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.     

REMOTE SENSING IN PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF CARTOGRAPHER-GEOGRAPHERS

The author reviews the contributions of the “aerospace” disciplines (remote sensing, photogrammetry, photometry) in the training of cartographers at Moscow University. Changes in the present curriculum are advocated, leading to the emergence of a unified educational discipline referred to alternately as “remote mapping methods,” or “remote sensing and mapping.” Training in this discipline is designed to enhance the interpretation and map compilation skills of cartographers working with space imagery. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1984, No. 5, pp. 40-43.     

MONITORING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF LENINGRAD ON THE SURROUNDING AREA

The author, a remote sensing specialist in Leningrad University's Department of Atmospheric Physics, describes the use of space imagery in a program for monitoring the city's impacts on the surrounding environment. The paper examines applications of LANDSAT and “Meteor” satellite imagery and “Soyuz-22” space photography in the study of industrial smoke plumes, jet contrails, atmospheric haze, albedo, the urban heat island, urban sprawl (including nighttime imagery), fallout of suspended particulates, and wastewater discharges into the Gulf of Finland. Translated from: Grigor'yev, A. A. Antropogennyye vozdeystviya na prirodnuyu sredy po nablyudeniyam iz kosmosa [Human Impacts on the Environment From Observations From Space]. Leningrad: Nauka, 1985, pp. 129-141 [Chapter 7].     

Remote perceiving: A step toward a unified science of remote sensing

In a previous article (Hoffman & Conway, 1989), we reviewed some of the available psychological research that pertains to remote sensing. We focused on two major problem areas: Research on the knowledge of expert interpreters of remotely‐sensed imagery, and research on the use of color in graphic displays. Here, we pursue one of the broad implications of the research ‐ that the field of remote sensing can benefit by incorporating research methods and ideas from experimental psychology. From the experimental psychology viewpoint, “remote sensing”; is actually a misnomer when used to denote a field or area of scientific inquiry. Remote perceiving, as a total process, depends not only on the technology of remote sensing, but also depends critically on the ability of humans to interpret remote sensing displays. This perspective is contrasted with traditional approaches to remote sensing. The discussion involves some ideas about the theoretical and methodological foundations of remote sensing as a unified science.     

THE CONCEPT OF AN INTEGRATED REPOSITORY OF SPACE IMAGERY AND NEW CRITERIA FOR ITS GEOGRAPHIC AND CARTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

This paper outlines some principles believed necessary for the establishment of integrated collections of remote sensing imagery, including, at the national level, a unified state image repository for the USSR. A multi-criterion classification of imagery is introduced, which provides a framework for structuring such a repository, and a number of measures for evaluating the utility of imagery within it are described. One of the latter is “geographic” resolution (levels of image detail), which provides a relatively straightforward indication of the type of geographic information embedded within particular types of remote sensing imagery. Translated by Jay K. Mitchell, PlanEcon, Inc., Washington, DC 20005 from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1988, No. 6, pp. 53-62.     

USE OF SPACE IMAGERY IN THE STUDY OF MASS EXCHANGE IN GLACIER SYSTEMS

The author surveys the use of remote sensing imagery in the study of mass exchange in glaciers, i.e., glacier dynamics resulting from phase changes in the water which they contain. A program of research now underway at the Institute of Geography (USSR Academy of Sciences) in conjunction with the “Priroda” Remote Sensing Center (Moscow) focuses on improving methods of data collection and mapping of glacier dynamics from space imagery, and particularly on identifying natural glacioclimatic zones believed to represent specific mass exchange conditions or regimes. The boundary of glacier nourishment separating areas of accumulation and ablation represents a key glacioclimatic indicator of mass exchange on satellite imagery and aerial photography. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1986, No. 5, pp. 26–31.     

IMAGE INTERPRETATION AS A SYSTEM OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

The article provides insights derived from conceptualization of the totality of elements (subsystems) of image interpretation as part of a larger system of scientific research. Among the elements discussed in some detail in terms of their impacts on the appearance of features interpreted on remote sensing imagery include solar radiation, the atmosphere, distinctive characteristics of the surface of the area being imaged, the remote sensors employed for image recording, processing techniques, the image medium, and the “human” element (interpreter). It then describes an evolutionary process in image interpretation by which knowledge gained in early stages represents an input leading to refinement of approaches employed in later stages. A final section describes factors contributing to dynamics (“scintillation” or “flickering”) of features on imagery of the same area but recorded at different times or under different imaging conditions. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk, seriya geograficheskaya, 1993, No. 3, pp. 102-109.     

MORPHOSTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AS PART OF DETAILED REMOTE SENSING STUDIES OF THE VOLGOGRAD AREA

An approach to the use of large-scale remote sensing imagery in oil and gas exploration is described, and more specifically, the selection and interpretation of meaningful surface indicators to infer the existence of oil and gas traps in subsurface horizons. Through such “morphostructural” analysis arcuate, concentric relief elements often provide clues to the location of centers of ancient uplift and subsidence, which are then provisionally mapped along with other aspects of structure considered relevant in establishing the location of buried petroleum-bearing horizons. Translated from: Geomorfologiya, 1988, No. 1, pp. 69-73.     

The anticipated role of the large format camera in future earth observation strategies

The development of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Large Format Camera has added a new dimension to remote sensing. Offering inexpensive large area coverage imagery with excellent geometric fidelity, the LFC was successfully flown in late 1984 aboard the Space Shuttle. The success of this initial flight has encouraged scientists to propose that the LFC be included as part of the earth observation sensor bed on the planned space station.

The relatively low costs associated with LFC photography provide an opportunity for developing countries to learn more about the capabilities and advantages of exploiting remotely sensed imagery. In particular, by using LFC imagery to study an array of local and global phenomena, these developing countries can quickly increase their knowledge of earth observation techniques and join the “community”; of nations currently active in remote sensing efforts.     

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.     

DEVELOPMENT OF QUANTITATIVE METHODS OF STUDYING THE EARTH FROM SPACE

The paper surveys the development of “space geography”–a field of knowledge applying the methods of remote sensing, the physical sciences, and mathematics in the solution of geographic problems. Early advances featured methodological improvements (use of quantitative methods in image processing), whereas future research must focus upon perfecting our knowledge of: (a) relationships underlying the use of these methods, i.e., between environmental parameters and reflectance values, (b) methods of effectively combining different types of imagery, and image products and field work, in research, and (c) appropriate quantitative indices for feature recognition. Examples of the operationalization of such concerns are demonstrated for land-use and soil mapping projects. Translated from: Izvestiya, AN SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1985, No. 5, pp. 110–116.     

"资源一号"02C卫星影像土地利用变化检测能力分析

“资源一号”02C卫星自成功发射以来,被广泛应用于土地资源、矿产资源、地质环境调查,以及国土资源、地质灾害应急监测等应用领域。“资源一号”02C卫星是一颗填补我国高分辨率遥感数据空白的卫星,是根据国土资源主体业务需求定制的第一颗国产高分辨率业务卫星。本文以吉林省和浙江省某试验区“资源一号”02C卫星数据为例,对“资源一号”02C卫星数据融合影像进行了土地利用遥感监测变化信息检测能力的方法试验。根据试验区数据变化信息提取试验结果,对“资源一号”02C卫星影像在土地利用动态遥感监测中的变化检测能力和适用性开展了试验、分析和评价工作。     

REMOTE SENSING RESEARCH IN GEOGRAPHY AT MOSCOW UNIVERSITY

A paper describing activities of the Laboratory of Remote Sensing Methods at Moscow University presents a chronology of the Laboratory's efforts to improve sensor capabilities for acquiring remote sensing data and to develop more effective image processing techniques. Among the accomplishments cited are early advances in sensor system design and photochemical processing in conjunction with “Salyut” orbital station activities, multispectral imaging experiments in conjunction with high-resolution space photography from the Soyuz-12 (1973) and Soyuz-22 (1976) missions, testing of the first high-resolution Soviet (“Fragment”) scanner imagery (1984), and ongoing work in digital and applied image processing. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovsskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1987, No. 2, pp. 27-31.     

A METHOD OF AUTOMATING THE PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION DURING COMPLEX AIR PHOTO INTERPRETATION

A method of complex image processing, i.e., the simultaneous use of various kinds of remote sensing imagery in the mapping and study of geographic features, is outlined. It features the use of computerized techniques (a) to identify shots or frames of auxiliary types of imagery containing the same specific geographic features identified on the principal type of imagery [this through the scanning of code lines containing information about the coordinates of imaging, flight direction and altitude of the plane or sensing platform, etc.], and (b) to precisely locate the features of interest within these shots or frames. Translated from: Izvestiya vysshykh uchebnykh zavededeniy, Geodeziya i aerofotos'yemka, 1986, No. 1, pp. 86–91.     

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.     

THE MULTIPLICITY PRINCIPLE IN MODERN REMOTE SENSING METHODS AND ITS APPLICATION TO AGRICULTURAL IMAGE INTERPRETATION

The authors elaborate upon the “multiplicity principle” in remote sensing, i.e., the need for repeated imaging at a variety of scales, spatial resolutions, spectral bands, and times of imaging in order to attain the maximum information possible. They then explore the ways it can be applied in agricultural research, through two different image comparison and interpretation strategies. A detailed example is presented of the use of a multitemporal imaging strategy for the recognition of several agricultural crops from false color composite imagery. 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. 47-55.     

EXTRAPOLATION IN TIME OF REFERENCE DATA ON THE CONDITION OF NATURAL FEATURES: THE EXAMPLE OF WINTER WHEAT

The author outlines a method for extrapolating reference spectral data describing the condition of certain crops obtained for a particular point in time to periods for which reliable remote sensing data are not available. Examination of the correspondence between crop “condition classes,” identified through visual interpretation of aerial imagery, and actual yields/biomass for a number of phases of crop development of winter wheat for several crop years provides basic information for a probability matrix of the condition of a crop at times B, C, and D based on previous conditions at times A, B, and C. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1988, No. 4, pp. 73-79.     

高分辨率遥感影像城中村提取的景观语义指数方法

城中村是中国一类特殊的非正式居民区。本文从城中村的物理特点出发,采用景观语义指数描述复杂的城中村场景,提出基于景观语义指数的高分辨率遥感影像城中村提取方法,并采用“分类置信度-反馈”机制进行实际可操作的大范围城中村制图。以广州市核心城区为例,城中村检测的总体精度达到了90%以上。试验结果表明相对于传统的光谱、纹理特征,景观语义指数能够更好地描述城中村的根本形态特点,更准确的城中村提取。此外,“分类置信度-反馈”机制能够充分参考机器学习的分类概率,以有限的人工干预生产更加准确的城中村制图产品。因此,本文方法能够有效应用于大范围的城中村提取与制图。     

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.