DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING IN THE COMPILATION OF LUNAR PHOTOMAPS

A method of compiling lunar thematic photomaps is described, in which telescopically derived photometric data, representing the map theme of albedo variation, is portrayed on a topographic base map prepared from scanner data obtained from a space probe. Digital image processing is employed in a wide range of tasks including data averaging and filtration, and grid and scale transformation. Two maps, representing different versions of final output, are provided: a map with albedo variation displayed according to the shaded-isoline technique, and one in which numerical values are printed over a grid of control points. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1985, No. 1, pp. 38-44.     

PHOTOMAPS FROM SPACE: THEIR PRODUCTION AND POSSIBLE USES

This paper outlines, from the Soviet perspective, technical principles for the use of remote sensing imagery in mapping, with special emphasis on the compilation of small-scale space photomaps—composite map-space images in which the thematic detail of a photographic image is enhanced and/or supplemented by cartographic techniques. Two systems for producing such images, one Soviet and the other East German, are compared and a series of basic procedures identified—production of orthographic images, compilation of a terrain model and original image of relief, stereoplotting of contours on an orthophotographic base, and overall map design. A concluding section explores potential applications of space photomaps in geographic research. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1986, No. 1, pp. 49-56.     

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.     

USE OF REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY IN MULTIPURPOSE MAPPING

This paper focuses on remote sensing's role in support of diverse mapping tasks, including those of interest to soil scientists (land use, soil, and botanical mapping). It analyzes new opportunities and challenges provided by remote sensing imagery with respect to map compilation and revision: the interdisciplinary yet goal-oriented character of map themes, the large stock of data to be processed systematically for coherent information yield, the numerous linkages of map elements to be represented on a series of closely interrelated maps, and the need for standardization and a unified approach to map design and symbolization. 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. 16-21.     

THE POTENTIAL OF NIGHTTIME SPACE IMAGERY IN ANALYSIS AND MAPPING OF URBAN SETTLEMENT

A procedure is described for the use of nighttime space imagery in the mapping of an urban settlement hierarchy in the Federal Republic of Germany. City “brightness” values provide surrogate measures of urban settlement density, which are then mapped isarithmically. The resulting statistical surface is then divided into regions (first- and second-order settlement systems), and the map compared with one produced by quantitative (cluster analysis) techniques. The two regionalization schemes produce remarkably similar results, although the map compiled from the space image contained a greater number of regions, and was more detailed in other ways. Translated from: Vestnik Leningradskogo Universiteta, seriya geografiches-kaya, 1984, No. 6, pp. 112-114.     

AN INITIAL ATTEMPT AT INTERPRETING THE STRUCTURE OF MOUNTAINOUS AREAS IN THE WESTERN ANTARCTIC WITH SPACE IMAGERY

The second of two reports on the use of space imagery in the interpretation of Antarctica's geologic structure applies interpretation procedures described in an earlier article (see Mapping Sciences and Remote Sensing, 1985, No. 1) to produce a geologic map of a portion of the Antarctic Peninsula. Features identified on space imagery and depicted on the map include: a deep pericratonnal fault zone, a Mesozoic fold belt interrupted by a complex system of faults, and ring or annular structures of volcanic origin. Translated from: Antarktika, AN SSSR Mezhduve-domstvennaya komissiya po izucheniyu Antarktiki, Doklady komissii [USSR Academy of Sciences Joint Commission on Antarctic Research, Commission Report], No. 24. Moscow, 1985, pp. 43-49.     

MAPPING THE AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR MOUNTAINOUS AREAS OF AFGHANISTAN

The authors describe a procedure for the compilation of maps of the avalanche hazard in high-mountain regions of Afghanistan. The basic sources of information include space imagery (photographs and scanner imagery), weather station data, and other geographic information on relief, elevation, location of moisture sources, etc. The methodology features the compilation of series of increasingly more specific and informative maps and graphs regarding the avalanche hazard: terrain types, snow cover depth and seasonal extent, duration of snow cover and its elevational zonation, snow as a factor in avalanche formation, and summary map of avalanche hazard. Translated by Elliott B. Urdang, Providence, RI 02906 from: Materialy glyatsiologicheskikh issledovaniy, 1991, No. 71, pp. 86–93.     

VEGETATION AS A CRITERION FOR INTERPRETING THE MOISTURE REGIME OF A LANDSCAPE

Vegetation signatures on aerial photographs and space imagery are used as indicators of soil moisture differences in a Siberian taiga landscape. The authors use remote sensing products to identify all major habitat types resulting from variable soil moisture regimes that were observed on the ground. These types are described, as are their interpretation keys and the effects of scale change on habitat discrimination. Translated from: Kosmicheskiye metody izucheniya prirodnoy sredy Sibiri i Dal'nego Vostoka, Novosibirsk, 1983, pp. 63-74.     

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.     

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.     

基于微机的数字修测系统

本文介绍了一种基于微机的数字修测系统。利用现势性较好的像片和已有的地图，通过扫描仪扫描后，借助计算机实现矢量、栅格数据的叠置，进行地图的修测或地图数据库的更新。     

NATURAL ZONES OF THE USSR ON SPACE IMAGERY: A NEW INSTRUCTIONAL AID IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS

The development of a new instructional aid in geography in the USSR is described–an exhibit featuring wall-map sized space imagery of major natural regions. Each station in the exhibit (prepared jointly by the Moscow University Laboratory of Remote Sensing Methods and the Main Administration of Geodesy and Cartography) includes a color image of a site representing one of seven major natural zones, a series of thematic maps based on results of image interpretation, a map showing the location of the imaged area within the USSR, and a series of ground photographs of typical landscapes and land uses. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1988, No. 2, pp. 36-41 by Natalia B. Barbash, Brooklyn, NY 11209.     

Usability Issues in Applying Participatory Mapping for Neighborhood Infrastructure Planning

Public participation is required in neighborhood infrastructure planning and problem‐solving. Although Participatory GIS methods are considered important to help urban community groups identify problems and express their needs and concerns, usable means to help groups produce their maps remain difficult to be realised. Further, an effective means to facilitate the integration of government spatial plans and participatory maps also remains unclear. This article addresses usability issues in participatory mapping activities by exploring group collaboration mechanics and accomplishing use assessments. The study aims at testing the usefulness and the impact of participatory mapping for community development. User studies including questionnaire surveys, interviews, group usability testing, scenario assessments, and the scaling‐up activity were executed. Transparent photomaps, Mobile GIS, and a Web map were implemented and assessed in the study area. A use scenario for community and official spatial data integration was also developed. The results of user studies show that the use of transparent photomaps is more effective to complete group tasks to discuss, draw, and annotate their infrastructure problems. For group participants, the transparent maps are more engaging, easy to learn, and more error tolerant than the use of Mobile GIS. A combination use of simple and advanced PGIS methods is necessary to be implemented to reach informed priority‐decision making.     

INTEGRATION OF PHOTOGRAMMETRIC, REMOTE SENSING AND DATABASE TECHNOLOGIES FOR MAPPING APPLICATIONS

The availability of data in digital formats, the rapid evolution of computer systems and the increased demands for cartographic databases are causing photogrammetrists to consider ways of integrating photogrammetric, remote sensing and database technologies. Examples are presented involving the use of aerial photographs and satellite images in combination with geographical information systems and image processing techniques to assess soil erosion, growth of aquatic vegetation and to enhance satellite images for the compilation or revision of map products.     

THE MAPPING AND STUDY OF THE ISSYK-KUL' SHORELINE WITH AIR PHOTOS

Efforts to monitor and map the changing water level and shoreline of a large mountain lake in Central Asia with aerial photographs are described. The essence of the work involved the mapping of the shoreline and position of river deltas from air photos from various years during the period 1949-1980, at uniform scale and at a level of accuracy permitting the quantitative (cartometric) as well as qualitative assessment of change. The sequence of work in compilation of map-diagrams for different parts of the shoreline involved the preliminary referencing of photos to a map, photo interpretation and compilation of large-scale “graphic diagrams,” preparation of a cartographic base, reduction and placement of diagrams on the base, and transformation of the image as a whole. Results of analysis of these map-diagrams are summarized. Translated from: Vestnik Leningradskogo Universiteta, ser. 7: geologiya, geografiya, 1986, No. 2, pp. 44-48.     

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.     

MAPS OF USE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BURYAT REPUBLIC

A team of Russian geographers describes the development of a program for mapping land use/resource development and the condition of the environment in Russia's Buryat Republic. Three ecological maps recently compiled in the Republic, using a single cartographic base and employing standardized methods, are described. The last such map is a map of environmental use that reflects both a resource-development and an environmental-protection perspective. The article includes detailed examples of the legend of the latter map. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1998, No. 3, pp. 23-29.     

基于数字摄影测量工作站的1：10000地形图更新

结合1：10000 DLG更新的实际,提出了一种基于数字摄影测量工作站的地形图矢量要素更新模式,即充分利用现有的DLG与DEM数据及各要素之间的空间位置关系,将二维表达的矢量要素转换到三维立体空间,进而在数字摄影测量工作站立体环境中进行修侧与新旧数据接边,它既能得到与数字摄影测量立体测图质量一致的成果,且充分利用了现有的DLG成果,达到节约作业成本、缩短作业周期、减少作业工作量的效果。实验表明,本方法具有可行性、可操作性。     

INTEGRATION OF CARTOGRAPHIC AND REMOTE SENSING METHODS

The history of the joint use of maps and air photos/space imagery in geographic problem solving is examined, as are general problems which must be addressed before more complete consolidation of map use and image interpretation methods will be possible. The relatively new field of geoiconics, encompassing image theory, processing, and interpretation, is proposed as a branch of knowledge promoting the integration of cartography and remote sensing rather than a megafield that will ultimately replace them. Translated from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1985, No. 4, pp. 11-22.     

ON THE ESSENCE OF THE LANGUAGE OF THE MAP

The author continues development of his concept of cartography as the “language of the map,” an earlier paper of this subject appearing in translation in M.S.R.S., 1985, No. 1. Although the term language has been widely used to describe cartographic communication, current theory fails to incorporate aspects of the language which provide for a comprehensive understanding of its structure and function. In particular, the language of the map and its symbolic elements cannot be explained reflexively by methods and rules of symbol and map design, since these elements were developed not before but after the existence of the language. The language of the map thus is proposed as the mechanism which provides for replicability or duplication in the way a system of mapmaking-map use functions (under diverse conditions, purposes, historical periods, and levels of training of users) through its different methods, models, and norms. Translated from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1985, No. 3, pp. 142-151.