7.28. All 20 sheets of the new 1/25,000 scale map, produced by the Directorate of Overseas Surveys, have been published and bulk supplies received and distributed to Government departments. Arrangements have been made with the Directorate of Military Surveys for revised future editions of this series to be printed in United Kingdom, the revision to be undertaken by this office. It is hoped also to arrange for these future editions to be reprinted locally for sale to the public at a considerably lower price than is currently charged for the United Kingdom printed edition.
# Title Survey
7.29. The heavy demand for boundary surveys continued throughout the year under review, reflecting the renewed interest in land and increased pace of private development. On average, approximately 28% of the survey staff were engaged on this work throughout the year. The main effort continued to be concentrated on the more urgent demand for surveys for dimension plans and setting out of new lots. In order to meet that demand, surveys for Crown Leases and surrender plans had to be curtailed; this has resulted in a considerable accumulation of arrears in these plans.
Local Air Survey
7.30. The loss of the modified R.H.K.A.A.F. Auster Aircraft in August 1970 curtailed all further vertical air photography. The lens-cone of the RC5 camera, which was installed at the time, was damaged and has been returned to United Kingdom for expert scrutiny. It is very unlikely that it can be repaired.
7.31. Photographs taken earlier by this camera were used by the contractors, Hunting Surveys Ltd. to plot 1/1,200 scale plans of the border area and of Tai Po. Other photos were used to plot 1/600 scale plans, with 5 foot contours, of 'borrow areas' on Tsing Yi Island and the Texaco Peninsula which will be used for the reclamation of the Kwai Chung Container Terminal area.
7.32. This exercise has proved the usefulness of an air survey camera provided that a suitable aircraft is available at short notice and without cost to this office. Proposals to arrange another air-survey mapping contract have been shelved until a suitable aircraft and camera are available.
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