NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCES OF THE WORLD—A NEW SOVIET ATLAS

The authors employ remote sensing imagery and existing landscape maps to gain greater insight into how pre-glacial tectonic activity contributes to landscape development in old glaciated regions by affecting the form and movements of lobes of past continental ice sheets. Using the Belorussian SSR as a study area, the authors identify several features of current landscape structure which can serve as indicators of past tectonic activity, the most reliable being various characteristics of the landscape family—defined as a combination of natural territorial complexes of similar origin and age. Translated from: Izvestiya Vsesoyuznogo Geograficheskogo Obshchestva, 1990, No. 6, pp. 560–565.     

THE HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF LANDSCAPES IN WESTERN IRAQ FROM SPACE IMAGERY

Space photography at 1:2,400,000 scale from the “Salyut-6” space station was used to compile maps on the evolution of arid landscapes in the Late Pleistocene and Holocene in western Iraq. The imagery made it possible to trace the development of many ancient natural features and to formulate an interpretation key of landscape elements—formed under a variety of past climatic environments, but subsequently evolving under common, somewhat similar natural conditions. This provides a basis for improved understanding the present state, history of formation, and future transformations of arid landscapes. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Izvestiya Vsesoyuznogo Geograficheskogo Obshchestva, 1990, No. 3, pp. 255–260.     

PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF THE COMPLEX ECOLOGICAL-GEOGRAPHIC MAPPING OF SIBERIA

A review of basic theoretical principles of “ecological” mapping and types of maps of the environment sets the stage for a more detailed treatment of ecological-geographic maps—maps portraying a wide range of nature-society and nature-nature relationships—as they are used in support of economic development and environmental monitoring in Siberia. Particular attention is devoted to the compilation of map series, which include ecological-geographical maps, for the Lake Baykal area, BAM service zone, West Siberia, and specific territorial production complexes (e.g., Kansk-Achinsk TPC). Translated from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1987, No. 3, pp. 10-18.     

A LANDSCAPE-TYPOLOGY REGIONALIZATION OF MONGOLIA BASED ON SPACE IMAGERY

A joint Soviet-Mongolian project of 1978-80 using space imagery for the mapping of Mongolia's natural resources is described. The novelty of using space photographs called for the development of new techniques. The remote sensing approach enabled the investigators to compile within a relatively short time a map of natural territorial complexes of Mongolia, distinguished by a high degree of detail, and to gain a new understanding about many aspects of the Mongolian Physical environment. Translated from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1984, No. 4, pp. 5-14.     

THE ECOLOGY OF URBAN GEOSYSTEMS FROM SPACE IMAGERY

This study uses space imagery, particularly false-color composites, to identify and map major natural complexes of the Yerevan basin and the changes they are undergoing as a result of a variety of in situ and “imported” pollution impacts. Interpretation aides in the identification of areas affected by different types of pollution in the basin are identified. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Izvestiya [Rossiyskoy] Akademii Nauk, seriya geograficheskaya, 1992, No. 1, pp. 112–121.     

An Exploratory Procedure Defining a Local Topographic Index for Mountainous Vegetation Conditions

Topography-NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) correlations supported the definition of a topographic index (TI) summarizing topographical conditions for vegetation growth into a single index. "Thermal" aspect, slope, and elevation were consecutively incorporated—following tests of various algorithms—to reach the maximum (observed) improvement in TI-NDVI correlations. A case study produced a visually realistic TI pattern that was more closely correlated with NDVI than aspect by 16.5% (in terms of Pearson's r) in the case study area. The landscape meanings of the index and its dependency on data resolution/source and on study area were then evaluated.     

THE EAST AFRICAN ARC

Abstract

Choice of Beacon.—The general question as to whether luminous or opaque signals should be used in ruling triangulation has recently been discussed in the Empire Survey Review (No.9, pp. 151–2 and No. 12, pp. 335–6). It may here be summarized that opaque beacons of suitable design are sufficiently accurate and offer the considerable advantages of being immediately available for subsequent work, of requiring little or no attention, and of being visible from all directions without rearrangement. Moreover, if of the tripod or quadripod type, they need not be dismounted during occupation of the station for observing, so that 0bservations by more than one observer are not interrupted. The only occasion for using luminous beacons arises from bad visibility, whether through atmospheric haze or lack of a suitable background or through the economic necessity of completing observations at night. These conditions are not peculiar to ruling triangulation. An ”all-round” type of luminous beacon—a pressure oil lamp or a rotating mirror system—can be used for nightwork or against a dark background, but single-direction luminous beacons are necessary to overcome haze.     

Characterization of Forest Crops with a Range of Nutrient and Water Treatments Using AISA Hyperspectral Imagery

This research examined the utility of Airborne Imaging Spectrometer for Applications (AISA) hyperspectral imagery for estimating the biomass of three forest crops—sycamore, sweetgum, and loblolly pine—planted in experimental plots with a range of fertilization and irrigation treatments on the Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina. Both vegetation index (VI) and red-edge positioning (REP) approaches were investigated to estimate the biomass associated with 12 treatment conditions. The optimum band pairs using the VI approach for biomass estimation were located mainly in the visible, NIR, and/or water absorption region around 970 nm, depending on the treatment conditions. Both the selected hyperspectral variables (i.e., VI and REP) resulted in good performance for biomass estimation for a range of treatment conditions except for those associated with loblolly pine. The hyperspectral variables were also examined to determine if they were able to identify the optimum fertilization treatment level. For the fertilization treatment conditions with good biomass estimation (R ²0.9), their optimum treatment levels were successfully identified.     

GEODETIC BEACONS

Abstract

Mr. Clendinning's article on “Signal Lamps” (E.S.R., vol. ii, pp. 15–18) raises a point of major importance in geodetic triangulation. I entirely agree with him that the sole use of heliographs—heliostats to the purist—is in most parts of the world out of date. I also think, and indeed am prepared to state categorically, that the use of acetylene lamps is out of date and was out of date many years ago. The Americans, who are always worth listening to on the economics of surveys, would not otherwise have replaced all their acetylene gear by electric beacons. The answer, in my experience, and for reasons which I shall endeavour to make clear, is generally, but not necessarily always, to provide both helio and electric lighting; but first I should like to summarize the conditions in which luminous signals should be used at all.     

REMOTE SENSING AND THE STUDY OF SIBERIAN MINERAL RESOURCES

The authors outline the general policy governing the use of remote sensing in Siberian mineral exploration—as a tool in the structural-geomorphologic mapping of potential mineral-bearing locations. Such maps are used to infer geologic structure (and endogenous conditions for mineral formation) and the character of contemporary exogenous processes (and conditions of transport and concentration of mineral residues) from geoindicators in surface terrain visible from space. Uses of space imagery in the study of seismic activity and engineering geomorphology are also described. Translated from: Kompleksnyye aerokosmicheskiye Issledovaniya Sibiri, A. L. Yanshin and L. K. Zyat'kova, eds. Novosibirsk: Nauka, 1984, pp. 5-14.     

SOIL-GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PURPOSES

The authors outline a procedure for the mapping of soil geochemical anomalies surrounding a gas condensate deposit in upland East Siberia. An end product is a map showing areas in which matter is biologically cycled in different ways and at different intensities, as reflected in the dominance of different combinations of chemical elements in the soil. The paper explores the relationship between these geochemical regions and (a) related natural regions (vegetation, geomorphologic-geologic) and (b) types of human impact (e.g., fires, oil-gas drilling, pipeline construction). The methods employed are compared with previous methodologies of geochemical mapping—e.g., of Perel'man. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1997, No. 1, pp. 23-33     

APPLICATIONS OF REMOTE SENSING IN THE STUDY OF THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN OF DAGESTAN

The authors explore a wide range of applications of remote sensing methods in the study of natural hazards posed by exogenous geomorphologic processes in areas of predominantly calcareous and shale-based rock in mountainous portions of Dagestan. Space imagery, air photographs, and ground truth established from field observations provides the basis for the mapping of environmental conditions with an emphasis on the extent to which mass movements and other exogenous geomorphologic processes pose natural hazards to human residence and economic activity. Translated by Elliott B. Urdang, Providence, RI 02906 from: Geomorfologiya, 1993, No. 4, pp. 26-35.     

THREE YEARS AND MORE OF THE RISING SUN or A COLONIAL SURVEY DEPARTMENT UNDER A NEW MASTER

Abstract

The late war has been responsible for many unusual situations—not the least of which was that of certain British Colonial Surv1ey Offices passing under the control of an Asiatic Invader, and it is thought that the story of one of them—the Survey Department of Malaya—will not be without interest to readers of this Review.     

AN ATLAS OF CMEA MEMBER NATIONS

General problems of complex atlas mapping—selection of scales and indices for mapping, standardization of legends, establishment of appropriate levels of generalization, etc.—are addressed using the first comprehensive economic atlas of CMEA member countries as an example. The Atlas itself contains general overview maps of economic linkages of CMEA member nationa with the world economy, maps devoted to economic transactions and patterns within the CMEA as a whole, and general economic maps of the individual member nations. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1985, No. 4, pp. 3-6.     

THE TWO METRES: THE STORY OF AN AFRICAN FOOT

Abstract

Introductory.—From time to time the question of the relation between the metre and the foot is raised, most frequently perhaps from Africa. Had there been no more than a single metre to consider the question would no doubt arise but seldom: the most recent authoritative comparsion would be generally accepted. But actually it is the existence of two metres—the “ legal” and the “international”—which complicates the question, so much indeed that there is no metrological factor which has influenced survey, British and foreign, more than the relation between these two metres. The question was discussed in this Review (I, 6, 277, 1932), but memories grow shorter, attention is more diffused, and besides there is required a more explicit statement of the situation as it affects British surveyors, especially in Africa, whence the question has been raised anew. To illuminate it, unfortunately the need recurs to repeat some well-known facts.     

RECENT ACTIVITIES OF THE PRIRODA STATE REMOTE SENSING CENTER

A brief review of the most recent of a series of far-reaching experiments at improving subsatellite monitoring and control during satellite imaging sequences focuses on efforts to coordinate international research and data collection for the purpose of developing a global exchange model in the land-atmosphere system. The experiment involved the coordinated processing of thermal, moisture, and radiation data obtained from a wide variety of sensors—scanners, radar, spectrometers, photographic cameras, hydgometers—from a wide variety of platforms—satellites, manned spacecraft, airplanes, ships, ground field observations at test sites. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk, seriya geograficheskaya, 1993, No. 2, pp. 127-128.     

SOUTH AND EAST AFRICA AND THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF GEODESY AND GEOPHYSICS

Abstract

THE resolutions and pious hopes (væux) passed by the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics at Edinburgh in September 1936 have just been circulated in a formidable document of 8 pages and XXIX commandments. Of these, two affect the Cape-to-Cairo line particularly and they seem to deserve special study. The first of these, Number III—on systems of Projections—applies the meridional strips of the Transverse Mercator Projection apparently to all maps, topographical as well as cadastral.     

HIGHWAY TRANSITION CURVE DESIGN

Abstract

Any paper on transition curves would certainly be incomplete without the inclusion of a, section on the lemniscate, and whilst the writer personally prefers the Euler spiral as being easier to apply—once tables have beenprepared—it cannot be denied that within the range of tangential angle Φ used in ordinary highway practice, the two curves are so nearly alike in alignment that they must be equally satisfactory from the driver-vehicle point of view. The writer considers, however, that whilst users of the spiral generally seem to adopt a sort of "live and let live “attitude to the use of the lemniscate, exponents of the latter seem to have little good to say about the spiral. The main differences between the two curves are as follows:—(a) For the Euler spiral the intrinsio equation may be written lr = constant, whilst for the lemniscate the corresponding relationship is pr = constant, where p is the chord or polar ray AB in the writer's notation (see Fig. 1, p. 211). It follows from these two relationships that when the curves are flat as in the case of high speed spirals, the chord and arc-length are almost equal and the two curves must be almost identical also. It also follows, although not quite so obviously, that whilst the rate of change of curvature is exactly constant along the length of any Euler spiral, it eases off somewhat as a lemniscate gets sharper. This property will be mentioned again later.     

GRID BEARINGS AND DISTANCES ON THE CONICAL ORTHOMORPHIC PROJECTION

Abstract

Scale Correction Factor at a Point in Terms of X and Y.—Let dσ be a small line element of the curve ACB on the plane and ds the corresponding line element on the spheroid.