Change vector analysis for disaster assessment: A case study of Hurricane Andrew

Abstract

Remote sensing is a powerful and accurate means of collecting data for wildlife management, particularly for large areas which are difficult of access and feature delicate ecosystems.

Giant panda habitat in the People's Republic of China was evaluated by visual interpretation of multitemporal LANDSAT MSS images. The resulting map, combined with ground survey data, provides important information upon which management decisions can be planned.

This case study illustrates that remote sensing techniques can make a significant contribution to the management programme for the conservation of a threatened animal species.     

Three‐dimensional displays for natural hazards analysis,using classified Landsat thematic mapper digital data and large‐scale digital elevation models

Abstract

Professional aerial photography missions are generally outside the reach of most students and faculty involved with teaching and research. Oblique aerial photography using handheld cameras for image acquisition from a light high‐wing aircraft offers an excellent learning experience for students in a first course in remote sensing and offers a useful research tool for graduate students and faculty engaged in environmental investigations. This paper is essentially a guide, covering all aspects of hand‐held camera aerial imaging and the subsequent processing needed to produce low‐obliques, stereograms, anaglyphs, and flight line mosaics. Scales, ground coverage distances, and stereogram and mosaic timing intervals, are included along with a section on the calculations used to produce these numbers. A list of additional resources concludes the paper.     

The applications of high resolution satellite data for coastal management and planning in a pacific coral Island

Abstract

Coastal Tropism is a worldwide phenomenon. It induces urgent needs for observation inventories and management of coastal environment, mainly in developing countries.

High resolution satellite data may solve some aspects of the problems. Three examples based upon the potential use of shrimp aquaculture sites in tropical salt marshes, the biotopes mapping in coral reef environments for biologic stock assessments and the characterization and quantification of evolutive stages of coral platforms, are developed. All three are relative to the same tropical Pacific Island with respect, for the first and second examples, to actual needs for the management of mangroves and coral reefs and for the third, to a scientific approach related to evolutive theory of reefs platforms in lagoons.

Methodology and results based upon digital image processing and computer assisted photointerpretation are exposed.

New trends in digital processing and associated digital cartography are listed.     

Production of Photomaps

Abstract

This paper comprises a short review of the methods followed and the results which have been obtained in Delft at the Topographic Service of the Netherlands and at the International Training Centre for Aerial Survey and Earth Sciences. After an introduction describing the principle of orthophotograph production, applications in the Netherlands, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Mauritius are discussed.     

Problems of mapping a nature reserve: Aberlady Bay LNR and SSSI

Abstract

A new five-colour map of Aberlady Bay Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest at 1:7,500 scale is published as a loose insert with the June 1993 issue of The Cartographic Journal. This accompanying paper describes the problems of producing the map at minimal cost, considers some of the cartographic issues particular to the site, and provides specification details of the compilation.

Such individual map sheets, which are used for environmental planning, research and teaching, have in the past been produced mainly by universities with the support of conservancy and countryside agencies. Future production costs at universities will inevitably rise although some economies may be possible by the use of digital database methods of cartography.     

Measuring the Coastline from Maps: A Study of the Scottish Mainland

Abstract

While attempting to devise a methodology for the assessment of the impact of planning decisions on the coastline of Scotland, it became apparent that a means of mapping information concerning the coastline and coastal zone was necessary. This meant that the maps had to be capable of being produced in bulk, they should be easy to alter and produce at different scales and with different information. It was therefore decided to investigate the potential of computational techniques to produce the required maps. This was performed by employing a d-Mac digitising table to generate the required coordinates and by processing the information on the University of Aberdeen's ICL system 4/70 computer, the output being on drum plotter.     

Opportunities for satellite remote sensing in hydrology and water management

Abstract

Hydrology and Water Management are key areas of applied science in the current world economy. Increasingly hydrologiste are looking to satellite remote sensing to help meet their needs for near real‐time data to measure, monitor and model water in the environment. However, progress has been hindered by the lack of a dedicated series of hydro‐logical satellites.

The paper summarises studies undertaken on an international basis in order to influence satellite, sensor and ground segment design operations to suit the needs of water management.     

Production Control of Cartography

Abstract

The particular problems of production control in a large commercial organisation are objectively analysed by the Vice-President, Cartographic Division, Rand McNally & Company, Chicago, U.S.A.     

Register Control in Map Reproduction

Abstract

The control of register in map production is a problem of common interest to cartographers. New materials and new techniques have facilitated advances towards improved register control. This article recounts the experience of the 13th Field Survey Squadron, R.E., and the techniques developed for their particular requirements.     

Desktop Mapping on the Apple Macintosh

Abstract

This paper describes the range of topographic maps produced by the Danish Geodetic Institute, some of the production methods together with plans for the future.     

Mapping waterholes and testing for aridity using a remote sensing water index in a southern African semi-arid wildlife area

Abstract

Waterholes are a key resource that influences wildlife distribution in semi-arid ecosystems. Mapping waterholes can guide intervening decisions for supplementing water resources and managing wildlife distribution patterns. Although remote sensing provides a key to mapping distribution of waterholes, efficiency of existing remotely sensed methods for detecting waterholes have to be evaluated and even new ones developed. In this study, we evaluated performance of the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) and Superfine Water Index (SWI) at selected optimum thresholds. Kappa results indicated that MNDWI detects waterholes better than SWI. We further validated MNDWI detected waterholes by testing response of waterhole area to temporal rainfall variability and waterhole persistence to spatial rainfall variability. Extent of MNDWI-detected waterholes varied in relation to temporal rainfall variability (p < 0.05). Waterhole persistence was not associated with spatial rainfall variability which could be explained by differences in waterhole types or low spatial rainfall variability.     

The preparation of the town maps for Lysons' Magna Britannia

Abstract

Although methods of map preparation and production in the nineteenth century are generally understood, in truth little is known in detail. A rare opportunity to further understanding of the methods of the day is offered by the analysis of the surviving working documents and correspondence related to the production of town maps for Lysons' Magna Britannia. As methods of compilation and preparation become clearer, some of the resultant town maps appear more original and carefully created than previously thought, forcing a reassessment of their value as historical evidence.     

The Effect of Soil Water Management on the Reflectance Characteristics of Vine (Vitis vinifera) Leaves and their Monitoring by Low Level Airborne Video

Abstract

The study site was a vineyard in the Barossa Valley South Australia where two vine varieties Vitis vinifera cv Shiraz and Vitis vinifera cv Cabernet Sauvignon were subjected to three differing water management treatments. Measurements of vine leaf reflectance characteristics, vine vegetative growth and soil moisture status were monitored throughout the growing season. Simultaneously at three dates in combination with ground measurements, the trial site was overflown using an airborne sensor measuring in the visible and near infrared at heights of 700 and 200 metres. The imposed soil water management treatments significantly affected the total soil water content within the soil profile, this difference being accompanied by significant differences in both berry mass and vine vegetative growth for both varieties. However no significant differences in vine leaf reflectance were recorded either between varieties or between soil water management treatments. This may be due to the coarse spectral resolution of the sensors used or the limited range chosen. Airborne video at 700 metres showed considerable promise in detecting vineyard management and soil patterning details and at 200 metres gave sub‐meter spatial resolution allowing for the identification of missing vine positions.     

KOMPLOT "Do-it-yourself" Computer Cartography

Abstract

After describing the changes which program packages, such as SYMAP, can make to the production of thematic maps the author briefly considers the aesthetics of computer graphics. The simplicity and versatility of KOMPLOT are then discussed with the aim of bringing computer aided cartography to a wider field of users.     

John Keates and Recreation Mapping: Personal Recollections

Abstract

John Keates is very well known for his numerous scholarly contributions to cartography as an academic discipline and science. However, throughout his career, he was also very actively involved in the design and production of maps. Mostly these were specialized thematic maps produced as the result of scientific research in the field sciences, especially in geology, glaciology and vegetation studies. However, during the 1970s he was much involved in the design and production of a considerable number of maps for recreation purposes, including maps for orienteering. Many of these maps were regarded at that time as being extremely innovative in terms of their cartographic design and layout. The article outlines the development of what became known as the 'Glasgow' style of map design John Keates' involvement with recreation maps in the 1970s.     

Cultural Constraints in the Design of Pictographic Symbols

Abstract

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International crisis management is a field where numerous national, organisational and domain cultures encounter one another, causing problems in information transfer between various actors. The symbols used in situation maps in this kind of an environment should be culturally independent and value-free in order to be properly understood. However, designing culturally independent symbols is difficult because the cultural background of an individual is complex and influences the interpretation of symbols in many ways. In this paper, we discuss the influences of different cultural background factors on both the design and the comprehension of map symbols. Cultural influences are considered as conventions in code systems, definitions in formal and informal conceptual models, and conventions in aesthetic judgments. As examples in the discussion, we use findings from a symbol design project for situation maps in international crisis management.     

RECTIFICATION OF AIR PHOTOGRAPHS

Abstract

“RECTIFICATION” is the term used to describe the production from a tilted air photograph of a print or image from which the effects of tilt have been eliminated. It consists, essentially, in the projection of the original photograph on to another selected planenormally, but not necessarily, representing the horizontal.     

Determining a Vertical Scale for Graphical Representations of Three-Dimensional Surfaces

Abstract

The selection of a vertical scale in the production of block diagrams or three-dimensional views is a decision which can have a great effect on the map reader's perception of the information presented. Advice available in the cartographic literature is extremely subjective and refers mainly to physical data. In the absence of suitable guidelines for statistical mapping, an experimental technique is presented which utilises the power of automated cartography in determining a scale which can be applied to all types of three-dimensional surfaces.     

Some Technical and Economic Limitations of Cartographic Colour Representation on Land Use Maps

Abstract

Some problems of land use map production are analysed in the general context of colour cartography by a Senior Lecturer in Geography, King's College, University of London, who is also Director of the Second Land Utilisation Survey of Britain.