We attempted to quantify the magnitude-dependent systematics in a sample of Schmidt plates by comparison to positions from the Yale/San Juan Southern Proper Motion program which offers star positions and absolute proper motions down to B = 18 with a mean density of about 50 stars per square degree and a positional accuracy of 0.1″ (Platais et al. 1995).

The accuracy of parallaxes obtained with ground-based CCD cameras now often reaches or exceeds 0.5 milliarcseconds. This improved accuracy permits us to measure significant parallaxes and determine distances for the nearest planetary nebulae. At present, the central stars of 11 planetary nebulae have been observed as part of the USNO parallax program. We now have determined distances with accuracies better than 20 percent for four central stars and better than 50 percent for five more. This paper gives the present status of the program, a brief interpretation of the results, and future prospects.

Ground-based wide-field optical astrometry is in a state of technological turmoil. The photographic plate appears to be an endangered species, and the best alternative, the charge coupled device (CCD), is not ready to replace it This discussion presents various issues related to this inevitable transition from plates to CCDs, and suggests areas where research is needed before the appropriate CCD detectors can be designed.