USE OF REMOTE SENSING IN THE STUDY OF THE CHANGING SHORELINE OF SARYKAMYSH LAKE

The findings of a program monitoring the growth of an enormous man-made lake, created by the flooding of a low-lying area by irrigation water drainage, are described. Black-and-white space images for the period 1973-1985 are used to determine rates of shoreline displacement, map the growth in the lake's water area, and to determine probable areas of future flooding as a basis for prediction of future lake levels and shoreline positions. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1988, No. 7, pp. 44-46.     

AN INITIAL ATTEMPT AT INTERPRETING THE STRUCTURE OF MOUNTAINOUS AREAS IN THE WESTERN ANTARCTIC WITH SPACE IMAGERY

The second of two reports on the use of space imagery in the interpretation of Antarctica's geologic structure applies interpretation procedures described in an earlier article (see Mapping Sciences and Remote Sensing, 1985, No. 1) to produce a geologic map of a portion of the Antarctic Peninsula. Features identified on space imagery and depicted on the map include: a deep pericratonnal fault zone, a Mesozoic fold belt interrupted by a complex system of faults, and ring or annular structures of volcanic origin. Translated from: Antarktika, AN SSSR Mezhduve-domstvennaya komissiya po izucheniyu Antarktiki, Doklady komissii [USSR Academy of Sciences Joint Commission on Antarctic Research, Commission Report], No. 24. Moscow, 1985, pp. 43-49.     

THE LANGUAGE OF MAPS AND ITS PRINCIPAL FEATURES

The author, head of the Department of Cartography at the Institute of Geography, analyzes the language of maps in terms of general semiotic principles. Using the similarity of processes in other language systems, he constructs a model of the language of maps that distinguishes two sublanguages, one reflecting the locational aspects of maps (coordinate grids, etc.), the other reflecting the map content. The discussion touches on the system of map symbols as a linguistic feature, analyzes the system of map language in terms of such linguistic features as vocabulary, grammar and syntax, and draws other analogies between the language of maps and other language systems. Translated from: Voprosy Geografii, No. 122/123, 1984, pp. 40-56.     

PROBABILITY ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLETENESS OF GEOGRAPHIC MAPS

The author outlines a method for quantitative analysis of the completeness of information presented on maps of varying scale, i.e., for determining, upon reductions in scale of an original map A, what magnitudes of loss in graphic detail will result in derivative maps B, C, D that are of equal relative completeness to the original. Empirical formulae are derived which describe intensities of selection typical of maps devoted to particular topics (stream networks, urban socioeconomic indices, etc.) and graphic methods are described which can be used to determine scale denominators at which specific reductions in the number of features can occur without losses in “completeness” or, conversely, the number of particular kinds of features that can be eliminated on maps (or portions of maps) upon reductions in scale without losses in completeness. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1985, No. 5, pp. 17–23.     

DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING IN THE COMPILATION OF LUNAR PHOTOMAPS

A method of compiling lunar thematic photomaps is described, in which telescopically derived photometric data, representing the map theme of albedo variation, is portrayed on a topographic base map prepared from scanner data obtained from a space probe. Digital image processing is employed in a wide range of tasks including data averaging and filtration, and grid and scale transformation. Two maps, representing different versions of final output, are provided: a map with albedo variation displayed according to the shaded-isoline technique, and one in which numerical values are printed over a grid of control points. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1985, No. 1, pp. 38-44.     

RECIDIVISM OF COMMUNICATIVE CARTOGRAPHY UNDER THE GUISE OF AUTOMATION

The author, in a review of Ye. Ye. Shiryayev's book, Cartographic Presentation, Transformation, and Analysis of Geoinformation, addresses several issues in the automation of cartography—in particular what he perceives as a growing tendency to underestimate the importance of understanding the information being portrayed on maps. A formalistic (strictly quantitative) view of generalization that focuses on preservation or minimization of the loss of information on an initial map ignores the potential for the creation of new knowledge through the abstraction and elimination of information about lower-order systems. Salishchev criticizes Shiryayev's method of “raster digitizing” on such formalistic grounds, and because of its lack of visual quality and purported indiscriminate application within cartography. Shiryayev's reply to Salishchev's comments appears in the following paper of this issue. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1985, No. 11, pp. 59–61.     

USE OF SPACE PHOTOGRAPHS IN THE MAKING AND REVISION OF SMALL-SCALE MAPS

A brief review paper focuses on Soviet strategies for the use of space imagery, particularly photographic products (1:2,000,000 to 1:4,200,000 scale) from manned spaceflights, in the revision of small-scale general reference maps. Principles for the interpretation and mapping of basic map elements appearing on space photographs are outlined. Space photographs provide for reduction in time spent in map editing and the more correct analysis of the reliability of information and its generalization. A technology of map revision based on the joint use of original photographs and photomaps, with the transfer of revisions from photomaps to map originals, is proposed. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1986, No. 8, pp. 29-33.     

INTERPRETATION OF THE AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE WITH SPACE IMAGERY

Heterochronous multispectral imagery from the “Fragment” scanner is used to identify and map a series of “natural-agricultural complexes,” or agricultural landscapes, of southern European Russia. Interpretation is based on imagery in the green, orange, red, and near-infrared zones of the spectrum (0.5-1.1 μm). Interpretation keys and other information designed to facilitate feature discrimination (optimal wavelengths, best seasons for imagining) are provided in many instances. Natural landscape and soil erosion maps are also compiled from the imagery, which supply information (an optimal crop rotation scheme and needed reclamation measures) used on the agricultural landscape map. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovs-kogo Unlversiteta, geografiya, 1985, No. 2, pp. 34-41.     

INTEGRATION OF CARTOGRAPHIC AND REMOTE SENSING METHODS

The history of the joint use of maps and air photos/space imagery in geographic problem solving is examined, as are general problems which must be addressed before more complete consolidation of map use and image interpretation methods will be possible. The relatively new field of geoiconics, encompassing image theory, processing, and interpretation, is proposed as a branch of knowledge promoting the integration of cartography and remote sensing rather than a megafield that will ultimately replace them. Translated from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1985, No. 4, pp. 11-22.     

MEDICAL GEOGRAPHIC MAPPING AND THE ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF SURFACE WATER POLLUTION ON THE HUMAN ORGANISM

The paper presents results of applied medical-geographic mapping work by the Uzbek SSR Academy of Sciences in support of public health studies in Central Asian areas where water supplies are contaminated by runoff from irrigated fields. The final product of the work is a map depicting surface water quality in aggregate terms and according to indices for specific pollutants (for water quality monitoring points), which is described both in terms of its content and methods of data compilation and transformation. Translated by Elliott B. Urdang, Providence, RI 02906 from: Izvestiya vysshikh uchebnykh zavedeniy: Geodeziya i aerofotos “yemka, 1989, No. 2, pp. 166–171.     

REMOTE SENSING IN THE STUDY OF LANDSCAPE STRUCTURE

Applications of remote sensing, in particular space imagery, in the study of the physical structure of landscapes are described. Special attention is paid to space imagery's capacity for instantaneous analysis of extensive areas, its potential for combined use with more traditional methods, and the multiscalar quality of the data obtained. Joint use of a variety of image products and imaging sequences provides diverse information which can be integrated for a more comprehensive understanding of landscape structure in a variety of physical environments. Translated from: Izvestiya Vsesoyuznogo geograficheskogo obshchestva, 1985, No. 3, pp. 266-270.     

MAPS OF USE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BURYAT REPUBLIC

A team of Russian geographers describes the development of a program for mapping land use/resource development and the condition of the environment in Russia's Buryat Republic. Three ecological maps recently compiled in the Republic, using a single cartographic base and employing standardized methods, are described. The last such map is a map of environmental use that reflects both a resource-development and an environmental-protection perspective. The article includes detailed examples of the legend of the latter map. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1998, No. 3, pp. 23-29.     

DESIGN OF CARTOGRAPHIC LETTERING FOR COMPUTER MAPPING

Guidelines for the design of lettering in computer mapping are outlined, which include, but are not restricted to: retention of basic elements of existing lettering styles, provision of high perceptibility and simplicity of design, retention of high readability and informational properties, consistency in the assignment of particular styles to particular classes of features, and observance of letter-spacing rules established in cartographic practice. A “machine-oriented formalized cartographic language,” suitable for both machine and visual reading, analysis, and construction of map elements is proposed as the basis for the development of a system of lettering in automated cartography. Translated from: Izvestiya vuzov. Geodeziya i aerofotos'-yemka, 1986, No. 1, pp. 92-97.     

GEOLOGIC INTERPRETATION OF ANTARCTICA'S MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS WITH SPACE IMAGERY

This paper demonstrates how ice-surface relief identified on space imagery can be used in mapping selected elements of the geologic structure of the Antarctic Peninsula. The mapping procedure is based on the fact that all major subglacial relief forms appear, albeit in subdued form, on the surface of slow moving and relatively thin ice sheets. Since subglacial bedrock relief reflects geologic structure, particular surface configurations of ice identified on space imagery can be used as indicators of major structural elements. Examples of the procedure, including imagery of ice relief and corresponding cartographic representations of underlying structure are provided for faults and ring structures. Translated from: Antarktika, AN SSSR Mezhduvedomstvennaya komissiya po izucheniyu Antarktiki, Doklady komissii [USSR Academy of Sciences Joint Commission on Antarctic Research, Commission Report], No. 24. Moscow, 1985, pp. 50-55. An article demonstrating the application of these methods in the compilation of a geologic map for a part of the Antarctic Peninsula will appear in a later issue.     

PROBLEMS OF THE COMPLEX AUTOMATED MAPPING OF THE MOSCOW REGION

The paper describes a program for the complex (comprehensive) automated mapping of Moscow Oblast, performed jointly by various departments within the Moscow University Geography Faculty. The program was instituted during the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (1981-1985) and includes among its objectives: (1) support for local economic management and planning; (2) promotion of basic research in automated cartographic and geographic information systems; and (3) the improvement of methods of complex mapping. A number of maps compiled to date are described, and sample maps produced by the Moscow University Automated Mapping System are presented. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1988, No. 1, pp. 54-59 by Jay K. Mitchell; PlanEcon, Inc.; Washington, DC 20005.     

THE RELATION OF CARTOGRAPHY TO THE LAWS AND CLASSIFICATION OF SCIENCE

The chairman of Moscow University's Cartography Department addresses questions about cartography's place in the system of scientific knowledge, qualifications as a science, subject matter, and methods of analysis. Critiques of recent theoretical works both within and outside the USSR lay the groundwork for the author's view of cartography: a multifaceted, interdisciplinary field of knowledge using maps for the presentation and investigation of natural and socioeconomic phenomena. Although few if any strictly cartographic laws exist at present, map use methods are applied widely for the discovery and analysis of laws in other disciplines. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1984, No. 6, pp. 3-10.     

MEDIUM-SCALE MAPPING OF THE FOREST ECOSYSTEMS OF MONGOLIA

The paper describes the organization and preliminary results of a joint Mongolian-Russian program for mapping forest vegetation in an area of Mongolia adjacent to the Russian border. The project involved the compilation of a map of ecosystems, which provided a base for a subsequently prepared map of ecosystem disturbance by humans. The paper includes a discussion of procedures followed in compilation of the legends of the two maps, as well as a detailed analysis of the spatial patterns of human disturbance revealed by analysis of the second map. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1996, No. 3, pp. 135-144.     

THE READABILITY OF THE MAP: THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES

An effort is made at developing a theory of map readability, defined as the process of the user's representation of the information of the map in his/her own mind. This can be estimated quantitatively by surrogate measures, which include the speed of map comprehension and accuracy of map interpretation. Levels of psychological representation of map information are incorporated to determine at what stage particular aspects of map knowledge are understood. Thus what readability entails, and the approaches used to measure it (what types of things are comprehended, how fast, and how accurately) will depend upon the level of representation. Translated from: Vestnik Leningradskogo Universiteta, seriya 7 [geologiya, geografiya], 1988, No. 1, pp. 32-37.     

THE USE OF ANCIENT MAPS AND SPACE IMAGERY IN THE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

The author outlines, in diagrammatic form, a procedure for the joint use of old maps (topographic, land survey, etc.) and current space imagery to compile maps of environmental change. The ancient maps reveal land use and physical conditions which serve as a benchmark for evaluation of subsequent change. Space imagery is useful both in updating the current state of the environment and providing a cartographic base for the preparation of final maps. Selected areas of Moscow Oblast are used as test sites. Translated from: Izvestiya vuzov, Geodeziya i aerofotos' yem-ka, 1985, No. 1, pp. 104-109.     

THE CADASTRAL MAP

Abstract

In the Empire Survey Review for April 1934 (No. 12, pp. 382–4), the Editor has raised the question of the function of the cadastral map. As he remarks, the question is not simple, but it is easier to say what the function of the map is than to decide of what the map should consist in order that it may fulfil its function. Broadly speaking we may state that the function of the map is to record the boundaries of landed property in such a manner as not only to afford a pictorial representation but also to supply data for the identification of these boundaries on the ground when occasion requires. Apart from this the map should show the areas of properties, as this information may be required for taxation purposes.