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.     

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.     

REMOTE SENSING METHODS IN THE STUDY OF SOILS IN BELARUS'

Applications of remote sensing in the study of soils of Belarus' are investigated. The focus is upon ascertaining relationships between phototone of cultivated soils and various soil characteristics (humus content, texture, etc.); upon ensuring the best times for imaging; on the revision of existing soil maps from remote sensing imagery; and on determinations of humus content from spectral reflectance values. 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. 109–116.     

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.     

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.     

INTERPRETATION OF ECOLOGICAL-SOIL CHARACTERISTICS OF WOODED STEPPE ZONE IN THE CENTRAL RUSSIAN UPLAND

The authors describe how remote sensing imagery can be employed in the identification of different types of chernozem soils in a predominantly agricultural zone (forest steppe), where natural vegetation (normally one of the best vegetation indicators) has been largely displaced by farm fields. A multi-stage methodology is outlined whereby small-scale imagery is used to delineate large regions of similar bioclimatic-geologic characteristics, from which areas of similar soil formation conditions are distinguished. Multispectral and multitemporal space imagery then is employed to detect less salient ecological-soil differences that can affect phototone and image texture. 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 103–109.     

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.     

土壤调查地区级汇总的遥感制图试验研究

本研究的目的是探讨利用遥感影像数据,对县级土壤调查资料进行地区级汇总的制图工作方法。我们依据的制图综合原则是:(1)以现有的土壤图为基础,充分尊重原图上的界线,主要以土层界线重新综合;(2)研究并搞清各种土壤分布规律和它们之间的组合规律,然后进行归并和区分;(3)参照卫星影像特征和判读标志,对某些明显与实地不符之处,以影像和实地调查资料进行修正,有些土壤类型以组合形式表达。本文对利用遥感数据进行制图综合的工作方法进行了详细描述,其中包括:制图单元的综合和比例尺的改变,底图的制作和利用卫星影像对综合后的土壤图进行编制等。研究结果表明,此种方法与常规方法比较,特别是对有一定物质和技术条件的单位(如省级),不仅在土壤调查中,而且在资源调查中皆可采用此种编图技术,收到节省人力、物力和时间的效果。     

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.     

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.     

Soil Resource Database at Village Level for Developmental Planning

A study was carried out in village Mohammadabad, Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh to demonstrate the potential of high-resolution remote sensing data in generating soil resource database at village level that would facilitate natural resource developmental planning. For this study, detail soil resource database was generated by interpreting IRS Resourcesat-1 LISS-IV + Cartosat-1 merged data and by undertaking soil survey and soil analysis. This database was integrated with cadastral map and was analysed for preparation of an action plan for the village that included recommendation on suitable crops, soil and water conservation measures and distribution of soil health card to farmers. The study indicates that the LISS-IV + Cartosat-1 merged satellite data helps in mapping soils at phase level and in delineation of more number of pure soil mapping units i.e. consociations at 1:10.000 scale. The plot-wise resource potential and constraints reveals that significant inter and intra-field soil variability exists. Soil fertility assessment indicates that the soils of the village are low to medium in fertility (available NPK Content) and micronutrients like copper, manganese and iron content is above the critical level for optimum growth of crops while zinc content is less than the critical level.     

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.     

ANALYSIS OF THE CHEMICAL POLLUTION OF BUFFER ZONES BY MODELING AND SUB-SATELLITE EXPERIMENTS

Principles are outlined for the use of sub-satellite soil, air, water, and vegetation samples as an auxiliary source of information in remote sensing studies of vegetation stress caused by air pollution. More specifically, procedures for satellite-synchronous aerial overflights, vegetation transects, water quality measurements, and soil tests are described as a basis for delineating boundaries between areas of vegetation stress and unpolluted areas in an industrialized area in the central Urals. Translated from: Kosmicheskiy monitoring biosfery, Yu. A. Izrael', V. V. Bugrovskiy, and Yu. V. Novikov, eds. Leningrad: Gidrometeoizdat, 1985, pp. 93-99.     

A LANDSCAPE-TYPOLOGY REGIONALIZATION OF MONGOLIA BASED ON SPACE IMAGERY

A joint Soviet-Mongolian project of 1978-80 using space imagery for the mapping of Mongolia's natural resources is described. The novelty of using space photographs called for the development of new techniques. The remote sensing approach enabled the investigators to compile within a relatively short time a map of natural territorial complexes of Mongolia, distinguished by a high degree of detail, and to gain a new understanding about many aspects of the Mongolian Physical environment. Translated from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1984, No. 4, pp. 5-14.     

'Drawing the Coral Heads': Mental Mapping and its Physical Representation in a Polynesian Community

Abstract

Indigenous people throughout the world developed their own mapping skills and systems of knowledge. While Westerners are prone to overlook these communities' geographical knowledge and imagine their mapping activities to be primitive or non-existent, their mental maps are often impressive in sophistication and detailed even if based on cosmologies that are quite foreign to Western thinking. This article depicts a mental map of the ocean floor shared by Polynesians of Anuta, a remote community in the Solomon Islands. It situates Anuta's reef map in relation to academic discussions of indigenous cartography and describes the process that resulted in the map's physical representation.     

Soil resource assessment and mapping using remote sensing and GIS

In this study digital image processing for physiographic analysis and soil resource mapping of Solani watershed was carried out using satellite remote sensing data and GIS. Digital image processing of satellite data facilitated in accurately delineating and identifying various soil mapping units. The physiography of the study area is mainly influenced by denudational and colluvial processes in the upper part and by sedimentation processes in the lower part. Topography of the land and nature of parent material along with the time factor seemed to have played a vital role in the genesis of soils. Majority of the mapping units are Typic Haplustepts with Entisols and Inceptisols being the major soil orders. The soils of the Siwalik hills experiences severe erosion, which prevents the maturation of soil profile. The present study demonstrated that satellite remote sensing and GIS is a valuable tool for physiographic analysis and soil resource mapping.     

SOIL-GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PURPOSES

The authors outline a procedure for the mapping of soil geochemical anomalies surrounding a gas condensate deposit in upland East Siberia. An end product is a map showing areas in which matter is biologically cycled in different ways and at different intensities, as reflected in the dominance of different combinations of chemical elements in the soil. The paper explores the relationship between these geochemical regions and (a) related natural regions (vegetation, geomorphologic-geologic) and (b) types of human impact (e.g., fires, oil-gas drilling, pipeline construction). The methods employed are compared with previous methodologies of geochemical mapping—e.g., of Perel'man. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1997, No. 1, pp. 23-33     

Remote sensing of Red Mediterranean soils: a case study in the viticultural southern Rhone Valley using SPOT satellite imagery

The aim of this work was to map Red Mediterranean soils, for which no previous mapping approach exists, using optical multispectral satellite remote sensing data. This case study explores the use of SPOT XS images over the viticultural Southern Rhone Valley, France, to map exposed vineyard soils. Field spectral measurements were used to distinguish Red Mediterranean soil surfaces during Spring 1999. A supervised maximum likelihood classification was applied to sparsely vegetated and unvegetated surfaces of two spring images from 1995 and 1997, drawing on the field training set and available soil data. Similar global spatial segmentation was obtained despite different soil surface states on these dates. Classification performances were higher than 84% in both images. Mean classification accuracies of Red Mediterranean soils at seven reference surfaces were 60% in 1995 and 70% in 1997. This suggests that the direct use of optical remote sensing data at medium resolution can be useful for mapping bare Red Mediterranean soils.