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In this paper we describe a powerful method for using data obtained in large scale, multi-wavelength, infrared imaging surveys to directly measure and map the distribution of extinction through a molecular cloud. This method combines measurements of near-infrared color excess and certain techniques of star counting to derive mean extinctions through a cloud at higher angular resolution and greater optical depth than those achieved previously by optical star counting. The initial application of the method to a dark cloud near IC 5146 is reported. The results are compared with coordinated $^{13}$CO, C$^{18}$O and CS molecular-line observations also obtained for the cloud.
