USE OF SPACE PHOTOGRAPHS IN THE MAKING AND REVISION OF SMALL-SCALE MAPS

A brief review paper focuses on Soviet strategies for the use of space imagery, particularly photographic products (1:2,000,000 to 1:4,200,000 scale) from manned spaceflights, in the revision of small-scale general reference maps. Principles for the interpretation and mapping of basic map elements appearing on space photographs are outlined. Space photographs provide for reduction in time spent in map editing and the more correct analysis of the reliability of information and its generalization. A technology of map revision based on the joint use of original photographs and photomaps, with the transfer of revisions from photomaps to map originals, is proposed. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1986, No. 8, pp. 29-33.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

INTERPRETATION OF REMOTE SENSING DATA: THE FOREIGN EXPERIENCE

A report by Soviet delegates to the 15th Congress of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing provides a forum for a Soviet assessment of foreign achievements in the practical application of remote sensing in various fields of economic activity, particularly oil and gas exploration, prospecting for metallic minerals, forestry, and oceanography. Special emphasis is given to digital image processing for land-use classification, a field in which Soviet researchers are becoming increasingly involved. The Congress is described as contributing greatly to the development of common data processing methodologies and the exchange of information and opinions on common problems. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1985, No. 4, pp. 53-58.     

THE CURRENT STATUS OF BATHYMETRIC MAPPING

A review article on world bathymetric mapping activity over the last quarter century from a Soviet perspective provides information about Soviet mapping programs of the deep sea and continental shelf. In addition, it addresses a number of methodological issues in bathymetric mapping which are attributed to the lag between advances in practical mapping activity and the development of cartographic theory—the selection of isobath intervals and appropriate scales for different sea floor features and intended map uses, and the proper use of layer tinting and other graphic techniques to depict variations in water depth without obscuring details of submarine topography. Translated from: Vestnik Leningradskogo Universiteta, seriya 7 [geologiya, geografiya], 1987, No. 2, pp. 62-71.     

COLOR SYNTHESIS OF MULTISPECTRAL IMAGERY FOR MAPPING PURPOSES

The authors describe common Soviet practice in the making of false-color composite imagery for visual interpretation. Also addressed are standard image interpretation techniques: figure-ground color contrast, color separation (number of color gradations occurring within an average contrast range), and so-called landscape indicator techniques. Related issues, such as selection of spectral bands and filters for specific interpretation tasks, and the changing reflectance characteristics of band-specific intermediate images, receive attention as well. Tables and figures illustrating relationships between photographic contrast, film contrast ratings, optical densities, and spectral bands are included. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1985, No. 4, pp. 41-46.     

AN OVERVIEW OF GEOLOGICAL EXPERIMENTS CARRIED OUT ON BOARD MANNED SPACECRAFT AND SPACE STATIONS

An introductory paper to a series of articles on geological applications of remote sensing imagery produced from manned space flights chronicles a progression in research from the simple identification of geomorphological complexes during space flight to specific programs of observation and hand-held photography on board orbiting space stations. The coverage is primarily devoted to Soviet achievements over the period 1961–1982, especially to work conducted on board the space stations Salyut-5 through Salyut-7. Translated by Jay K. Mitchell, PlanEcon, Inc., Washington, DC 20005 from: B. M. Zubarev, V. V. Kozlov, and V. V. Lebedev, Kosmonavty issleduyut Zemlyu [Cosmonauts Study the Earth]. Moscow: Nauka, 1991, pp. 37–41.     

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AND NONTRADITIONAL SPATIAL IMAGES

A review of the Soviet and foreign literature on nontraditional cartographic images (cartograms) sets the stage for a critique of the position that they are only distorted versions of conventional maps. The author argues that nontraditional images are a legitimate form of cartographic presentation, employing a special non-spatial (topologic) system of measurement. As such, they are uniquely suited for the portrayal of certain kinds of information (i.e., socioeconomic) where elucidation of quantitative relations among features is more important than their faithful geometric representation. Procedures for transforming traditional images into nontraditional ones are described. Translated from: Izvestiy a AN SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1984, No. 5, pp. 121-133.     

影像地图集中色彩与符号设计的研究与实践

遥感技术的发展为地图制作提供了丰富多样的信息源,使地图从形式到内容都发生了全新的变化。影像地图已成为一种新型的地图品种,但影像地图的设计还面临着一些新的技术难题。结合影像地图集的编制,对影像地图集设计中两个关键技术,色彩设计与符号设计进行了研究实践,为影像地图集的设计制作提供理论和技术方法借鉴。     

THE CONCEPT OF SPACE AND ITS PRESENTATION ON MAPS: THEORETICAL ASPECTS

The author defines cartographic space, i.e., the space encompassed by geographic maps, as the entire “geographic” envelope. Maps as spatial models of the concrete three-dimensional space of this envelope [increasingly this space is viewed as four-dimensional, when the element of time is included] depict geosystems of various levels and complexity and serve as an essential basis for analyzing their properties, internal processes, and relationships. The author argues against divorcing the study of cartographic space from an understanding of the content of the objects being mapped, and critically evaluates positions of other Soviet and East European cartographers on the “dual role” of the cartographic space of maps. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1986, No. 2, pp. 3-9.     

Segmenting mangrove ecosystems drone images using SLIC superpixels

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems play a very important ecological role on land–ocean interfaces in tropical regions. These ecosystems comprise of various tree species and aquatic animals, protecting the environment and providing a habitat that supports many living organisms including humans. The identification of image regions in mangrove ecosystems plays a significant role in ecosystem monitoring and conservation. Recent studies have suggested oversegmentation of colour images using superpixels as a solution to the segmentation of image regions. This study used the SLIC superpixel algorithm and k-means clustering to segment images taken from a camera mounted on a drone from a mangrove ecosystem in Fiji. The SLIC superpixel algorithm performed well to demarcate image regions with similar colour and texture information into patches and to use k-means for the segmentation of the whole image. These results lend support to the use of superpixel algorithms for the segmentation of mangrove ecosystems. Understanding how superpixels can be used for the segmentation of drone images will assist conservation efforts in mangrove ecosystems.     

SOVIET GEODESISTS IN THE CENTRAL ARCTIC

The work of a recent Soviet geodetic surveying expedition to the Central Arctic and the Barents Sea off Franz Josef Land is described, with an emphasis on gravimetric surveying and determination of gravimetric control points at the North Pole and at two drifting polar research stations. In addition, glacier fields of Alexander Land (Franz Josef Land) were mapped and keys for their interpretation on space imagery identified. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1988, No. 3, pp. 9-12.     

RADIO-TELEVISION COMPLEXES OF THE METEOR-PRIRODA SATELLITES

A second installment in a series of papers describing the technical basis for Soviet remote sensing from space focuses on the multispectral scanners of the “Meteor-Priroda” series of earth observation satellites. Designs of the various models are provided, as well as explanations of how such tasks as band separation, signal formation, and telemetry are performed. Translated from: Priroda Zemli iz kosmosa, A. P. Tishchenko and S. V. Viktorov, eds. Leningrad: Gidrometeoizdat, 1984, pp. 25-25-34.     

遥感影像变化检测样本自动抽样

在遥感影像结合矢量数据先验信息的变化检测中,需要从分割后的影像对象中抽取一定数量、具有相同类别属性的样本,其中不可避免地抽到类别属性不一致的样本,如何剔除这些样本是抽样过程中必须解决的重点问题,在目前已有的方法中,一般是通过人工目视判别完成的。样本的自动提取是实现自动变化检测的关键环节,本文提出一种变化检测样本自动抽样方法,主要包括样本的空间布设和异常样本自动检测两个环节。该方法首先利用矢量数据提取抽样图层,用抽样图层分割遥感影像,获取影像对象。其次是根据抽样区域范围、影像对象分布特征和地形特征布设变化检测样本。然后根据样本的先验类别属性构建特征空间向量,计算样本在特征空间的局部可达密度,由局部可达密度计算样本的异常度指数,并根据特征空间密度异常指数剔除异常样本,完成变化检测样本自动提取。最后以耕地、林地和居民地为例进行了抽样试验。结果表明,邻域参数k按样本布设总数的1/5—1/3取值、异常度阈值设定为80%时,可以实现异常样本0漏检率,能够准确、高效实现变化检测样本的自动提取。     

空基下视时序影像瞬时成像模型研究

物方空间的物体随着时间的推移进行着绝对运动,运动导致了相对位置的变化,时间序列影像记录了物方三维空间的动态变化。本文基于下视时间序列影像的动态特性,在共线方程中引入时间元素,提出了空基下视时间序列影像瞬时成像模型,描述了动态“物像”间的瞬时投影关系;针对地表不同类型动态物体,构建了“由像到物”的应用模型,实现了从像方动态特征计算地表物体特征的目的。通过仿真和真实航空下视序列影像的试验与分析,验证了序列影像瞬时成像模型能够定量计算像地动态特征。     

关于多光谱和高光谱影像的纹理问题

提出了一种新的纹理概念 ,指出纹理是地物目标光谱空间到二维投影空间的映射模式 ,以表述多波段影像或高光谱影像的纹理 ,并蕴含了单波段或黑白影像纹理概念。同时 ,提出了实现空间映射的几种编码方式 ,即基于光谱相似性分析的编码、基于光谱空间密度分析的编码、以影像主成份分析为基础的编码、空间相关性的编码等五种方法。     

NEW IDEAS IN A QUANTITATIVE APPROACH TO IMAGE PROCESSING

The authors present a statistical approach for multi-band image processing based on “synthesizing” processing methods, i.e., methods which transform N original band-specific images into a smaller number of (synthetic) image products. Such techniques are increasingly replacing “one-dimensional” methods (one-to-one correspondence between number of original and processed images) because of the normally greater informational content and enhanced feature discrimination capability afforded by composite image products. The ultimate objective is development of a complex of image processing strategies balancing user demands for information quantity, image diversity, and efficient use of computer time. Translated from: Metody kompleksnykh aerokosmicheskikh issledovaniy Sibiri, L. K. Zyat'kova, ed. Novosibirsk: Nauka, 1985, pp. 84-87.     

Bundle Adjustment with Self–Calibration Using Straight Lines

Increased use of digital imagery has facilitated the opportunity to use features, in addition to points, in photogrammetric applications. Straight lines are often present in object space, and prior research has focused on incorporating straight–line constraints into bundle adjustment for frame imagery. In the research reported in this paper, object–space straight lines are used in a bundle adjustment with self–calibration. The perspective projection of straight lines in the object space produces straight lines in the image space in the absence of distortions. Any deviations from straightness in the image space are attributed to various distortion sources, such as radial and decentric lens distortions. Before incorporating straight lines into a bundle adjustment with self–calibration, the representation and perspective transformation of straight lines between image space and object space should be addressed. In this investigation, images of straight lines are represented as a sequence of points along the image line. Also, two points along the object–space straight line are used to represent that line. The perspective relationship between image– and object–space lines is incorporated in a mathematical constraint. The underlying principle in this constraint is that the vector from the perspective centre to an image point on a straight–line feature lies on the plane defined by the perspective centre and the two object points defining the straight line. This constraint has been embedded in a software application for bundle adjustment with self–calibration that can incorporate point as well as straight–line features. Experiments with simulated and real data have proved the feasibility and the efficiency of the algorithm proposed.