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.     

PHOTOGRAMMETRIC PRINCIPLES FOR THE COMBINATION OF REMOTE SENSING AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL MAPPING

A review of Soviet research describes methods of combining remote sensing and geodetic data in cartometric data bases—for the purposes of compiling more detailed and accurate “three-dimensional” terrain maps. The major objective is to provide, by means of photogrammetric techniques employing stereopairs or series of overlapping images, elevational data on selective key geomorphological points (along structure lines, summits of ridges, valley bottoms, etc.) which can be used to supplement (or replace) data obtained for the control points of a rectangular grid. Creation of digital models from these “geomorphological” points provides more accurate three-dimensional terrain maps. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1986, No. 6, pp. 56-64.     

A MAP OF THE AVERAGED RELIEF OF THE RUSSIAN PLAIN

The authors outline a methodology for the small-scale hypsometric mapping of plains areas based on the averaging of relief—this for the purpose of portraying the most important details of local relief (small erosional landforms) without obscuring larger, major relief forms or compromising the readability of the map. An example map (25-m contour interval) of the Soviet portion of the East European Plain at a scale of 1:5,000,000 is included. The elevations portrayed on this map were averaged, according to a multi-stage procedure, from grid cells on a 1:2,500,000 map before transference onto the smaller-scale map base. The new map makes possible a revised estimate of the average elevation of the Russian Plain and depicts well the effects of both endogenous and exogenous factors on relief formation. Translated from: Geomorfologiya, 1987, No. 1, pp. 22-29.     

AN EXPERIMENT IN THE COMPILATION AND USE OF A COMPLEX ENGINEERING-GLACIOLOGICAL MAP

A method for the compilation of 1:3,000,000-scale maps of natural nival-glacial phenomena is proposed for an area of the High Pamir Range in Soviet Central Asia. Such maps depict the distribution, frequency and intensity/magnitude, and potential impacts of such natural hazards as avalanches, mudslides, “dirty snow” avalanches (combined avalanches-mudslides in late spring), icings (naledy), and glacier pulsations, and are used in the planning of construction and the maintenance of roads and other transportation corridors during winter and spring. Hypothetical examples of the use of the maps are provided. Translated from: Materialy glyatsiologicheskikh issledovanly, USSR Geophysical Committee Publication No. 55. Moscow: Mezhduvedomstvenniy geofizicheskiy komitet, 1986, pp. 213–219.     

AN EXPERIMENT IN SYSTEMATIZING THE CARTOGRAPHIC IMAGES OF GEOMORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES

The authors attempt to identify and standardize the cartographic symbols (“images”) used to represent a variety of specific geomorphological features. A large number of cartographic representations of landform features found on geological-geomorphological maps are classified in terms of their basic pattern/configuration and the level of complexity within each major pattern type. It is argued that the pattern or configuration of a cartographic symbol used to represent a geomorphological feature should represent the spatial structure of that feature with sufficient reliability to serve as a key to an understanding of its genesis. Translated from: Geomorfologiya, 1987, No. 2, pp. 62-66.     

MAPPING OF PLAINS RELIEF ALTERED BY MINING ACTIVITY

Basic principles of mapping for areas of mineral development for reclamation purposes are outlined. In particular special thematic maps should portray both the evolution of man-made landforms subjected to exogenous and endogenous geomorphologic processes and changes in particular elements (components) of those forms resulting from such evolution. More specifically, such indices as elevation, slope, lithology, age, major geomorphological processes, reclamation measures planned or underway, physical-chemical properties, and adjacent land uses are to be incorporated in the legends of maps documenting the existence of mining-altered areas, the severity of the impact, and the prospects for restoration. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1987, No. 5, pp. 40-46.     

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.     

Investigation of scale dependence and geomorphic stages of evolution through hypsometric analysis: a case study of Sirsa basin,western Himalaya,India

Hypsometric analysis is an important tool to identify and justify the erosional status, erosional processes, geologic and tectonic influences, and stage of landscape development of a basin. In this study, scale dependence of hypsometric integral (Ea) and hypsometric curve parameters were derived and analysed for various order sub-basins of Sirsa river. Here, Ea of higher order sub-basins are quite scale dependent and controlled by lithology; albeit Ea of all order sub-basins is independent of tectonic uplift. Based on Ea, all fourth and fifth order sub-basins were categorised in three classes. The analysis of hypsometric curve parameters showed that sub-basins of first category (Ea < 0.35) is characterised by upward-concave curve, fluvial process dominated and early old stage landscape. Sub-basins of second category (0.35 < Ea < 0.45) reflects concave-convex curve, dominance of fluvial process and mature landscape; whereas third category sub-basins (Ea > 0.45) are diffusive process dominated and belong to late youth to early mature stage.     

AN ANALYTIC TECHNIQUE OF MAP TRANSFORMATION

The authors propose a fully automated technique of map transformation using an iteration method to transform a map of disuniform density areas into a map of uniform density areas. The technique is illustrated with particular reference to maps of rural population density and total population density of Czechoslovakia. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, 1983, No. 2, pp. 56-63.     

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.     

基于SuperMap的全球晕渲图设计与制作

晕渲图的设计与制作一直是地学工作者研究的热点问题,使用晕渲图展示地形直观、形象、立体感强.目前有多种思路被提出用于改善晕渲图的显示效果,但是在制作小比例尺晕渲图时,仍然存在一些问题,如地形破碎导致难以把握地形宏观骨架,缺少海洋地形或海洋地形过于具体干扰到陆地要素表达,传统的DEM与山影数据叠加的模式使得美观与地形清晰无法兼得,这就需要重新对这些问题进行思考.本文以晕渲图的基本理论为出发点,采用地貌晕渲与分层设色相结合的方法,讨论全球范围的晕渲图制作过程中,不同显示比例尺下DEM分辨率配置技巧、海洋地形展示方法与地形可视化新思路.实验证明,该方法可以保证晕渲图在每级显示比例尺下都能展示出良好的地形效果,为中小比例尺晕渲图增强表现力提供了参考.     

USE OF THE CARTOGRAPHIC METHOD IN THE STUDY OF CHANNEL PROCESSES

A second paper on floodplain and channel mapping describes how the “cartographic method” (the use of maps to derive information about the world not readily available through other means of investigation) is applied through the use of special maps depicting the sizes and types of river channels, the character of floodplains and of channel deformation, and the general conditions responsible for channel evolution. The uses, strengths, and limitations of channel maps at small, intermediate, and large scales are discussed, as well as methods of cartographic presentation that have proven most effective. Translated from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1986, No. 3, pp. 99-108.     

MAPPING ANIMAL HABITATS

The authors propose a series of general methodological guidelines for animal habitat mapping. These include the use of “summary” indicators (of aggregate effects of environmental conditions on animal populations) as indices for mapping, the combination of laboratory and field work at all but the smallest scales of mapping, and explicit recognition (based on extensive studies of ecological characteristics and life cycles of species being mapped) that habitat boundaries in many cases vary dramatically from vegetation and landscape-geological boundaries. Habitat maps of two study areas are compared with vegetation and landscape maps at identical scales to demonstrate these differences. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1985, No. 3, pp. 95-101.     

LAND-USE MAPPING FROM REMOTE SENSING DATA: A WORLD SUMMARY

A brief history of land-use mapping sets the stage for a survey of contemporary land-use mapping across the world, and more specifically, the applications of remote sensing methods in such mapping. Other issues addressed include the need to refine the definition of land use to encompass the totality of geographic space, to formally recognize the difference between large-scale maps of agricultural land-use and smaller-scale general land-use maps, and to investigate more closely the wisdom and desirability of a standardized world land-use classification. Four types of land-use maps are identified: diagnostic/informational, historical, dynamic, and predictive. Translated from: Vestnik Leningradskogo Universiteta, 1983, No. 24, pp. 52-61.     

Use of geomorphological units to improve drainage network extraction from a DEM : Comparison between automated extraction and photointerpretation methods in the Carraixet catchment (Valencia, Spain)

Drainage networks are one of the main elements characterizing basins, and network topology and geometry form the basis of many hydrological and geomorphological models (eg Geomorphological Unitary Hydrograph). The identification and manual delineation of channel networks from maps or aerial photographs requires much time and effort. In the last two decades, algorithms and procedures for automated extraction of drainage networks from digital elevation data have been developed and implemented in many specialized software applications. Nevertheless, automatically delineated channel networks do not always show close agreement with manually delineated networks. This paper describes a comparative analysis between a drainage network automatically extracted from a gridded digital elevation model, and the drainage network delineated manually from stereographic pairs of aerial photographs. The analysis showed that the automatic extraction technique may be adequate for catchment headwaters, but is inappropriate in the middle and lower basins, especially for alluvial fans and calcareous platforms. The paper suggests improving the automatic extraction technique by adapting it to operate with different parameters for each of the geomorphological units within the catchment.     

A CARTOGRAPHIC SIMULATION MODEL OF THE EFFECTS OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ON THE ENVIRONMENT

The principles of systems mapping are employed in a model simulating the effects of human activity on the environment. The model takes the form of series of maps which are organized within three basic units or “blocks.” Block I contains general preliminary maps of land use and environmental change within an area which can serve as a basis for subsequent forecasting and proposals for improving land use. Block II contains maps that take stock of, evaluate, and predict human impacts on specific environmental components, and show the spatial distribution of measures proposed to ameliorate these impacts. Block III consists of maps synthesizing the component-related information of the preceding block for the purpose of providing summary assessments about the condition of the environment and land use conflicts in an area and targeting areas deserving the most comprehensive reclamation efforts. Methods of compiling the various maps are described in detail. Translated from: Izvestiya AN SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1986, No. 2, pp. 114–127.     

MAP READABILITY: EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH

Previous theoretical research on the characteristics of map readability [see MSRS, 1988, No. 4, pp. 276-283] is tested using several groups of subjects (already familiar with map use) in order to ascertain the most important elements facilitating map readability or detracting from it. The results are modeled through a series of regression equations in an effort to determine the relationships between specific characteristics (number of symbol size classes, frequency of symbols within classes, background complexity) and map readability (speed and accuracy of symbol identification). Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Vestnik Leningradskogo Universiteta, serlya 7 (geologiya, geografiya), 1988, No. 2, pp. 40-46.     

GEOGRAPHIC FORECASTING AND MAPPING

The author outlines general principles and methods of predictive or forecast mapping in the USSR, more specifically the use of maps in support of geographic forecasting, i.e., prediction of relationships involved in matter, energy, and other flows of ecosystem components. Maps are employed in all stages of geographic forecasting, particularly to identify spatial patterns which can be extrapolated in space or time and used to predict distributions that are difficult or impossible to determine directly, as well as to graphically portray these expected distributions. A scheme for classifying forecast maps in terms of their orientation in time and space is presented. Translated from: Prognoznoye blogeograficheskoye kartografirovaniye: regional'nyy aspekt, Moscow: Nauka, 1985, pp. 6-24.     

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.     

GIS-based geomorphological mapping using remote sensing data and supplementary geoinformation: A case study of the Dhaka city area,Bangladesh

This study aims to prepare a detailed GIS-based geomorphological map accompanied with landfill sites of Dhaka city area which can be used for multipurpose functionality. Attainment of the geomorphological map is based upon interpretation of the oldest available aerial photographs (1:40,000) and contemporary topographic maps (1:8000) which reflect almost pre-urban ground of Dhaka. Randomly distributed 160 boreholes have been used to prepare representative soil profiles (RSP) to identify the near-surface lithology of the geomorphological units. The study reveals that 13 out of 18 low-lying geomorphic units, comprising 65% of the total area demand landfill practices for urban development. Landfill sites have been merged with urban growth on each low-lying geomorphic unit using a spatially enhanced fused image of IRS-1D PAN and ETM+ bands 5, 4 and 3, acquired February 2000 and 2002, respectively. We found that 43% area of the total low-lying geomorphic units experience fill practices so far. The fill sites have been differentiated into four classes based on their relative thickness. Integration of fill classes with geomorphological map shows the urban dynamics of Dhaka city area till 2002. Due to GIS integration, this map can be rapidly updated to demonstrate temporal modifications in urban ground. It can be used effectively in different geomorphological hazard mapping and urban land-use practices.