An Automatic Digital System for Preparing Graphics.

An automatic system, which the U. S. Naval Oceanographic Office is using to prepare graphics for the compilation of nautical and aeronautical charts, is described. Methods and equipment used to prepare both scribed negatives and photographic positives are discussed. Advantages of the system are explained and production rates compared with manual methods. Planned additions to the system, including automatic placement of geographic names for charts and automatic photo composition, are described with emphasis on integrating the system into a lithographic printing facility. A semi-automatic photo composition unit, presently being evaluated, is also briefly described. This unit was developed for the placement of sounding depths on photographic positives for nautical charts to eliminate the tedious, hand placement of waxes stick-up type.