Geobotanical forecasting in the nature management ecological optimization in Baikalian Siberia

An analysis is made of the geobotanical forecasting technique. Mapping is known to be recognized as the most powerful method of forecasting-geobotanical investigations. A close interrelation between geobotanical forecasting and vegetation mapping is demonstrated. To improve objectivity of the findings used cartographic models of modern and predicted vegetation which most fully represent the entire structuralcenotic diversity of plant communities in Prebaikalia, the central region of Baikalian Siberia. The predictive constructions are based on analyzing modern vegetation which always includes structural features of its future that manifest themselves in primary and stable derivative communities. We developed the legend and compiled the map (sc 1:200 000) of the region’s modern vegetation. The state of the natural environment of the Lena- Angara interfluve is assessed having regard to the various functions of plant communities in geosystems. The 1:200 000 map of probability-forecasted (within 200 years) vegetation is presented for Lena-Angara interfluve. It is shown that complete recovery of the primary structure will not occur within 200 years. It is found that it is necessary to carry out predictive-cartographic investigations for the whole of Baikalian Siberia as vegetation of this region is characterized by a decreased activity of recovery processes occurring under the influence of anthropogenic factors. The reason has to do with the harsh natural conditions where it is not worthwhile to pursue extensive nature management, such as is universally the case to date, leading to undesirable economic consequences, because the degree of disturbance to vegetation in a number of areas of Prebaikalia has now reached as critical level. It is concluded that a further policy of nature management on this territory must be built upon the new principles to be approved by government documents.     

The benchmark network for ecological monitoring of the Baikal natural territory

Using an ingenious cartographic method, for the Baikal natural territory we have developed a benchmark network that includes 18 tracts (0.47% of the territory under consideration). Special-purpose ground-based surveys of the selected tracts showed that such a network fully reflects the landscape diversity on the level of geoms, the phytocenotic diversity, and the species diversity of the regional biota.     

Landscape-Hydrological Assessment of the Lake Baikal Coast for Recreational Development Purposes

This paper considers the theoretical and methodological aspects of landscape-hydrological analysis in substantiating the possible development of recreational activities within the boundaries of the central ecological zone of the Baikal natural territory (BNT CEZ) in Irkutsk oblast. The hydrological characteristics of the landscapes in terms of their sensitivity and resistance to natural changes and external influences are given. We carried out a landscape-hydrological zoning for the BNT CEZ territory within the boundaries of Irkutsk oblast having regard to the conditions of runoff formation, the characteristic features of its regulation in various landscapes, and to the possibility of preserving the natural water regime and the waterecological state in utilizing the territory. It is determined that the main factors for the landscape differentiation in assessing the advisability of recreational development without damage to the Lake Baikal ecosystem and to the natural waters of BNT CEZ as a whole are the hydrological properties of landscapes and resistance of natural complexes to impacts. It is found that the level of realization of the main hydrological functions of landscapes, i. e. the runoff formation, runoff regulation and water protection functions, characterizes the involvement of the natural complex in the formation of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the local runoff, in the replenishment processes of dynamical reserves of subsurface waters, the regulation of natural floods and freshets, the preservation of the water-ecological potential of the territory. As a result a landscape-hydrological framework zoning of the territory using the landscape planning tools, three zones have been identified: the zone of the preservation of the existing state, the zone of regulated use, and the zone of territorial development. The proposed zones have general recommendations for the preservation of the hydrological and water-ecological indicators of the natural complexes which imply abandoning any activity in areas of particularly high value and highly sensitive to impacts, and the possibility of developing recreational activities in sustainable areas, subject to environmental protection measures.     

Generation of integral maps using the territory of a municipal district as an example

This paper further develops the ideas of V. B. Sochava’s Siberian school of thematic mapping concerning an integral approach in generating synthesis and assessment maps of the habitat on objective grounds confirmed by quantitative calculations. Maps of the natural environment display the invariant structure of the sites of a territory and their variable states. Integral indicators of the state of environment combine differentquality spatial information on the geographical location of the sites having regard to the scientific principles of qualimetry. An unbiased calculation of integral indicators is ensured through the use of the method of principal component analysis. The first principal component characterizes a maximum of variation in information on the geosystem, and the second component refers to a stable environment background. Their difference for each location corresponds to the potential of geosystem variability. The resulting integral indicators are displayed on assessment cartograms. The entire array of independent principal components is used for a classification of geosystems using the method of k-means clustering to create the typological map of the territory. Calculations are based on data for forest management of the Slyudyanka Leskhoz within the boundaries of the Slyudyanka municipal district of Irkutsk oblast. The territorial norm of the geographical environment corresponds to geosystems of the mountain-taiga belt of the Siberian stone pine and larch taiga on different-aspect slopes. Negative deviations from the norm are induced by high-mountain goletz and subgoletz geosystems on steep slopes, and positive deviations correspond to flat interfluves and gentle slopes.     

Coastal-marine nature management in Pacific Russia and Northern Vietnam: Notions,structural features,and types

Coastal-marine nature management is treated as a spatiotemporal structure consisting of two interrelated components: the coastal territorial component occurring in the coastal territory, and the coastal aquatic component occurring within the coastal aquatic area as well as the sea shores connecting them. The study revealed the components of the main and concomitant uses of natural resources which have evolved directly across the land and sea areas of mining of separate kinds of natural resources and having technogenic impacts on them. From a combination of natural resources as well as of spatial scales of the main and concomitant uses of natural resources on the coastal territory and in coastal waters, we identified the main types of coastal-marine nature management in the southern areas of Pacific Russia and in Northern Vietnam: different kinds of nature management including the utilization of the territory for industrial-residential and transportation purposes as well as for cultivation of rice and vegetable crops, extraction of building materials, other mineral resources, forest use, extraction of marine salt from the sea water, coastal fisheries, various forms of mariculture, marine recreation, etc. A fragment of the cartographic assessment of the current types of coastal-marine nature management is presented for the southern coastal areas of Pacific Russia.     

南海制图的中美对比分析——基于批判制图学视角

运用文本分析,从中美关于南海制图的特点及差异着手,探讨了中美制图所表达的南海领域化过程以及地图对于领域化实践的作用。研究发现：1）中美制图中南海海域范围、岛礁地名及海疆边界表达的演变,是国家权力影响制图的表现。2）中美南海制图差异源于维护国家核心利益的需求：中国通过制图（再）领域化,对内加强南海海域管控,强化国民海权意识,对外宣示南海主权;美国通过制图（去）再领域化,强调南海的公海和多国属性。3）地图作为领域化工具,能够在国际舞台上讲述中国人的南海故事,也能清晰表达中国对南海诸岛和附近水域拥有主权的一贯和明确立场。应从地图维权、地图创新、地图宣传等方面加强对南海的领域化表达,使地图在南海海洋国土治理中发挥更重要的作用。     

The evolution of the Kolpashevskaya meaner of the Ob’ and ongoing hazardous manifestations of channel processes

We examine the transformation of a gentle segmental to a meander loop with the result that the city, founded in the 17^th century, found itself on the caving bank. Comparison of cartographic materials from different times showed the occurrence of secondary bends on elongated rectilinear wings. Not only did such an evolution of the meanders lead to the caving of the terraced urban bank, but also it involved a likely emergency situation on the underwater crossing of the pipeline, and on other engineering facilities. We ascertained the causes of the ongoing channel deformations; modeling data were used in developing recommendations on meander straightening in order to divert the river away from the city.     

Some aspects of the development of urbanization on the territory of Yugra

Statistical information was used to develop cartographic models for group systems of settlement on the territory of Yugra. As a result, it as possible to most clearly represent all details of the current spatial pattern of the network of urban settlements in the okrug. The solution of several problems is suggested for improvement and implementation of the concept of sustainable development of urbanized territories, among them agglomerations.     

流域主体功能区划方法与指标体系构建——以长江流域为例

在对国内外空间区划与流域规划研究成果评析、主体功能区划与流域规划关系梳理的基础上,针对目前自然单元主体功能区划不足与流域协调发展实践需要,以长江流域为例,开展流域主体功能区划理论与方法研究。阐述了流域主体功能区划的内涵与特征,提出其本质是主体功能区划与流域规划的有机结合体,进而构建区划逻辑思路与方法路线。基于科学性、系...     

Planning of recreational trails in protected areas: Application of regression tree analysis and geographic information systems

One of the most important tasks for managers of many natural protected areas is achieving a balance between conservation of nature and recreational opportunity. This paper presents a framework based on geographic information system (GIS) and regression tree analysis of optimized recreational trail location for flexible, user-defined input parameters. The method utilizes: (1) the GIS to create a database containing field data and existing GIS/cartographic materials; (2) regression tree analysis to establish the relationships between indicators of degradation and environmental and use-related factors for existing trails, as well as to predict trail degradation for potential new trials; (3) least-cost path algorithm within a GIS framework to optimize trail route.The framework was applied to the Gorce National Park in the south of Poland. A large sample (>4500) of the field collected data about degradation of the existing trail network was linked with data about soil, geology, geomorphology and relief, and with information about the type and amount of recreational use. Based on the existing relationship, predicted trail degradation was calculated and routes for two examples of trails (hiking and motorized) were designated. The proposed methodology is objective and quantitative, and can also include knowledge of local stakeholders. The framework has the potential to design new trails (or to re-route old ones), characterized by the best possible solution for recreational and conservation functions to coexist, by routing visitors through trails with the lowest possible impact.     

The manifestation of the principles of geoecological ethics: Environmental approach

We investigate the additionality of the principles of geoecological ethics and ethical geography from the perspective of the manifestation of the norms of human activity in the natural environment. Geoecological ethics is based on the through principles of sustainable development and responsibility for breaches of different-quality norms existing in nature, economy and society, and on social relations considered in different systems with due regard for the characteristics of geographical environment. The degree of responsibility is measured in dimensionless indicators of reliability (dependability) theory, the integrated hazard of activity with natural restrictions on the action on geosystems and departures from normative states. Ethical geography generates landscape-cultural norms of implementation of different kinds of activity on a territory. The general ethical laws and quantitative models and methods for responsibility assessment are special interpretations of the notions and axioms of general system theory adopted as the norm of organization of knowledge. The principles of geoecological ethics manifest themselves as a result of the interpretation of the general laws of ethics via the geohistorical environment, primarily in the form of responsibility for a departure from the environment-caused norms of activity. Ethical geography implies responsibility for the reliability of knowledge of the generally significant norms of the state and allowable changes in environment. A violation of geoethical norms and nature management normative will necessarily lead to negative changes in the living conditions of man and society.     

城市河道公共休闲的适宜性指标体系构建与评价简

城市河道是集城市生态保育、娱乐游憩、居住生活、景观等多重功能于一体的开放空间。对城市河道公共休闲空间的利用目前存在价值利用与控制难以协调的矛盾,构建城市河道公共休闲价值评价指标对城市河道休闲空间的规划与开发具有重要的现实意义。基于目前公众对城市河道休闲的识别要素,综合国内外学者对休闲空间评价、城市河道生态健康评价等研究,将城市河道公共休闲空间适宜性指标归纳为资源特性、形态特性、功能特性、文化特质、公共特性等5个维度共42项指标;综合考虑指标的代表性和易操作性等特征,在指标权重确定上,使用最常用的关联矩阵法,反映各指标的重要性差异;利用确定的指标体系和权重测度了北京城区已治理的14条河道的公共休闲适宜度。结果表明,北京市城市河道普遍存在生态景观特征较好,但实用性有待加强的现实问题。     

城市河道公共休闲的适宜性指标体系构建与评价——兼论北京河道公共空间休闲价值

城市河道是集城市生态保育、娱乐游憩、居住生活、景观等多重功能于一体的开放空间。对城市河道公共休闲空间的利用目前存在价值利用与控制难以协调的矛盾,构建城市河道公共休闲价值评价指标对城市河道休闲空间的规划与开发具有重要的现实意义。基于目前公众对城市河道休闲的识别要素,综合国内外学者对休闲空间评价、城市河道生态健康评价等研究,将城市河道公共休闲空间适宜性指标归纳为资源特性、形态特性、功能特性、文化特质、公共特性等5个维度共42项指标;综合考虑指标的代表性和易操作性等特征,在指标权重确定上,使用最常用的关联矩阵法,反映各指标的重要性差异;利用确定的指标体系和权重测度了北京城区已治理的14条河道的公共休闲适宜度。结果表明,北京市城市河道普遍存在生态景观特征较好,但实用性有待加强的现实问题。     

Soil cover on the territory of the city of Angarsk: the ecologo-biochemical and cartographic aspects

Based on integral indicators, the method of isolines was used to carry out a cartographic portrayal of the ecologo-biochemical status of soil cover in the city of Angarsk. The study revealed high values of soil metabolism for an industrial city, and tendencies for a substantial shift of pH values toward the alkaline side.     

网络地图的设计原则

本文从网络地图的特点与功能入手,分析国内外主要地图学网站上的网络地图,结合笔者所进行过的纸质地图与电子地图设计研究及网络地图的设计,总结网络地图的设计特点,提出网络地图的设计原则。认为网络地图不同于一般的电子地图,网络地图的设计应有自己的特点。目前国内外主要地图学网站上的网络地图在地图设计上存在着这样或那样的问题,因此影响了网络地图的信息传输效果,不能发挥其应有的作用。笔者对此进行了分析,结合分析结果,提出了网络地图在界面设计、色彩设计、符号设计、分层设计等方面的设计原则。     

Geoecological approach to infrastructural development of hiking trails in federal-level SPNA (as exemplified by the Baikalskii nature reserve)

The comprehensive utilization of the technique for substantiating the promotion of hiking tourism, with emphasis on infrastructural development to ease access to recreational sites for different categories of visitors. The goal of using specialized hiking trails is to furnish a means of acquiring a familiarity with the unique landscapes of the Khamar-Daban mountain range. The technique contains four consecutive stages, and their implementation is illustrated in terms of the model territory. An analysis is made of the socioeconomic and geoecological characteristics of the Baikalskii Biosphere Reserve, which, together with landscape assessment, serves as a basis for the generation of the zoning map for possibilities and restrictions as regards the promotion and development of hiking tourism. A zoning is provided, which takes into consideration the possibilities of hiking tourism, based on assessing a territory’s transport accessibility, estimating the cost of preparing a trail of each class, and on the geoecological characteristics of landscape. The map that identifies seven zones of different-intensity transformation of the territory for an integral development of hiking tourism is used in making recommendations for the preparation of hiking trails in the Baikalskii Nature Reserve. The landscapes are combined into zones according to the degree of suitability for the construction of trails of different classes. The algorithm for preparation of trails consisting of 10 consecutive stages (three stages of planning, and seven stages of preparation) is applied for a number of linear features. The most suitable classes of preparation are indicated for these trails, in accordance with the characteristics of landscapes and engineering restrictions within their boundaries.     

Birdwatching tourism infrastructure planning in the Ria Formosa Natural Park (Portugal)

We investigated the Ria Formosa Natural Park located in the lagoon of the same name; it is famous for a great diversity of bird species and offers outstanding possibilities for the development of a special type of ecological tourism, birdwatching, that attracts birdwatchers from across the globe. It is shown that the existing natural resources on this territory should be complemented by an appropriate infrastructure and the rules in order to ensure tourism sustainability and development in connection with a high ecological significance of the territory and a heavy demand from visitors. Using landscape approach and methods of geoinformationbased landscape-interpretation mapping, extrapolating the density of different bird species, calculating integral indicators for assessing ornithological resources as well as infrastructure development techniques, we undertook a planning procedure of the birdwatching tourism infrastructure, including trails and observation points. As initial data, we used vegetation and soil maps, topographic maps, space images, data on the density of bird species in different biotopes, and field investigations. We generated the population density maps for each bird species as well as the biotope assessment map for all bird species, based on calculating the sum of the products of densities of each species by the ecological value of the species. Also, the landscape map was used to develop the territorial zoning map, having regard to the possibilities and limitations of constructing trails of different classes. Using spatial cross-matching of the assessment maps for ornithological resources and the trail zoning map, we identified places holding promise for the construction of the birdwatching tourism infrastructure. It is shown that the suggested method provides a means of making a proximate assessment of the territory from different perspectives, based on knowledge of a territory’s landscape structure; it is a prompt and inexpensive technique as contrasted to field investigations of the entire territory; however, it calls for further detailed investigation into promising areas.     

基于GIS 技术的大连市域发展方向适宜性评价

不同的区域有不同的主导产业方向及地域组合模式。区域规划的重要任务就是根据区域发展方向适宜性评价结论,选择最适宜的产业发展方向及组合模式,可见区域发展方向的适宜性评价是区域产业布局及地域组合模 式规划的基础。本文以大连市为基本研究案例,以流行的、通用的GIS 技术为支撑,在首先界定单项适宜性评价、综合适宜性评价等相关概念和原理的基础上,从定量与定性两个层面系统地研究了区域发展方向适宜性评价理论思路、工作流程、技术环节以及结果表达问题。     

Geographical patterns of the summer thermal regime of soils in Transbaikalia

Long-term temperature data on a soil layer 3.2 m in thickness have been used in the differentiation of a topographically highly complicated permafrost on the territory of Transbaikalia. It was found that the geographical ranges are most clearly identified from mean annual temperature values. The schematic map displays the areas with the temperatures –4 to–1°C,–1 to 1°C and 1 to 4°C which are in good agreement with the permafrost distribution pattern (continuous and discontinuous permafrost, and permafrost islands). A classification of the thermal conditions of soils is carried out according to the highest mean monthly temperature at all depths. We identified four types which are characterized by the qualitative assessment as warm, moderately warm, cold and very cold. A relevant cartographic model shows the distribution of the thermal regime of soils for a warm season. The dot method was used to provide a clear display of available information on soil temperature, and it was possible to show the existence of small areas of the types of thermal regime and their fragmentation. Current changes in soil temperature were determined for August, which are in good agreement with regional changes in ground air temperature. In either case, we observed positive linear trends. Assessments of thermal resources of the soil layer and their geographical patterns belonging to the widespread depression-valley and valley natural systems as well as to the relatively planate surfaces of Transbaikalia can be used for scientific and practical purposes.