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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

GEOGRAPHICAL RESOLUTION: A NEW INDICATOR FOR GEOGRAPHIC-CARTOGRAPHIC IMAGE ANALYSIS

The author argues for a new, qualitative concept of “geographical” resolution, i.e., for certain changes in thinking about the extent to which spatial resolution per se can be accepted as an indicator of the suitability of various types of imagery for geographic analysis. She argues that more attention must be paid to other factors affecting the photographic reproducibility and perceptibility of geographical features on imagery: figure-ground contrast; configuration, size, and boundaries; etc. Examples of differences in the perceptibility of the same features (fields, erosional forms, populated places) at the same spatial resolution are presented for different parts of the country. 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. 34-46.     

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.     

MAPPING THE STRUCTURE OF THE SOIL COVER OF THE TAIGA FROM REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY

An experiment is described in which multiscalar remote sensing imagery is sequentially employed in the detection of various rankings of soil types endemic to the taiga natural zone in the northern USSR. Relief features, vegetation associations, extent of surface water, and drainage patterns visible on imagery at scales from 1:12,000,000 to 1:5,000, also examined at low altitude and in the field at a series of test sites, served as indicators of various soil cover types. Considerable attention is given to an explanation of why these features can be considered valid indicators of taiga soil types as well as to the appearance of the indicators on band-specific (black-and-white) and color composite imagery. Translated from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1987, No. 3, pp. 87-99.     

MAPPING THE DYNAMICS OF LANDSCAPES NEAR BELORUSSIAN RESERVOIRS FROM REMOTE SENSING IMAGERY

A program for monitoring changes in the shoreline zone caused by the creation of manmade reservoirs in the western USSR is described. More specifically, multilevel remote sensing imagery, ranging from 1:1,000,000-scale Landsat imagery to large-scale air photos, is employed in the study of shifts in shoreline positions, elevation of the water table, and changes in vegetation associations and soil types resulting from waterlogging produced by the filling of reservoirs. A map depicting changes in these characteristics both before and ten years after the filling of a reservoir is included. Translated from: Izvestiya Vsesoyuznogo Geograficheskogo Obshchestva, 1987, No. 4, pp. 351-356.     

SPECTRAL CORRELATIONS OF VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS GROWING ON DIFFERENT GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURES

A method of correlating spectral signatures of vegetation with soil chemistry and, in turn, of inferring the presence of subsurface mineral deposits (oil in particular) is outlined. Variations in the content of nitrogen, sulfur, and trace elements in the soil, known to correspond, for example, with underground deposits of oil, induce changes in chlorophyll content of vegetation that are detectable on imagery in different zones of the spectrum, which upon statistical analysis can be used to predict the presence of oil in underlying strata. Translated from: Izvestiya vysshikh uchebnykh zavedeniy, Geodeziya i aerofotos'yemka, 1986, No. 4, pp. 88-93.     

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.     

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.     

THE INTERRELATIONSHIP AND DYNAMICS OF VEGETATION COVER AND WATER IN THE NORTH CASPIAN REGION

The effectiveness of utilizing the remote sensing signatures of various vegetation associations along the Volga delta region as indicators of specific water availability/flooding conditions is explored. Considerable attention first is devoted to elucidating relationships between higher aquatic vegetation and hydraulic regimes on the basis of field and laboratory studies, before the focus shifts to how remote sensing imagery can provide insights into these relationships. An output of the process was a series of maps depicting environmental change and suggesting sites where reclamation and public health measures were necessary. Translated from: L. N. Vasil'yev, ed., Kosmicheskiye metody izucheniya biosfery [Remote Sensing Methods in the Study of the Biosphere]. Moscow: Nauka, 1990, pp. 88–93.     

AN INSTRUMENT-AIDED METHOD OF INTERPRETING SCANNER IMAGERY OF THE EARTH'S CLOUD COVER

The author, noting the high cost and complexity of automated methods of processing imagery of the earth's cloud cover, presents a less sophisticated, instrument-aided method yielding similar results. A procedure for analyzing cloud cover patterns based on color synthesis of two-band scanner imagery from Soviet “Meteor” and American NOAA-series weather satellites using a synthesizing projector is outlined. This method adds the interpretation key of color to those of cloud structure and form in the analysis of cloud patterns, enhances cloud-underlying surface contrasts, and compares favorably with more highly automated methods in image preparation and interpretation time. Translated by Jay Mitchell; PlanEcon, Inc.; Washington, DC 20005 from: Izvestiya vysshykh uchebnykh zavedeniy, Geodeziya i aerofotos'yemka, 1987, No. 5, pp. 95-98.     

USE OF SATELLITE IMAGERY IN ESTIMATING THE MOISTURE CONDITION OF SNOW COVER

A method for determining areas of most intensive melting within a mountain snowpack is described, based on an inverse relationship between reflectance and age of snow at wavelengths greater than 0.8 μm. Comparisons between the area of snow cover detected on visible and near infrared satellite imagery at different times during the spring thaw, and more specifically differences in position of the snowline, permit identification of the upper boundary of a zone of intensive snow-melt and water discharge from the snow cover. Translated from: Distantsionnyye Issledovaniya rel'yefa Sibiri, A. L. Yanshin and V. N. Sharapov, eds. Novosibirsk: Nauka, 1985, pp. 88-91.     

MONITORING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF LENINGRAD ON THE SURROUNDING AREA

The author, a remote sensing specialist in Leningrad University's Department of Atmospheric Physics, describes the use of space imagery in a program for monitoring the city's impacts on the surrounding environment. The paper examines applications of LANDSAT and “Meteor” satellite imagery and “Soyuz-22” space photography in the study of industrial smoke plumes, jet contrails, atmospheric haze, albedo, the urban heat island, urban sprawl (including nighttime imagery), fallout of suspended particulates, and wastewater discharges into the Gulf of Finland. Translated from: Grigor'yev, A. A. Antropogennyye vozdeystviya na prirodnuyu sredy po nablyudeniyam iz kosmosa [Human Impacts on the Environment From Observations From Space]. Leningrad: Nauka, 1985, pp. 129-141 [Chapter 7].