THE METEOR AND METEOR-PRIRODA EARTH OBSERVATION SATELLITES

This first installment in a series of papers extracted from a Soviet “manual” of remote sensing describes the design, operation, and payloads of the “Meteor” and “Meteor-Priroda” earth observation satellites-the latter as name given to “Meteor” satellites used for economic land-use studies, instead of their original meteorological applications. Issues such as orbit parameters, spatial resolution, scan width, and telemetry are also addressed. Translated from: Priroda Zemli iz kosmosa, A.P. Tishchenko and S.V. Viktorov, eds. Leningrad: Gidrometeoizdat, 1984, pp. 16-24.     

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.     

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.     

REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY AND ECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS OF COASTAL ZONES

Materials derived from aerial and space surveys provided the basis for compilation of a series of geomorphological, geological, morphostructural, and lithodynamic maps as well as a map showing sources of manmade pollution. A derivative map of geoecological regions based on these maps makes it possible to estimate qualitatively the ecological state of any coastal region. The Buor-Khaya Gulf of the Laptev Sea is used as a test case. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geomorfologiya, 1995, No. 4, pp. 23-34.     

SYSTEMS MAPPING OF THE PHYSICAL-GEOGRAPHIC PROCESS IN A MARINE ENVIRONMENT

An analog to the (terrestrial) physical-geographical process, the concept of boundary surfaces, is elaborated and developed quantitatively for analyzing the diversity of marine ecosystems. Interactions among physical-chemical components of the oceans, and the adjacent coastal, atmospheric, and ocean bottom environments, provides a model used in the study and mapping of heterogeneous “waterscapes.” A series of tables identifies interacting geographic features commonly used as indices for mapping. Sample maps prepared for the Barents Sea and Indian Ocean demonstrate possible results of a systems approach. Translated from: Izvestiya, Vsesoyuznogo geograficheskogo obshchestva, 1985, No. 3, pp. 201-208.     

COMMENTS ON K.A. SALISHCHEV'S PAPER

A method is described for the mapping of exogenous geomorphologic hazards (mass movements, frost heaving, suffosion, melting of permafrost) in the Lake Baykal area using space imagery. Black-and-white photography from the Salyut-4 space station (1:2,100,000 scale) was used as a base for the preparation of a series of maps depicting natural conditions (morphotectonic and physical geographic regions, faults, climate, dominant exogenous processes) used as a base for compiling a map of planning and engineering measures for the prevention and amelioration of geomorphologic hazards. Translated from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1985, No. 2, pp. 59-67.     

EXPERIENCE IN COMPILING LARGE-SCALE MAPS OF EROSION-PRONE AREAS

Specific criteria used in the compilation of large-scale maps of erosion-prone areas are defined and evaluated for tracts of land representing a number of different agricultural cover types. Formulas are derived which facilitate the mapping of such areas based on such readily observable morphometric characteristics as slope length and steepness. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1988, No. 5, pp. 25-31.     

PRINCIPLES OF THE COMPARISON AND INTERPRETATION OF MULTITEMPORAL IMAGERY

General principles are outlined for the use of a series of remote sensing images (obtained for the same area of the earth's surface for different points in time) in the detection of significant changes in land use and environmental conditions. Emphasis is placed on visual methods of interpretation, and a number of different methods for graphically analyzing the dynamics of earth surface features on photographic image products are described. A final section describes procedures for cartographically representing the dynamics of features interpreted from multitemporal images. Translated by Jay Mitchell; PlanEcon, Inc.; Washington, DC 20005 from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1987, No. 6, pp. 57-60.     

SUB-SATELLITE COLLECTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL REMOTE SENSING INFORMATION

This paper, the third in a series on the design, payloads, and operation of Soviet earth resource observation satellites [see MSRS, 1984, No. 4 and 1985, No. 1], describes the collection of supplemental sub-satellite information. More specifically, it outlines how the Soviets use satellite-synchronized aerial, ground, and water-borne sensors to gather auxiliary information used in the improvement of space imagery (data verification and correction, instrument calibration, etc.). A later section demonstrates procedures for selection and preparation of field test sites (for ground truth), and design of sub-satellite information measurement complexes. Translated from: Priroda Zemli iz kosmosa, A. P. Tishchenko and S. V. Viktorov, eds. Leningrad: Gidrometeoizdat, 1984, pp. 35-38.     

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.     

Construction of spherical harmonic series for the potential derivatives of arbitrary orders in the geocentric Earth-fixed reference frame

The derivatives of the Earth gravitational potential are considered in the global Cartesian Earth-fixed reference frame. Spherical harmonic series are constructed for the potential derivatives of the first and second orders on the basis of a general expression of Cunningham (Celest Mech 2:207–216, 1970) for arbitrary order derivatives of a spherical harmonic. A common structure of the series for the potential and its first- and second-order derivatives allows to develop a general procedure for constructing similar series for the potential derivatives of arbitrary orders. The coefficients of the derivatives are defined by means of recurrence relations in which a coefficient of a certain order derivative is a linear function of two coefficients of a preceding order derivative. The coefficients of the second-order derivatives are also presented as explicit functions of three coefficients of the potential. On the basis of the geopotential model EGM2008, the spherical harmonic coefficients are calculated for the first-, second-, and some third-order derivatives of the disturbing potential T, representing the full potential V, after eliminating from it the zero- and first-degree harmonics. The coefficients of two lowest degrees in the series for the derivatives of T are presented. The corresponding degree variances are estimated. The obtained results can be applied for solving various problems of satellite geodesy and celestial mechanics.     

Determination of the earth rotation parameters from optical astrometry observations, 1962.0–1982.0

The optical astrometric data of the years 1962–1982 have been reduced once again at the Bureau International de l’Heure (BIH) in order to redetermine the Earth Rotation Parameters (ERP). This new reduction is based on serie largely revised by the stations since their use in the operational work of theBIH, and on some series which were not available previously. A total of 113 stations is considered, totaling nearly 500,000 measurements of time or latitude. TheERP are determined at five-day intervals. A new approach is developed: the catalog and local errors are analysed and corrected as group unknowns, which values are adjusted together with the main unknowns. The results obtained in the new reduction are compared to other series obtained by astrometry and space geodesy.     

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.     

REMOTE SENSING IN THE STUDY OF DEEP GEOLOGIC STRUCTURE IN OIL AND GAS FIELDS

The paper presents a series of guidelines, developed by the “Aerogeologiya” prospecting trust, for the use of remote sensing imagery in the study of oil-gas potential in remote areas of the USSR. These guidelines take into consideration both conventional oil-gas exploration strategies and the sequence typical of remote sensing research [from small-scale, general analysis, to large-scale detailed studies]. At present predominantly small-scale imagery is used for general reconnaissance, although instances where larger-scale images provide the basis for more specific investigations are also mentioned. A diagram demonstrates how remote sensing might be incorporated into the traditional framework of oil-gas exploration. Translated from: Kompleksnyye aerokosmicheskiye issledovaniya Sibiri, A. L. Yanshin and L. K. Zyat'kova, eds. Novosibirsk: Nauka, 1984, pp. 33-40.     

FORECASTING LOCATIONS OF POTENTIAL INFESTATIONS OF FOREST INSECT PESTS BASED ON REMOTELY SENSED DATA

The authors describe a methodology for the compilation of a final map from remote sensing imagery (that can be rapidly updated) showing the location of likely future sites of infestations of forest insect pests. A series of preliminary maps is compiled, with each stage of mapping providing information used in compiling a map in the subsequent stage, in this case wind damage $$ resistance to further damage $$ locations of potential centers of insect infestation. The design and informational content of maps at all stages in the process are described. Translated by Elliott B. Urdang, Providence, RI 02906 from: A. S. Isayev, V. I. Sukhikh, Ye. N. Kalashnikov et al., Aerokosmicheskiy monitoring lesov [Remote Sensing-Based Monitoring of Forests]. Moscow: Nauka, 1991, pp. 154-163.     

Modeling and estimation of C1–P1 bias in GPS receivers

 Modern dual-frequency global positioning system (GPS) receivers are capable of providing direct measurements of both L1 C/A (C1) and P code (P1) without the use of the Y-codes under Anti-Spoofing. A discrepancy or bias between the C1 and P1 measurements from these receivers has however been of concern to operators and users of GPS reference networks. For the purpose of modeling and estimation, the nature and characteristics of the discrepancy must be investigated. The research results presented indicate that the discrepancy between the C1 and P1 measurements contains two different types of components: one is of constant type while another is time variant. A method has been developed for their modeling and estimation. The residual C1–P1 time series after a satellite-dependent bias removal agree at a few-centimeter level, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed model. This allows the C1–P1 discrepancy, both constant and non-constant components, to be removed from GPS reference network solutions. Numerical results are provided to support the analysis. Received: 12 October 1999 / Accepted: 11 May 2000     

GPS measurements of ocean loading and its impact on zenith tropospheric delay estimates: a case study in Brittany, France

 The results from a global positioning system (GPS) experiment carried out in Brittany, France, in October 1999, aimed at measuring crustal displacements caused by ocean loading and quantifying their effects on GPS-derived tropospheric delay estimates, are presented. The loading effect in the vertical and horizontal position time series is identified, however with significant disagreement in amplitude compared to ocean loading model predictions. It is shown that these amplitude misfits result from spatial tropospheric heterogeneities not accounted for in the data processing. The effect of ocean loading on GPS-derived zenith total delay (ZTD) estimates is investigated and a scaling factor of 4.4 between ZTD and station height for a 10° elevation cut-off angle is found (i.e. a 4.4-cm station height error would map into a 1-cm ZTD error). Consequently, unmodeled ocean loading effects map into significant errors in ZTD estimates and ocean loading modeling must be properly implemented when estimating ZTD parameters from GPS data for meteorological applications. Ocean loading effects must be known with an accuracy of better than 3 cm in order to meet the accuracy requirements of meteorological and climatological applications of GPS-derived precipitable water vapor. Received: 16 July 2001 / Accepted: 25 April 2002 Acknowledgments. The authors are grateful to H.G. Scherneck for fruitful discussions and for his help with the ocean loading calculations. They thank H. Vedel for making the HIRLAM data available; D. Jerett for helpful discussions; and the city of Rostrenen, the Laboratoire d'Océanographie of Concarneau, and the Institut de Protection et de S?reté Nucléaire (BERSSIN) for their support during the GPS measurement campaign. Reviews by C.K. Shum and two anonymous referees significantly improved this paper. This work was carried out in the framework of the MAGIC project (http://www.acri.fr/magic), funded by the European Commission, Environment and Climate Program (EC Contract ENV4-CT98–0745). Correspondence to: E. Calais, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1397, USA. e-mail: ecalais@purdue.edu Tel. : +1-765-496-2915; Fax:+1-765-496-1210     

PALEOGEOGRAPHICAL MAPPING: APPROACHES,METHODS, AND RESULTS

The authors describe the evolution of a new field in cartography—the substantive basis of which is the preparation of a series of spatial reconstructions (climate, landscape components) of the past on the basis of principles of comprehensive mapping of contemporary geosystems. The paper investigates how such an approach may be used to assess the present status of landscapes from the perspective of their general evolution and assist in the formulation of long-range predictions. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk, seriya geograficheskaya, 1998, No. 5, pp. 30-43.