and Record. The retake should be scheduled
during the same month as the original was taken. Set the frequency that best
meets the particular need for the visual information record.
Frequencies should be checked and kept current with need.
31.37 - Photography Distribution. (FSM 1643.04 R-2 Supp.) Duplicate records and
photos may be retained at the appropriate District Office.
31.38 - Maintaining a Permanent Camera Point. Take equipment, records, and
prints necessary to completely reestablish the point and establish new reference
points if necessary.
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A "match" of prior pictures to the present scene is essential for framing the
photographs to be taken.
Match equipment, film, and procedure in the initial photography as closely as
possible.
31.4 - Camera Point Establishment and Use for Other Than Long-Term Visual
Record Purposes.
31.41 - Special Project Photography. All camera point photography need not be
restricted to long-term visual records needs.
Special camera points may be established requiring photographs be taken at short
intervals. Temporary points, if properly recorded from the initial take, can later be
committed to obtaining long-term visual records. Example of possible temporary
photo points:
1. Emerging Issues.
2. Environmental statement issues.
3. Consider product development and use, marketing, shortages, competition,
demands, and so forth.
4. Sociological impacts that are readily discernible. Impacts of very short
duration having considerable visual or physical effects.
5. Natural disasters.
6. Major land surface disturbance.
7. Short-term visual records quite often start out as an opportunity to
photograph something going on or about to happen. Here are kinds of activities
that convert quite readily to a long-term or continuing camera point record:
a. Selected Emerging Issues.
b. Roadless Study Areas.
c. Wilderness Management.
d. Sociological Impacts.
e. Timber Management Activities, particularly timber sales.
f. Wildlife habitat manipulation.
g. Threatened or endangered species habitat.
h. Land Use Plans.
i. Selected environmental statement.
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j. Energy developments.
30.42 - Record Keeping for Camera Points Established for Other Than Long-Term
Visual Record Purposes. The records needed are essentially the same. Use of the
procedure established by this Handbook is recommended for special project
photography where applicable. On-site monuments are not necessary for temporary
points; however, the camera point location should be pinpricked on an aerial
photograph.