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.     

THE MAPPING OF FLOODPLAIN VEGETATION ON A LANDSCAPE BASIS

A “genetic” principle for the identification of morphological units on a floodplain landscape is applied to the mapping of vegetation and, more specifically, to a study of the spatial distribution of forest vegetation within the Ob' River floodplain. Aspects of the problem which are discussed include the identification and ranking of floodplain units and their components and appropriate scales for image interpretation and mapping. The principles and procedures outlined are applicable to the mapping of other floodplains. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1989, No. 2, pp. 78–84.     

MAPPING ANIMAL HABITATS

The authors propose a series of general methodological guidelines for animal habitat mapping. These include the use of “summary” indicators (of aggregate effects of environmental conditions on animal populations) as indices for mapping, the combination of laboratory and field work at all but the smallest scales of mapping, and explicit recognition (based on extensive studies of ecological characteristics and life cycles of species being mapped) that habitat boundaries in many cases vary dramatically from vegetation and landscape-geological boundaries. Habitat maps of two study areas are compared with vegetation and landscape maps at identical scales to demonstrate these differences. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1985, No. 3, pp. 95-101.     

Lightning flash mensuration using video from the space shuttle Columbia (STS‐32)

Abstract

Environmental data are often utilized to guide interpretation of spectral information based on context, however, these are also important in deriving vegetation maps themselves, especially where ecological information can be mapped spatially. A vegetation classification procedure is presented which combines a classification of spectral data from Landsat‐5 Thematic Mapper (TM) and environmental data based on topography and fire history. These data were combined utilizing fuzzy logic where assignment of each pixel to a single vegetation category was derived comparing the partial membership of each vegetation category within spectral and environmental classes. Partial membership was assigned from canopy cover for forest types measured from field sampling. Initial classification of spectral and ecological data produced map accuracies of less than 50% due to overlap between spectrally similar vegetation and limited spatial precision for predicting local vegetation types solely from the ecological information. Combination of environmental data through fuzzy logic increased overall mapping accuracy (70%) in coniferous forest communities of northwestern Montana, USA.     

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.     

THE POTENTIAL FOR VISUAL AND AUTOMATED INTERPRETATION OF FOREST VEGETATION WITH SCANNER IMAGERY

Feature classification maps derived from visual and automated methods of interpreting band-specific and composite imagery from the “Fragment” multispectral scanning system are compared in the study of vegetation and related features along the Gulf of Riga. The automated method, featuring a two-stage unsupervised/supervised classification algorithm developed at Moscow University (see MSRS, 1984, No. 3, pp. 255-261) provided for enhanced discrimination of wetland areas, farm land, and settlements, as well as for the elimination of extraneous components (especially the above) visually classified as deciduous forest. Translated from: Vestnilk Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1988, No. 3, pp. 49-57 by Jay K. Mitchell, PlanEcon, Inc., Washington, DC 20005.     

AN AUTOMATED METHOD OF HYDROLOGICAL MAPPING APPLIED TO A FOREST-WETLAND ZONE IN WEST SIBERIA

The paper describes a method for the compilation of isarithmic maps of average annual runoff for a waterlogged taiga area in West Siberia using computer algorithms. Considerable attention is devoted to such methodological issues as isarithm interpolation; determining what constitutes an adequate number of control points; and utilization of spline functions, “sieving” points, and piecewise-linear modeling. Spline-functions more precisely and reliably describe the field of annual runoff. Translated by Larry Richardson, Glendale, CA 91202 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1993, No. 3, pp. 20-26.     

USE OF THE CARTOGRAPHIC METHOD IN THE STUDY OF CHANNEL PROCESSES

A second paper on floodplain and channel mapping describes how the “cartographic method” (the use of maps to derive information about the world not readily available through other means of investigation) is applied through the use of special maps depicting the sizes and types of river channels, the character of floodplains and of channel deformation, and the general conditions responsible for channel evolution. The uses, strengths, and limitations of channel maps at small, intermediate, and large scales are discussed, as well as methods of cartographic presentation that have proven most effective. Translated from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1986, No. 3, pp. 99-108.     

Estimating the Effects of Map Error on Habitat Delineation for the California Spotted Owl in Southern California

The reliability of habitat maps that have been generated using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and image processing of remotely sensed data can be overestimated. Habitat suitability and spatially explicit population viability models are often based on these products without explicit knowledge of the effects of these mapping errors on model results. While research has considered errors in population modeling assumptions, there is no standardized method for measuring the effects of inaccuracies resulting from errors in landscape classification. Using landscape‐scale maps of existing vegetation developed for the USDA Forest Service in southern California from Landsat Thematic Mapper satellite data and GIS modeling, we performed a sensitivity analysis to estimate how mapping errors in vegetation type, forest canopy cover, and tree crown size might affect delineation of suitable habitat for the California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis). The resulting simulated uncertainty maps showed an increase in the estimated area of suitable habitat types. Further analysis measuring the fragmentation of the additional patches showed that they were too small to be useful as habitat areas.     

THEMATIC MAPPING OF PLANETS: CURRENT SITUATION AND PROSPECTS

Principles and objectives governing Soviet thematic mapping of nearby planets are outlined, types of information sources for such mapping categorized, and the suitability of different types of information sources for thematic mapping are evaluated. This is followed by a classification of thematic planetary maps according to type. The need for a standardized, systems approach to the determination of map scales, compilation and generalization, symbolization, and map design is emphasized as an essential prerequisite for the development of complex atlases of individual planets, atlases of “comparative planetology,” and the establishment of “planetary information systems.” Translated by Jay Mitchell; PlanEcon, Inc.; Washington, DC 20005 from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1987, No. 6, pp. 60-67.     

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.     

MAPPING GLOBAL PROBLEMS OF TODAY: THE FOOD PROBLEM

An approach to the mapping of food supply and distribution problems over the world is outlined and, more specifically, a program for the mapping of geographic types of diet in tropical nations, using Africa as a test case. Among the new types of cartographic products are maps and “typograms” showing the distribution, quality, and structure of standard diets (“food types”) based on various combinations of food products derived from crop agriculture, animal husbandry, hunting and gathering, and fishing in diverse natural and cultural environments. Sources of information and design considerations for the various elements of map content are elaborated. Translated by Jay K. Mitchell, PlanEcon, Inc., Washington, DC 20005 from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1989, No. 4, pp. 98–107.     

TOPOLOGY AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF CARTOGRAPHIC IMAGES

A survey of the use of topologic concepts of space in map transofrmation supports the author's contention that so-called “transformed images” represent for the most part rather arbitrary distortions of conventional maps constructed in Euclidean space. This paper demonstrates how truly topologic images can be created “from scratch,” i.e., without manipulation of either the sizes or shapes of areal units on preexisting maps. Images created by quantitatively defining “graphic ratios” of areal units can thus be replicated by other cartographers with a minimum of subjectivity. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1984, No. 12, pp. 28-31.     

Mapping post-fire forest regeneration and vegetation recovery using a combination of very high spatial resolution and hyperspectral satellite imagery

Careful evaluation of forest regeneration and vegetation recovery after a fire event provides vital information useful in land management. The use of remotely sensed data is considered to be especially suitable for monitoring ecosystem dynamics after fire. The aim of this work was to map post-fire forest regeneration and vegetation recovery on the Mediterranean island of Thasos by using a combination of very high spatial (VHS) resolution (QuickBird) and hyperspectral (EO-1 Hyperion) imagery and by employing object-based image analysis. More specifically, the work focused on (1) the separation and mapping of three major post-fire classes (forest regeneration, other vegetation recovery, unburned vegetation) existing within the fire perimeter, and (2) the differentiation and mapping of the two main forest regeneration classes, namely, Pinus brutia regeneration, and Pinus nigra regeneration. The data used in this study consisted of satellite images and field observations of homogeneous regenerated and revegetated areas. The methodology followed two main steps: a three-level image segmentation, and, a classification of the segmented images. The process resulted in the separation of classes related to the aforementioned objectives. The overall accuracy assessment revealed very promising results (approximately 83.7% overall accuracy, with a Kappa Index of Agreement of 0.79). The achieved accuracy was 8% higher when compared to the results reported in a previous work in which only the EO-1 Hyperion image was employed in order to map the same classes. Some classification confusions involving the classes of P. brutia regeneration and P. nigra regeneration were observed. This could be attributed to the absence of large and dense homogeneous areas of regenerated pine trees in the study area.     

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.     

NEW METHODS OF COMPILING GENERAL REFERENCE MAPS IN ATLAS CARTOGRAPHY

Measures to improve the effectiveness and informational content of general reference maps and other materials in atlases designed for the general public are outlined. Emphasis is placed upon (a) enhancing the readability and visual appeal of color “landscape” maps, providing a generalized, small-scale aerial view of the region(s) of interest–this through the application of principles of perception and colorimetry–and (b) developing larger-scale “reference” maps maximizing levels of graphic detail without jeopardizing ease of perception–this based on a careful study of general reference maps in atlases worldwide and broadly based testing of users with various levels of map reading skills. Translated from: Izvestiya vysshykh uchebnykh zavedeniy: Geodeziya i aerofotos'yemka, 1985, No. 6, pp. 111-115.     

中国林火卫星遥感预警监测技术研究进展

中国目前已形成了地面巡护、近地面监测、航空巡护和卫星监测等4级立体林火监测层次,但森林火灾仍是造成中国森林资源损失、森林生态环境安全和人身伤害的主要林业灾害。为对林火预警监测技术研究提供技术借鉴参考,本文从可燃物参数估测、烟区识别、着火点检测、森林大火燃烧动态监测、森林火烧迹地制图、森林火灾受害程度评价、森林燃烧生物量估算和火后植被恢复监测等8个方面,对中国近二十多年来开展的林火卫星遥感预警监测应用技术的研究进展、存在的技术问题和发展趋势进行了分析,并对构建服务于生态文明建设的天—空—地一体化的林火预警监测技术体系建设进行了展望。     

ECOLOGICAL-GEOGRAPHIC MAPPING: CONCEPTS,METHODS, AND TECHNOLOGY

Another paper in a series of articles on ecological-geographic mapping (see for example, Mapping Sciences and Remote Sensing, Vol. 31, No. 3, July-September 1994, pp. 185-220) focuses on outlining a concise typology of such maps and providing a brief history of their emergence during the 1970s and 1980s. A subsequent section is devoted to methods and technology used in the compilation of ecological-geographic maps, particularly the multiple variants of data organization, processing, and cartographic representation that can be factored into research design. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1995, No. 4, pp. 10-18.