signature

signature
i. The characteristic pattern of a target displayed by detection and identification equipment. It can be a radar, IR (infrared), acoustic, or Doppler signature. See also radar signature.
An example of infrared signature of a helicopter.
ii. As it relates to air-photo interpretation, it is the visual characteristics of objects on an air photograph that allow one to differentiate them. These characteristics include the tone, shape, size, pattern, texture, and shadow. Tone refers to the relative brightness or colors of an object in an image. Generally, tone is a fundamental element for distinguishing between different targets or features. Variations in tone also allow the elements of the shape, texture, and pattern of objects to be distinguished. Shape refers to the general form, structure, or outline of individual objects. Shape can be a very distinctive clue for interpretation. Straight-edge shapes typically represent urban or agricultural targets, whereas natural features, such as forest edges, are generally more irregular in shape. The size of objects in an image is a function of scale. It is important to assess the size of a target relative to other objects in a scene to aid in the interpretation of that target. Pattern (pattern) refers to the spatial arrangement of the visibly discernible objects. Typically, an orderly repetition of similar tones and texture will produce a distinctive and ultimately recognizable pattern. Orchards with evenly spaced trees and urban streets with regularly spaced houses are good examples of pattern. Texture refers to the arrangement and frequency of tonal variation in a particular area of the image. Rough textures would consist of a mottled tone where gray levels change abruptly in a small area, whereas smooth textures would have very little tonal variation. Shadow is also helpful in interpretation, as it may provide an idea of the profile and relative height of a target(s).

Aviation dictionary. 2014.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу
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  • signature — [ siɲatyr ] n. f. • 1430; lat. médiév. signatura, du lat. class. signator « signataire » 1 ♦ Inscription qu une personne fait de son nom (sous une forme particulière et constante) pour affirmer l exactitude, la sincérité d un écrit ou en assumer… …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • signature — sig‧na‧ture [ˈsɪgnətʆə ǁ ər] noun 1. [countable] BANKING your name written in the way you usually write it, for example at the end of a letter or on a cheque. It is often used to give official or legal permission for something: • I couldn t read… …   Financial and business terms

  • signature — sig·na·ture n 1 a: the act of signing one s name or of making a mark in lieu thereof b: the name of a person written with his or her own hand to signify that the writing which precedes accords with his or her wishes or intentions c: any mark (as… …   Law dictionary

  • signature — Signature. s. f. Le sein de quelqu un apposé à une lettre, à un contract. Je connois sa signature. il y a vingt signatures à ce contract. c est un habile faussaire, il contrefait toutes les signatures. cette signature est fausse. mettre un arrest …   Dictionnaire de l'Académie française

  • signature — [sig′nə chər] n. [LL signatura < L signare: see SIGNATORY] 1. a person s name written by that person; also, a representation of this in a mark, stamp, deputy s handwriting, etc. 2. the act of signing one s name 3. an identifying characteristic …   English World dictionary

  • Signature — Sig na*ture, n. [F. (cf. It. signatura, segnatura, Sp. & LL. signatura), from L. signare, signatum. See {Sign}, v. t.] 1. A sign, stamp, or mark impressed, as by a seal. [1913 Webster] The brain, being well furnished with various traces,… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • signature — ► NOUN 1) a person s name written in a distinctive way as a form of identification or authorization. 2) the action of signing something. 3) a distinctive product or characteristic by which someone or something can be identified. 4) Music a key… …   English terms dictionary

  • Signature — Sig na*ture, v. t. To mark with, or as with, a signature or signatures. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • signature — 1530s, a kind of document in Scottish law, from M.Fr. signature (16c.), from M.L. signatura sign, in classical L. the matrix of a seal, from signatus, pp. of signare to mark, sign (see SIGN (Cf. sign)). Meaning one s own name written in one s own …   Etymology dictionary

  • Signature — Pour les articles homonymes, voir Signature (homonymie). La signature de John Hancock est l une des plus remarquables de la Déclaration d indépendance des États Unis d Amérique …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Signature — A signature (from Latin signare , sign ) is a handwritten (and sometimes stylized) depiction of someone s name, nickname or even a simple X that a person writes on documents as a proof of identity and intent. The writer of a signature is a… …   Wikipedia

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