RADAR IMAGERY IN THE STUDY OF VEGETATION OF THE CENTRAL TAIGA ZONE

This study is devoted to testing the general applicability of radar imagery in vegetation analysis, and, in particular, to determining the potential of radar images obtained for different seasons. In plains areas intermediate-scale radar images are used to discriminate forests differing in age and stand productivity and to identify sectors where the tree stand has been partially destroyed. They also can be used as supplementary material in studying forest resources and in geological research in forested plains areas. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1989, No. 3, pp. 130–134.     

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.     

THE ORTHOMORPHIC PROJECTION OF THE SPHEROID

Abstract

Chesterton did not, of course, intend this gibe to be taken literally. But the more we consider what he would doubtless have called the “Higher Geodetics”, the more we must conclude that there is some literal justification for it. Not only are straight lines straight. A sufficiently short part of a curved line may also be considered straight, provided that it is continuous (i.e. does not contain a sudden break or sharp corner), and provided we are not concerned with a measure of its curvature. Similarly a square mile or so on the curved surface of the conventionally spheroidal earth is to all intents and purposes flat. We shall achieve a considerable simplification, without any approximation, in the treatment of the present subject by getting back to these fundamental glimpses of the obvious, whether the formalists and conformalists accept them or not.     

EVALUATION OF THE COEFFICIENT OF TERRESTRIAL REFRACTION

Abstract

In a previous article on this subject (Empire Survey Review, January 1937) the writer sought to show that for trigonometrical observations of vertical angles made near noon in the Tropics the coefficient of refraction depends chiefly on height above ground level in the case of stations sited within a few hundred feet above the general level of the ground surface. Indeed, the computed values of the coefficient K show a definite and appreciable increase with “h”, the height of the observing station above ground level; it is usually assumed that K decreases with increase in height above the Mean-Sea-Level surface. From analysis of the results obtained by varying h but holding the heights above Mean Sea Level fixed the writer came to the conclusion that the variations in K could only be due to abnormal values of dt/dh and d²t/dh², “t” denoting the air temperature. Now it is generally recognized by meteorologists that abnormal lapse-rates of temperature do frequently occur in the lower air layers in the Tropics; but up to the present time no temperature soundings in Nigeria are available. Recently, however, the writer came across the results of the aerological soundings made by an expedition in East Africa during the year 1908. The results of many of the soundings were of no use for the purpose of this paper; many of the observations were not taken at or near noon, and in others counterlapses of temperature in the lower layers indicated that conditions were not normal. A set of observations taken at Mombasa between 10 and 11 a.m. were eventually chosen as offering an example of what might reasonably occur in the lower layers of the atmosphere.     

THE STEREOGRAPHIC SOLUTION OF THE SPHERICAL TRIANGLE

Abstract

In the course of his stimulating and suggestive paper in your recent issue, No. ro, pp. 226–38, Mr. A. J. Potter writes on p. 233 “but there is no simple construction by which X can then be found”, and again on p. 237 “a direct construction, if there be such”. This cheerful challenge invites the construction of a circle centred on a given line, passing through a given point thereon, and touching a given circle, and I have found the lure of Mr. Potter's gauntlet as irresistible as its recovery has proved delicate. In order to shoulder responsibility and by no means to claim highly improbable originality, let me confess that the problem is new to me and the two constructions I offer are my own; I venture to hope that Mr. Potter may consider one or other of them not unworthy of his epithet “simple”, though I freely admit the aptitude of his empiric procedure to its purpose. The proofs are not long, but for fear of overshooting my welcome I offer them to anyone for the asking; and for the same reason my diagrams are small and therefore mere.     

NOTE ON THE REDUCTION OF CIRCUMMERIDIAN ALTITUDES TO THE MERIDIAN

Abstract

The method of reducing circummeridian altitudes or zenith distances to the meridian, using the factors m and n as tabulated by Chauvenet, is well known. The following method, which does not use these factars, has been faund both more convenient and more accurate in practice. The formula can be easily obtained by expanding m and n in powers of t, but far the sake af campleteness the derivatian is here given from the beginning.     

THE ISLANDS OF THE TRISTAN D'ACUNHA GROUP

Abstract

In January, 1934, a report was received from the Royal Research Ship Discovery II that the positions of Inaccessible and Nightingale Islands in the Tristan d'Acunha group were incorrectly shown on British Admiralty chart No. 1769. The report originated from local information, and was to some extent confirmed by patent log distances run by Discovery II, and by sea sights, but no really definite evidence as to the correct position of the two islands was received. In effect, the report merely stated that both Inaccessible and Nightingale Islands were considerably nearer to Tristan Island than as charted.     

THE STEREOGRAPHIC SOLUTION OF THE SPHERICAL TRIANGLE

Abstract

At the suggestion of Mr. T. H. Corfield, who has himself given two solutions (E.S.R., No. 12, pp. 345–6) of Mr. A. J. Potter's problem, I venture to submit a third solution, which has at least the merit of simplicity.     

THE COOLING OF THE EARTH BY CONVECTION AND SOME OF ITS CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

In this Review (24, 68, 1937) attention was drawn to the need, in considering isostasy, of recognizing the existence of two separate weak layers, i.e. layers in which material can flow horizontally. One of these is a deep layer under both oceans and continents, the other being a layer of plastic basalt, immediately under the continents only, in which mountain ranges and other local surface masses are compensated. That suggestion formed part of a wider theory which has been developed in recent articles in the Pan-American Geologist. A brief review of that theory may be of interest.     

EVALUATION OF THE COEFFICIENT OF TERRESTRIAL REFRACTION

Abstract

In two previous articles (E.S.R., vol. iv, nos. 23 and 25) it was shown that, at the time of maximum diurnal temperature in the tropics, a definite relationship exists in the lower layers of the atmosphere between the magnitude of the coefficient of terrestrial refraction at a point and the height of that point above plain level, provided the weather is fine and clear. In fact the coefficient K increases with the height h, within certain limits which are probably defined by the condensation layer.     

ESTIMATES OF THE SENSITIVITY OF COMBINATIONS OF SPECTRAL RADIANCE COEFFICIENTS TO PROPERTIES OF THE VEGETATION COVER

A method is proposed for the calculation, based on the Goudriaan model, of estimates of various combinations of spectral radiance coefficients P_i which are optimal for interpretation of soil color and moisture, vegetation cover density, above-ground reserves of phytomass, and color and orientation of phytoelements. These estimates correspond rather closely with actual measurements obtained from the field. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1986, No. 4, pp. 75-79.     

COMPUTATION AND MAPPING OF THE ELEMENTS OF THE WATER-ICE BUDGET OF GLACIERS

Two general approaches for compiling maps of components of the water-ice budget in regions of glacier nourishment are compared and the resulting maps are analyzed. The compilation of raw data is based on field measurements rather than remote sensing information. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Materialy glyatsiologicheskikh issledovaniy, 1991, No. 72, pp. 94-102.     

THE CONFORMAL TRANSFORMATION OF A NETWORK OF TRIANGULATION

Abstract

In a recent issue of this Review, an example is given of the conformal transformation of a network of triangulation using Newton's interpolation formula with divided differences. While the application of the method appears to be new, attention should be drawn to the fact that Kruger employed Lagrange's interpolation formula in a discussion and extension of the Schols method in a paper which was published in the Zeitschrift für Vermessungswesen in 1896. A reference to this paper was given at the end of the paper, “Adjustment of the Secondary Triangulation of South Africa”, published in a previous issue of the E.S.R. (iv, 30, 480).     

REMOTE SENSING IN THE SOLUTION OF SCIENTIFIC AND ECONOMIC PROBLEMS IN CUBA

Remote sensing inventories of the land and marine resources of Cuba, both from satellite and aerial platforms, are assessed in terms of their contributions to research on the country's physical and economic geography. Under the auspices of an international cooperative program “Interkosmos,” maps of many types have been upgraded, the costs of surveys have been reduced dramatically, and the potential for monitoring natural and human-induced change is being realized more fully. In addition, a study of weather and other conditions affecting image quality led to a determination of optimal times for conducting remote sensing surveys. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1988, No. 3, pp. 36-41, by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308.     

MAPPING STATISTICAL SURFACES IN SPATIAL ANALYSIS: THE EXAMPLE OF WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Methods of the compilation and manipulation of statistical surfaces are described in the production of summary maps of water availability. Isopleth maps of water supply (hydrographic potential) and water consumption are compared through the superimposition of their statistical surfaces. A derivative statistical surface is then created which, depending upon the method of transformation employed, depicts either the magnitude of “free” (unused) water resources or the relative completeness (extent) of their utilization. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1988, No. 2, pp. 64-68 by Natalia B. Barbash, Brooklyn, New York, 11209.     

FIGURES OF REFERENCE FOR THE EARTH

Abstract

1. The object of this note is to clear up what I believe to be some misconceptions regarding the use of a reference system by a surveyor of the earth's surface. In his article “An Aspect of Attraction”, E.S.R., No. 7, pp. 24–8, Major M. Hotine expressed doubts as to the validity of the process usually followed. I may say at once that I consider these doubts are unfounded.     

THE DERIVATION OF CERTAIN PROJECTION FORMULAE FOR THE SPHERE

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to make available to readers of the Review a simple method of derivation from first principles of the projection farmulae for same of the more impartant normal conical projections.     

USE OF REMOTE SENSING IN THE STUDY OF THE CHANGING SHORELINE OF SARYKAMYSH LAKE

The findings of a program monitoring the growth of an enormous man-made lake, created by the flooding of a low-lying area by irrigation water drainage, are described. Black-and-white space images for the period 1973-1985 are used to determine rates of shoreline displacement, map the growth in the lake's water area, and to determine probable areas of future flooding as a basis for prediction of future lake levels and shoreline positions. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1988, No. 7, pp. 44-46.