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.     

DESIGN AND REPRESENTATION OF SCALING SYSTEMS ON MAPS

A second installment on the theory of scaling in cartography (see MSRS, 1987, No. 2, pp. 104-111) focuses on the design of scaling (symbolization) systems. Attention is devoted to the reasons for the lack of correspondence between numerical relationships of values being depicted on maps and quantitative relationships in the scaling system(s) used to represent them. The most visually dominant attributes of symbols (form, color) in the scaling system should be used to represent the most dominant characteristic of the mapped objects. A final section contains recommendations for symbol design at different levels (nominal, ordinal, etc.) of scaling. Translated from: Vestnik Leningradskogo Universiteta, seriya 7 [geologiya, geografiya], 1987, No. 3, pp. 53-60.     

A TECHNIQUE FOR MEASURING THE RELIABILITY OF MATHEMATICAL-CARTOGRAPHIC MODELS

The example of manufacturing levels in Japan's prefectures is used to illustrate the multivariate design of thematic maps. The author maps the differences of the results obtained from the implementation of various models and shows how geographic content affects the reliability of modeling. Some general conclusions are offered regarding ways of measuring the reliability of mathematical-cartographic models. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1983, No. 4, pp. 42-48.     

COMPUTATION AND MAPPING OF THE ELEMENTS OF THE WATER-ICE BUDGET OF GLACIERS

Two general approaches for compiling maps of components of the water-ice budget in regions of glacier nourishment are compared and the resulting maps are analyzed. The compilation of raw data is based on field measurements rather than remote sensing information. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Materialy glyatsiologicheskikh issledovaniy, 1991, No. 72, pp. 94-102.     

NEW METHODS OF COMPILING GENERAL REFERENCE MAPS IN ATLAS CARTOGRAPHY

Measures to improve the effectiveness and informational content of general reference maps and other materials in atlases designed for the general public are outlined. Emphasis is placed upon (a) enhancing the readability and visual appeal of color “landscape” maps, providing a generalized, small-scale aerial view of the region(s) of interest–this through the application of principles of perception and colorimetry–and (b) developing larger-scale “reference” maps maximizing levels of graphic detail without jeopardizing ease of perception–this based on a careful study of general reference maps in atlases worldwide and broadly based testing of users with various levels of map reading skills. Translated from: Izvestiya vysshykh uchebnykh zavedeniy: Geodeziya i aerofotos'yemka, 1985, No. 6, pp. 111-115.     

THE WORLD ATLAS OF SNOW AND ICE RESOURCES

The World Atlas of Snow and Ice Resources, scheduled for publication in the late 1980s, is an extensive cartographic summary of current knowledge about snow and ice. Roughly 750 maps organized under 17 broad themes cover topics such as glacier morphology, temperature and precipitation conditions in glacier formation, avalanches, meltwater runoff, sea ice, and past glaciation. The organization of the project is described along with the contents of major thematic sections, and examples of the use of basic initial maps to validate information used in more complex derivative maps are provided. Translated from: Materialy glyatsiologicheskikh issledovaniy, USSR Geophysical Committee Publication No. 51. Moscow: Mezhvedomstvenniy geofizicheskiy komitet, 1984, pp. 89-95.     

TOPOLOGY AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF CARTOGRAPHIC IMAGES

A survey of the use of topologic concepts of space in map transofrmation supports the author's contention that so-called “transformed images” represent for the most part rather arbitrary distortions of conventional maps constructed in Euclidean space. This paper demonstrates how truly topologic images can be created “from scratch,” i.e., without manipulation of either the sizes or shapes of areal units on preexisting maps. Images created by quantitatively defining “graphic ratios” of areal units can thus be replicated by other cartographers with a minimum of subjectivity. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1984, No. 12, pp. 28-31.     

EVOLUTION OF INTERRELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN GEOGRAPHY AND CARTOGRAPHY

The author's observations on the proceedings of the 1984 IGU Congress in Paris and 1984 ICA Conference in Perth, Australia provide a framework for a commentary on the current state of relations between geography and cartography. In order for ties between the two fields to be strengthened, maps must serve as more than spatial illustrations–they must be further developed, based on advances in automation and remote sensing methods, as a research tool for the elucidation of new geographical laws. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1985, No. 2, pp. 5-13.     

APPLICATION OF THE CARTOGRAPHIC METHOD IN THE STUDY OF NATURE-SOCIETY INTERACTION IN THE MOLDAVIAN SSR

A Russian geographer describes a methodology whereby data on slopes contained within a geographic information system are employed in the compilation of geomorphological maps. More specifically, the author proposes and tests a technology for the automated compilation of electronic maps of mean slope for the territory of Altay Kray, West Siberia, Russia. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, Virginia from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 2002, No. 2, pp. 142-146.     

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MAPS: PROBLEMS IN COMPILATION AND READABILITY

The successes and shortcomings of environmental protection maps published in the USSR are reviewed. Emphasis is on the problems of defining map content and the techniques which can be employed to enhance the readability of the maps. Speed and accuracy of map reading are evaluated and a compromise is sought between these two contradictory requirements. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22038 from: Izvestiya Vsesoyuznogo Geograficheskogo Obshchestva, 1988, No. 5, pp. 453-459.     

AN ATLAS OF CMEA MEMBER NATIONS

General problems of complex atlas mapping—selection of scales and indices for mapping, standardization of legends, establishment of appropriate levels of generalization, etc.—are addressed using the first comprehensive economic atlas of CMEA member countries as an example. The Atlas itself contains general overview maps of economic linkages of CMEA member nationa with the world economy, maps devoted to economic transactions and patterns within the CMEA as a whole, and general economic maps of the individual member nations. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1985, No. 4, pp. 3-6.     

THE POTENTIAL FOR VISUAL AND AUTOMATED INTERPRETATION OF FOREST VEGETATION WITH SCANNER IMAGERY

Feature classification maps derived from visual and automated methods of interpreting band-specific and composite imagery from the “Fragment” multispectral scanning system are compared in the study of vegetation and related features along the Gulf of Riga. The automated method, featuring a two-stage unsupervised/supervised classification algorithm developed at Moscow University (see MSRS, 1984, No. 3, pp. 255-261) provided for enhanced discrimination of wetland areas, farm land, and settlements, as well as for the elimination of extraneous components (especially the above) visually classified as deciduous forest. Translated from: Vestnilk Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1988, No. 3, pp. 49-57 by Jay K. Mitchell, PlanEcon, Inc., Washington, DC 20005.     

THE USE OF ANCIENT MAPS AND SPACE IMAGERY IN THE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

The author outlines, in diagrammatic form, a procedure for the joint use of old maps (topographic, land survey, etc.) and current space imagery to compile maps of environmental change. The ancient maps reveal land use and physical conditions which serve as a benchmark for evaluation of subsequent change. Space imagery is useful both in updating the current state of the environment and providing a cartographic base for the preparation of final maps. Selected areas of Moscow Oblast are used as test sites. Translated from: Izvestiya vuzov, Geodeziya i aerofotos' yem-ka, 1985, No. 1, pp. 104-109.     

A CRITERION FOR EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF CARTOGRAPHIC PROJECTIONS USED FOR WORLD MAPS

The author develops a criterion for assessment of the quality of projections used for world maps which incorporates measures of mean square distortions of line lengths in principal directions about a point and the relationship of angular and areal distortion (in equal measure, or depending upon the requirements of particular types of maps). Translated from: Izvestiya vysshykh uchebnykh zavedeniy, Geodeziya i aerofotos”yemka, 1987, No. 3, pp. 109-112.     

“NOT FOR US TO FORESEE…,” OR ABOUT FUTURE MAPS

A second paper from a national conference on the status of cartography on the eve of a new millennium (see the preceding paper by A. A. Lyutyy in this issue for the first) examines the relationship between cartography's future development and geographic information technologies. The author argues that prediction of the future of cartography, and of the properties of future maps, will prove a difficult exercise at best, inasmuch as it cannot be based on the simple extrapolation of present trends. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk, seriya geograficheskaya, 1998, No. 1, pp. 116-121.     

CHARACTERISTICS OF A DATA PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY FOR THE REVISION OF DIGITAL MAPS

A procedure is described for the revision of digital maps in geographic information systems, the basis of which rests upon a “mutual and unambiguous correspondence” between a digital map and its structural (text or graphic) model(s). Rules of transference, editing, elimination, inclusion, and cross-referencing of names are elaborated for regulation of the processes by which non-digital (cartographic, air photo, statistical) sources of new information are used to transform digital information in the original data base. Revision of digital maps is accomplished through creation of a data base of digital corrections to an original data base and/or subsequent editing of digital map(s) from these corrections or others initiated during raster scanning. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1986, No. 9, pp. 38-43.     

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.     

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.     

THE RELATION OF CARTOGRAPHY TO THE LAWS AND CLASSIFICATION OF SCIENCE

The chairman of Moscow University's Cartography Department addresses questions about cartography's place in the system of scientific knowledge, qualifications as a science, subject matter, and methods of analysis. Critiques of recent theoretical works both within and outside the USSR lay the groundwork for the author's view of cartography: a multifaceted, interdisciplinary field of knowledge using maps for the presentation and investigation of natural and socioeconomic phenomena. Although few if any strictly cartographic laws exist at present, map use methods are applied widely for the discovery and analysis of laws in other disciplines. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1984, No. 6, pp. 3-10.