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.     

TRANSFORMATION OF THE LINE LENGTHS OF CARTOGRAPHIC MODELS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FUNCTIONAL UNITS

A paper devoted to the transformation of cartographic images based on nontraditional systems of scaling (travel time, transport effort, cost, etc.) describes the results of work to develop a more effective algorithm for such transformations, i.e., one which the authors claim provides for the more accurate determination of “transformed” line lengths than possible with earlier methods. Translated from: Izvestiya AN SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1987, No. 4, pp. 105-111.     

BASIC TENETS OF A THEORY OF SCALING IN CARTOGRAPHY

The basic principles behind a theory of scaling in cartography are outlined and illustrated with a large number of examples. The following levels of scaling are used in the transformation of “(objective) empirical systems of relationships” to “abstract systems of relationships” for the purpose of their graphic representation: nominal, ordinal, interval, proportional or ratio, and absolute. While the first four levels (nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio) are similar to those widely identified in the West, the absolute level represents what would be considered a special type of ratio scaling in Western practice. The paper includes criticism of certain graphic methods supposedly used by Western cartographers on maps employing the different levels of scaling (use of symbols differentiated by variations in internal structure, failure to correctly differentiate between interval, ratio, and absolute scaling, etc.). Measurement for mapping purposes should be based on careful analysis of the structure of relationships among the objects of mapping and on their preservation during numerical data transformations and graphic representation. Translated from: Vestnik Leningradskogo Universiteta, seriya geograficheskaya, geologicheskaya, 1986, No. 3, pp. 57-62.     

ECOLOGICAL-GEOGRAPHIC MAPPING: CONCEPTS,METHODS, AND TECHNOLOGY

Another paper in a series of articles on ecological-geographic mapping (see for example, Mapping Sciences and Remote Sensing, Vol. 31, No. 3, July-September 1994, pp. 185-220) focuses on outlining a concise typology of such maps and providing a brief history of their emergence during the 1970s and 1980s. A subsequent section is devoted to methods and technology used in the compilation of ecological-geographic maps, particularly the multiple variants of data organization, processing, and cartographic representation that can be factored into research design. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1995, No. 4, pp. 10-18.     

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.     

USE OF TRANSFORMED CARTOGRAPHIC IMAGES IN URBAN CONSTRUCTION STUDIES

The authors describe how maps compiled according to non-spatial “metrics” or systems of scaling can be used in the support of urban planning and construction efforts. In particular, maps scaled according to travel time instead of ordinary distance reveal inadequacies not only in urban mass transit, but permit assessment of the rationality of urban land use as a whole, by demonstrating the degree of effort that urban residents must expend to perform such basic activities as shopping, the journey to work, and access to essential services. A methodology for the compilation of such maps is described. Translated from: Izvestiya AN SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1987, No. 1, pp. 100-105.     

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.     

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.     

PRINCIPLES OF THE COMPARISON AND INTERPRETATION OF MULTITEMPORAL IMAGERY

General principles are outlined for the use of a series of remote sensing images (obtained for the same area of the earth's surface for different points in time) in the detection of significant changes in land use and environmental conditions. Emphasis is placed on visual methods of interpretation, and a number of different methods for graphically analyzing the dynamics of earth surface features on photographic image products are described. A final section describes procedures for cartographically representing the dynamics of features interpreted from multitemporal images. Translated by Jay Mitchell; PlanEcon, Inc.; Washington, DC 20005 from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1987, No. 6, pp. 57-60.     

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.     

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.     

SOME DEBATABLE ISSUES IN CARTOGRAPHY

The author raises several questions about the use of systems and quantitative approaches as a basis for a universal theory of cartography. In particular, he emphasizes that reliance on these approaches does not substitute for knowledge of specific properties of the objects of mapping (derived from the methods of the individual sciences) or of fundamental principles of map design. Mathematical-cartographic modeling, which uses draft maps as a means of comparing mathematical models with reality and thus for evaluating each stage in the modeling procedure, is advocated as a means for integrating diverse approaches in thematic cartography. Translated from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1987, No. 2, pp. 147-152.     

THE SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF SOVIET CARTOGRAPHY—SOME ACHIEVEMENTS AND TASKS OF RESTRUCTURING

This article, based on a presentation to the All-Union Conference on Cartography in the Era of the Scientific and Technological Revolution in November 1987, contains an eminent Soviet cartographer's evaluation of the state and development of Soviet cartography and his impressions concerning the tasks which lie ahead over the era of economic restructuring and social change. Translated from: Izvestiya Akademli Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1988, No. 3, pp. 17-21 by Jay K. Mitchell, PlanEcon, Inc., Washington, DC 20005.     

SUB-SATELLITE COLLECTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL REMOTE SENSING INFORMATION

This paper, the third in a series on the design, payloads, and operation of Soviet earth resource observation satellites [see MSRS, 1984, No. 4 and 1985, No. 1], describes the collection of supplemental sub-satellite information. More specifically, it outlines how the Soviets use satellite-synchronized aerial, ground, and water-borne sensors to gather auxiliary information used in the improvement of space imagery (data verification and correction, instrument calibration, etc.). A later section demonstrates procedures for selection and preparation of field test sites (for ground truth), and design of sub-satellite information measurement complexes. Translated from: Priroda Zemli iz kosmosa, A. P. Tishchenko and S. V. Viktorov, eds. Leningrad: Gidrometeoizdat, 1984, pp. 35-38.     

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.     

COMMENTS ON K.A. SALISHCHEV'S PAPER

A method is described for the mapping of exogenous geomorphologic hazards (mass movements, frost heaving, suffosion, melting of permafrost) in the Lake Baykal area using space imagery. Black-and-white photography from the Salyut-4 space station (1:2,100,000 scale) was used as a base for the preparation of a series of maps depicting natural conditions (morphotectonic and physical geographic regions, faults, climate, dominant exogenous processes) used as a base for compiling a map of planning and engineering measures for the prevention and amelioration of geomorphologic hazards. Translated from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1985, No. 2, pp. 59-67.     

DETERMINING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF MARINE ECOSYSTEMS FROM REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY

A paper devoted to applications of remote sensing in the analysis of marine biological productivity focuses on two major methodological issues: (1) the selection of productivity indicators, and (2) the choice of combinations of imaging conditions and sensor capabilities providing for the optimal recognition of these indicators. The list of the former includes indicators identifiable both from tonal and pattern characteristics and from relative location. A procedure for determining the latter is outlined in the form of equations, and figures and tables derived from them demonstrate levels of photographic contrast obtainable at various wavelengths and imaging heights. Translated from: Izvestiya vysshikh uchebnykh zavedeniy: Geodeziya i aerofotos'yemka, 1987, No. 4, pp. 73-78.     

VEGETATION DYNAMICS OF THE SOUTHERN SLOPE OF THE GREAT CAUCASUS FROM SPACE IMAGERY

The use of multitemporal space imagery in the study of vegetation change in a mountainous section of the Azerbaijan SSR is described. Maps depicting both the character and intensity of change are presented, and methods of their compilation described. Translated from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1987, No. 4, pp. 174-176.     

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.