DIGITAL PROCESSING OF REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY IN SOIL MAPPING

The authors describe strategies for the utilization of digital image processing in the compilation of soil maps at scales of 1:1,000,000 and 1:25,000 for the trans-Volga region of Russia. Particular attention is devoted to an exploration of the effects of variations in soil humus content, texture, and degree of erosion upon spectral brightness coefficients. Results of the mapping demonstrate the promise of digital image processing in the differentiation of a number of chernozem soil subtypes. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Aerokosmicheskiye metody v pochvovedenii i ikh ispol'zovaniye v sel'skom khozyaystve: sbornik nauchnykh trudov [Remote Sensing Methods in Soil Science and Their Utilization in Agriculture: A Collection of Scientific Works]. Moscow: Nauka, 1990, pp. 214–225.     

MAPPING THE DYNAMICS OF LANDSCAPES NEAR BELORUSSIAN RESERVOIRS FROM REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY

A program for monitoring changes in the shoreline zone caused by the creation of manmade reservoirs in the western USSR is described. More specifically, multilevel remote sensing imagery, ranging from 1:1,000,000-scale Landsat imagery to large-scale air photos, is employed in the study of shifts in shoreline positions, elevation of the water table, and changes in vegetation associations and soil types resulting from waterlogging produced by the filling of reservoirs. A map depicting changes in these characteristics both before and ten years after the filling of a reservoir is included. Translated from: Izvestiya Vsesoyuznogo Geograficheskogo Obshchestva, 1987, No. 4, pp. 351-356.     

MAPPING THE SOILS OF THE MAJOR NATURAL ZONES OF THE USSR FROM REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY

The authors describe the results of their experience in the use of remote sensing imagery to map the distribution of soils within the major natural zones (e.g., wooded steppe, taiga, semidesert) of the USSR. Considerable attention is devoted to instrumental-visual methods of interpretation before the focus shifts to automated interpretation and methods of map compilation, particularly general mapping at intermediate and large scales. One section assesses the relative sizes of mesorelief forms and fields in various natural zones in an effort to determine at what image scales the soil types indicated by these features will be identifiable. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: G. V. Dobrovol'skiy and V. L. Andronikov, eds., Aerokosmicheskiye metody v pochvovedenii i ikh ispol'zovaniye v sel'skom khozyaystve: sbornik nauchnykh trudov [Remote Sensing Methods in Soil Science and Their Utilization in Agriculture: A Collection of Scientific Works]. Moscow: Nauka, 1990, pp. 22-34.     

PRINCIPLES OF MAPPING THE SOIL-VEGETATION STRUCTURE IN WEST SIBERIA BASED ON REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY

Procedures for mapping the soil-vegetation structure of West Siberia on the basis of remote sensing images are described. Four principal stages are involved: interpretation of individual structures on the images; determination of the functions of the interpreted structures; classification of soil-vegetation structures; and mapping of the territory by types of soil-vegetation structures (micro-, meso- and microstructures). Particular attention is given to detection of soil-vegetation hydromorphism using remote sensing imagry, important in the swampy Western Siberian environment, and the special problems related to image scale. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1990, No. 1, pp. 138–145.     

MICROPHOTOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF SOIL MOISTURE CONTENT FROM REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY

A method is outlined for the determination of soil moisture content from remote sensing imagery, with consideration of its rapid fluctuation based on meteorological events and other factors (e.g., humus content and character of vegetation). The present paper is devoted to soil moisture detection in the visible, reflected-infrared, and thermal-infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum in irrigated portions of the Kura-Araks lowland in Soviet Transcaucasia, based on optical density measurements from image negatives, for the most part. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: G. V. Dobrovol'skiy and V. L. Andronikov, eds., Aerokosmicheskiye metody v pochvo-vedenii i ikh ispol'zovaniye v sel'skom khozyaystve: sbornik nauchnykh trudov [Remote Sensing Methods in Soil Science and Their Utilization in Agriculture: A Collection of Scientific Works]. Moscow: Nauka, 1990, pp. 183–189.     

USE OF REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY IN MULTIPURPOSE MAPPING

This paper focuses on remote sensing's role in support of diverse mapping tasks, including those of interest to soil scientists (land use, soil, and botanical mapping). It analyzes new opportunities and challenges provided by remote sensing imagery with respect to map compilation and revision: the interdisciplinary yet goal-oriented character of map themes, the large stock of data to be processed systematically for coherent information yield, the numerous linkages of map elements to be represented on a series of closely interrelated maps, and the need for standardization and a unified approach to map design and symbolization. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: G. V. Dobrovol'skiy and V. L. Andronikov, eds., Aerokosmicheskiye metody v pochvo-vedenii i ikh ispol'zovaniye v sel'skom khozyaystve: sbornik nauchnykh trudov [Remote Sensing Methods in Soil Science and Their Utilization in Agriculture: A Collection of Scientific Works]. Moscow: Nauka, 1990, pp. 16-21.     

STUDY AND MAPPING OF LAND USE FROM REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY IN AGRICULTURAL MONITORING

A series of soil and agricultural land-use monitoring activities planned and carried out under the auspices of a local branch of the recently formed State Agro-industrial Committee is outlined. A general discussion of the place of agricultural monitoring within the overall system of environmental monitoring is followed by detailed examples of the use of space photography in preparation of photomapbases of local-level land use maps and in the compilation of the thematic detail of related agricultural maps. Translated from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1987, No. 1, pp. 145-149.     

MAPPING THE DYNAMICS OF COMPLEX ECOSYSTEMS BASED ON SEQUENTIAL REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY

A quantitative method for mapping the contemporary dynamics of ecosystems is described. Particular reference is to the mapping of the desertification of complex ecosystems of the lower reaches of the Amudar'ya using a time series of four surveys. The types of ecological transitions identified from remote sensing imagery and their frequencies are described. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk, seriya geograficheskaya, 1994, No. 5, pp. 112-122.     

ERRORS IN THE INDICATION OF GEOSYSTEMS FROM REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY

After a general discussion of principles of remote sensing indication and image recognition theory, the particular errors in this process are analyzed individually: errors in data recording; errors in automated image analysis; errors in interpretation of the content of geosystems; errors in the selection of interpretation keys; and finally errors in generalization and the extrapolation of results. The total error in geosystem indication from remote sensing imagery can be determined by an analysis of these particular errors. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1988, No. 4, pp. 98-107.     

DETERMINING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF MARINE ECOSYSTEMS FROM REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY

A paper devoted to applications of remote sensing in the analysis of marine biological productivity focuses on two major methodological issues: (1) the selection of productivity indicators, and (2) the choice of combinations of imaging conditions and sensor capabilities providing for the optimal recognition of these indicators. The list of the former includes indicators identifiable both from tonal and pattern characteristics and from relative location. A procedure for determining the latter is outlined in the form of equations, and figures and tables derived from them demonstrate levels of photographic contrast obtainable at various wavelengths and imaging heights. Translated from: Izvestiya vysshikh uchebnykh zavedeniy: Geodeziya i aerofotos'yemka, 1987, No. 4, pp. 73-78.     

SOIL-GEOBOTANICAL REGIONALIZATION FROM REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY

A multiscalar approach to mapping soil-vegetation regions from remote sensing imagery is outlined, using the West Siberian Lowland as a study area. At an initial stage small-scale space imagery is used to identify extensive soil-vegetation regions which extend across nearly the entire Lowland. Subsequent analysis focuses on identification and mapping of increasingly smaller units. The dominant criteria used for image interpretation and regionalization vary at each particular level of analysis, changing from vegetation structure and density at the smallest scales to soil “hydromorphism” (waterlogging) and topographic affiliations for intermediate- and large-scale units. Hydromorphic indicators are stressed as most important overall. Translated from: Distantsionnyye issledovaniya rel'yefa Sibiri, A. L. Yanshin and V. N. Sharapov, eds. Novosibirsk: Nauka, 1985, pp. 51-58.     

THE USE OF REFLECTANCE OF OIL-POLLUTED SOILS IN MONITORING FROM REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY

A method is presented whereby soil reflectance on remote sensing imagery is used to estimate the level of soil pollution by oil production operations. This method can be used in lieu of the dangerous and toxic solvents now widely employed, and has the additional advantage of applicability to much larger areas. It is based on the construction of a graph and derivative equations depicting the relationship between the spectral reflectances of soils and the soil hydrocarbon content of sample soil plots. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: G. V. Dobrovol'skiyand V. L. Andronikov, eds., Aerokosmicheskiye metody v pochvovedenii i ikh ispol'zovaniye v sel'skom kho-zyaystve: sbornik nauchnykh trudov [Remote Sensing Methods in Soil Science and Their Utilization in Agriculture: A Collection of Scientific Works]. Moscow: Nauka, 1990, pp. 161–165.     

REMOTE SENSING APPLICATIONS IN AGRICULTURE AND SOIL SCIENCE PART II: REMOTE SOIL MONITORING: ORGANIZATION OF SOIL MONITORING BASED ON REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY

A paper addressing general issues of concern in organizing a system of soil monitoring based on remote sensing imagery covers such topics as general principles which must be observed, the selection of indices optimizing the acquisition of useful information, and the adoption of suitable methodologies. A subsequent section of the paper focuses on the types of information to be derived from soil monitoring in arid regions and areas susceptible to heightened soil erosion. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: G. V. Dobrovol'skiy and V L. Andronikov, eds., Aerokosmicheskiye metody v pochvovedenii i ikh ispol'zovaniye v sel'skom khozyaystve: sbornik nauchnykh trudov [Remote Sensing Methods in Soil Science and Their Utilization in Agriculture: A Collection of Scientific Works]. Moscow: Nauka, 1990, pp. 154–161.     

自组织神经网络在遥感影像分类中的应用研究

竞争学习网络与Kohonen神经网络相比,由于不考虑邻域神经元,其网络结构相对简单。采用这种简化的网络结构,并对其学习算法进行改进,用最大、最小距离法设置的初始聚类中心来代替随机初始中心。实验结果表明,用改进的竞争学习网络对遥感影像进行非监督分类,在分类精度和效率上都有较大的提高。     

ANALYSIS OF REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY IN ENGINEERING GEOMORPHOLOGY

An image interpretation technique known as “indicational analysis” is applied to engineering geomorphology–i.e., image characteristics visible on remote sensing imagery are used to infer (indicate) the presence of features that are not directly visible. In this case the identification of particular relief forms provides a basis for inferring the level of risk posed by geomorphological hazards to major construction projects such as railroads, pipelines, and highways. A key aspect of the procedure is a multiscalar approach, in which different components of the overall store of information brought to bear on a problem are obtained at different levels of interpretation. Translated from: Geomorfologiya, 1987, No. 2, pp. 35–42.     

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.     

REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY IN THE STUDY OF SETTLEMENT ON ALLUVIAL FANS

The authors describe how remote sensing imagery may be employed in the zonation and mapping of the alluvial fans of the Fergana Basin, USSR. Settlement patterns depicted on these maps can then be analyzed by planners and civil defense personnel with a view toward minimizing risks posed by natural hazards endemic to alluvial fans: mudflows and other seismically triggered mass movements. Translated from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1987, No. 3, pp. 50-55.     

REMOTE SENSING METHODS IN THE STUDY AND MAPPING OF NATURE RESERVES

A Siberian geographer outlines the major aspects of a program to map the climatic and ecological state of ecosystems in the Lake Baykal region of southern East Siberia. A methodology for the classification of micro- and mesoclimates is outlined that is based on the structural characteristics of the underlying terrain surface, the character of air flows into the region, and extensive study of natural conditions in the region. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, Virginia from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 2000, No. 2, pp. 104-112.