THE USE OF ANCIENT MAPS AND SPACE IMAGERY IN THE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

The author outlines, in diagrammatic form, a procedure for the joint use of old maps (topographic, land survey, etc.) and current space imagery to compile maps of environmental change. The ancient maps reveal land use and physical conditions which serve as a benchmark for evaluation of subsequent change. Space imagery is useful both in updating the current state of the environment and providing a cartographic base for the preparation of final maps. Selected areas of Moscow Oblast are used as test sites. Translated from: Izvestiya vuzov, Geodeziya i aerofotos' yem-ka, 1985, No. 1, pp. 104-109.     

THE WORLD ATLAS OF SNOW AND ICE RESOURCES

The World Atlas of Snow and Ice Resources, scheduled for publication in the late 1980s, is an extensive cartographic summary of current knowledge about snow and ice. Roughly 750 maps organized under 17 broad themes cover topics such as glacier morphology, temperature and precipitation conditions in glacier formation, avalanches, meltwater runoff, sea ice, and past glaciation. The organization of the project is described along with the contents of major thematic sections, and examples of the use of basic initial maps to validate information used in more complex derivative maps are provided. Translated from: Materialy glyatsiologicheskikh issledovaniy, USSR Geophysical Committee Publication No. 51. Moscow: Mezhvedomstvenniy geofizicheskiy komitet, 1984, pp. 89-95.     

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.     

THE RELATION OF CARTOGRAPHY TO THE LAWS AND CLASSIFICATION OF SCIENCE

The chairman of Moscow University's Cartography Department addresses questions about cartography's place in the system of scientific knowledge, qualifications as a science, subject matter, and methods of analysis. Critiques of recent theoretical works both within and outside the USSR lay the groundwork for the author's view of cartography: a multifaceted, interdisciplinary field of knowledge using maps for the presentation and investigation of natural and socioeconomic phenomena. Although few if any strictly cartographic laws exist at present, map use methods are applied widely for the discovery and analysis of laws in other disciplines. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1984, No. 6, pp. 3-10.     

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.     

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.     

A CONCEPT FOR THE MAPPING OF MULTI-STATE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS

The paper investigates the use of maps in obtaining, based on the cartometric and geographic analysis of form, information about the content of multi-state social and economic systems. Examples of specially compiled maps of multi-state systems are described and various considerations in map design and compilation are discussed: scale selection, identification of typologies and design of map legends, principles for the location of geographic features on the map, and stages in cartographic research and mapping of multi-state systems. Translated by H. L. Haslett, Leamington Spa, UK from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1990, No. 3, pp. 98–103.     

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.     

PROBLEMS OF THE COMPLEX AUTOMATED MAPPING OF THE MOSCOW REGION

The paper describes a program for the complex (comprehensive) automated mapping of Moscow Oblast, performed jointly by various departments within the Moscow University Geography Faculty. The program was instituted during the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (1981-1985) and includes among its objectives: (1) support for local economic management and planning; (2) promotion of basic research in automated cartographic and geographic information systems; and (3) the improvement of methods of complex mapping. A number of maps compiled to date are described, and sample maps produced by the Moscow University Automated Mapping System are presented. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1988, No. 1, pp. 54-59 by Jay K. Mitchell; PlanEcon, Inc.; Washington, DC 20005.     

THE ROLE OF CARTOGRAPHY IN THE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

The authors describe a method of applying the cartographic method of research to the study of air and water pollution. More specifically, the paper outlines a program of mapping air, water, and soil pollution in the Donets Basin, which is an integral part of four different stages in the formulation of an environmental protection plan. Emphasis is placed on the visual interpretation of maps depicting the spatial distribution of physical parameters at pollution sources, of concentrations of particular pollutants over the entire study area, and of their direct and cumulative impacts on the environment. Translated from: Geograflya i prirodnyye resursy, 1986, No. 2, pp. 92–94.     

THE EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY OF AN EMINENT WORLD CARTOGRAPHER

The multifaceted career and contributions of Professor Konstantin A. Salishchev, Chair of the Moscow University Department of Cartography and eminent world cartographer, are celebrated on the occasion of his eightieth birthday. These contributions include but are not restricted to: scholarly and administrative work in upgrading national atlas cartography worldwide, improvement of the quality of maps and cartographic instruction in higher education, publication of numerous excellent cartographic texts, formulation of the concept of the “cartographic method of research,” and promotion of international cooperation among cartographers and geographers through active participation and leadership in numerous world professional organizations. From the Russian original by I. D. Papanin, G. I. Rychagov, and A. F. Treshnikov.     

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.     

TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY OF THE USSR COMPLETED AT A SCALE OF 1:25,000

The Director of the Main Administration of Geodesy and Cartography describes the history and recent developments of a program for topographic coverage of the entire country at 1:25,000 scale. Most noteworthy are the start of surveying at this scale before 1940, its temporary suspension during World War II, and acceleration of the work since the 1950s with the more widespread use of stereophotogrammetric methods. Considerable attention is paid to improvements in aerial photographic, photogrammetric, and geodetic technologies in support of more effective cartographic work. A concluding section describes the properties of the new maps and their applications. Translated by Larry Richardson, Los Angeles, CA 90039 from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1989, No. 8, pp. 1–5.     

THE ROLE OF CARTOGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION IN PRESENT-DAY SOCIETY

A paper presented at a symposium on “Communication and Society” (Inter-university Center for Postgraduate Studies, University of Dubrovnik, May 13-24, 1985) explores means for extending the use and effectiveness of maps in everyday life. Primary emphasis is on improving overall cartographic communication and devising more effective methods for using maps to augment other communications media, especially newspapers and television. Submitted by the author to the Editor-in-Chief for publication.     

THE CLASSIFICATION AND MAPPING OF IMPRECISE GEOGRAPHIC SYSTEMS

The author describes problems with traditional statistical and cartographic methods employed in the classification and mapping of ambiguously or vaguely defined features. Using a series of maps on the same subject (the foreign trade relations of European countries and the USSR), he demonstrates that greater attention should be paid to potential changes in the distribution of mapped objects depending on the criteria selected and the classification algorithms employed, argues that multiple classification strategies be used to determine optimal strategies for visually representing imprecise systems, and provides recommendations for their graphic representation. Translated by Kurt E. Engelmann, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1989, No. 3, pp. 16–23.     

Remapping Fictional Worlds: A Comparative Reconstruction of Fictional Maps

ABSTRACT

This article presents a quantitative analysis of fictional maps and their relation to historic maps from different periods. Fictional maps are maps of imaginary territories. This type of map is now common in fiction, but they arose relatively late, in the second half of the nineteenth century, and are considered an independent branch of cartography today. They stand out through the way they are published because they are component parts of books and not independent cartographic works, and therefore their creators are not cartographers but rather the authors of these books. Fictional maps are mostly subordinate to the story, but they serve to give a sense of historical authenticity and draw the reader into the story. Without networks of coordinates and with labels such as ‘the end of the world’, they are spatially indeterminate, but they establish a connection between the fictional landscape and its identity. This study deals with 89 fictional maps from recent children’s and young adult literature. First we present a historical overview of these works and fictional maps, and then a cartographic analysis of fictional maps. We examined seventy-seven books with fictional maps and evaluated the maps according to five groups of standard cartographic elements: natural elements, built elements, toponyms, mathematical elements, and explanatory elements. We discuss the differences between cartographic representation of fictional maps and historic maps, and build a cartographic model based on the frequency of cartographic elements to put fictional maps into historic and geographical contexts.     

MAPPING GLOBAL PROBLEMS OF TODAY: THE FOOD PROBLEM

An approach to the mapping of food supply and distribution problems over the world is outlined and, more specifically, a program for the mapping of geographic types of diet in tropical nations, using Africa as a test case. Among the new types of cartographic products are maps and “typograms” showing the distribution, quality, and structure of standard diets (“food types”) based on various combinations of food products derived from crop agriculture, animal husbandry, hunting and gathering, and fishing in diverse natural and cultural environments. Sources of information and design considerations for the various elements of map content are elaborated. Translated by Jay K. Mitchell, PlanEcon, Inc., Washington, DC 20005 from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1989, No. 4, pp. 98–107.     

THE CENTROGRAPHIC METHOD OF STUDYING SPATIAL STRUCTURE

The authors focus on modern applications of the centrographic method of geographic research and mapping—both in terms of how centrography may aid in the cartographic representation of certain distributions and in terms of how cartographic devices (e.g., centrograms) may be used in the more effective identification of centers. A brief history of the method's development in Russia and the USSR is followed by examples of the use of centrograms in simultaneously comparing shifts (a) of distinct but related phenomena and (b) of the same phenomenon but at different scale levels. A variety of centrograms are presented and analyzed. Translated by Jay K. Mitchell, PlanEcon, Inc., Washington, DC 20005 from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1990, No. 2, pp. 92–105.     

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.     

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.