Camouflage technology exists since 1979 at the CSIR. Spectral measurements of natural phenomena (leaves, bark, soil, rocks) were very difficult during the early days, and spectral measurements were performed on samples brought back from the field. Special care had to be taken to ensure integrity of measurements, especially on plant material. From these measurements the current camouflage colours used on vehicles were defined.
Reference:
Baumbach, J. 2006. Fabric printing of colours measured in nature and the field evaluation there-of. AIC 2006, Colour in Fashion and Colour in Culture, Misty Hills, Gauteng, South Africa, 24-27 October, 2006., 1p
Baumbach, J. (2006). Fabric printing of colours measured in nature and the field evaluation there-of. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1064
Baumbach, J. "Fabric printing of colours measured in nature and the field evaluation there-of." (2006): http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1064
Baumbach J, Fabric printing of colours measured in nature and the field evaluation there-of; 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/1064 .