The Wild A7 Autograph stereo-plotter is a stereo photogrammetric machine that generated highly accurate, correctly scaled planimetric representations (plots) from stereographic imagery. Originally the A7 was used by the Snowy Mountain Hydro-Electric Authority to generate 1:250 000 scale maps used in the construction of the scheme from 1955 to 1985. Following this the A7 was purchased by Canberra College of Advanced Education (later University of Canberra (UC)) and used from 1985 to 1992.

The A7 was designed and manufactured by the Swiss company Wild Heerbrugg. The A7 was first manufactured in 1949, however it was designed around a set of patents originally filed by Heinrich Wild for the A5 Autograph Stereo-plotter that went into production in 1935. The Wild company produced an enormously successful line of precision surveying and mapping devices of extraordinary build quality and ultra fine tolerance.

The A7 used stereographic and analog technology applied to surveying and mapping. This is no longer the case as emerging digital technologies in the late 20th century were applied to scanning systems, remote sensing / image prosessing and stereo-plotter capabilities. As such the A7 offers an analog demonstration of the now invisible functions by these digital technologies.

Although Heinrich Wild (1877-1951) left the Wild Heerbrugg Ltd company in 1932, the A7 Autograph Stereo-plotter is designed around a set of patents he originally filed for the A5 Autograph Stereo-plotter, which was first manufactured by Wild Heerbrugg in 1935.

First manufactured in 1949.

The Wild A7 Autograph stereo-plotter is a stereo photogrammetric machine that generated highly accurate, correctly scaled planimetric representations (plots) from stereographic imagery. Originally the A7 was used by the Snowy Mountain Hydro-Electric Authority to generate 1:250 000 scale maps used in the construction of the scheme.

Ordered and used by the Snowy Mountains Electricity Authority in 1955 to September 1985. Purchased by Canberra College of Advanced Education (later University of Canberra (UC)) and used from 1985 to 1992, when it was purchased and stored by the donor.

Stereo-plotting machine, Wild Autograph model A7, metal / glass / timber / electronic, designed and made by Wild Heerbrugg Ltd, Switzerland, 1949, used by the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority, Australia, 1955-1985, and Canberra College of Advanced Education, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, 1985-1992

The stereo-plotter is assembled from eleven sub-components: Cast-iron stand - the iron frame-work, reinforced by several cross ribs, supports the major mechanical, electro-mechanical and optical components of the A7; the main frame - the stand's two lateral supports bear the main frame that govern the fore and aft tilt of the left and right frames via two rollers which are adjusted by a motorised wheel; left and right frames - inside the main-frame are two inner-frames (left and right) that support two gymbles (cradles) which in turn carry two camera bodies, each of which carries a photograph; the observation system - optical data is transferred from the photographs in the camera bodies via a series of fixed and moveable mirrors. This imagery converges at the eye-piece column.

Made: 1949


Used: 1955 - 1992

2008/83/1

1949

1250 mm

1480 mm

1150 mm