C factor
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C factor
[′sē ‚fak·tər] (mapping)
An empirical value in aerial photography which expresses the vertical measuring capability of a given stereoscopic system; the factor is the ratio of the flight height to the smallest contour interval accurately plottable; in planning for aerial photography the C factor is used to determine the flight height required for a specified contour interval, camera, and instrument system. Also known as altitude contour.