THE CADASTRAL MAP

Abstract

In the Empire Survey Review for April 1934 (No. 12, pp. 382–4), the Editor has raised the question of the function of the cadastral map. As he remarks, the question is not simple, but it is easier to say what the function of the map is than to decide of what the map should consist in order that it may fulfil its function. Broadly speaking we may state that the function of the map is to record the boundaries of landed property in such a manner as not only to afford a pictorial representation but also to supply data for the identification of these boundaries on the ground when occasion requires. Apart from this the map should show the areas of properties, as this information may be required for taxation purposes.     

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.     

A MAP OF THE AVERAGED RELIEF OF THE RUSSIAN PLAIN

The authors outline a methodology for the small-scale hypsometric mapping of plains areas based on the averaging of relief—this for the purpose of portraying the most important details of local relief (small erosional landforms) without obscuring larger, major relief forms or compromising the readability of the map. An example map (25-m contour interval) of the Soviet portion of the East European Plain at a scale of 1:5,000,000 is included. The elevations portrayed on this map were averaged, according to a multi-stage procedure, from grid cells on a 1:2,500,000 map before transference onto the smaller-scale map base. The new map makes possible a revised estimate of the average elevation of the Russian Plain and depicts well the effects of both endogenous and exogenous factors on relief formation. Translated from: Geomorfologiya, 1987, No. 1, pp. 22-29.     

THE ACCURACY OF VISUAL DETERMINATIONS OF STATISTICAL CHARACTERISTICS FROM MAPS

The authors address a range of issues connected with the visual representation and interpretation of statistical data on maps. Attention is focused on common behaviors of map users in determinations of various characteristics of map symbols. Results are reported from experiments testing the relationship between the accuracy of obtaining quantitative information on a map with the total number of symbols and number of scale levels [size classes] employed, the use (or non-use) of color in the symbolization scheme, etc. Translated by Larry Richardson, Los Angeles, CA 90039 from: Izvestiya Vsesoyuznogo Geograficheskogo Obshchestva, 1989, No. 4, pp. 345–351.     

电子地图多尺度快速表达的关键技术研究

从传统纸质地图到现代电子地图,地图传输模式发生了重大变化,地图信息的传递方式已由基于纸质地图的传递转变为基于屏幕地图的传递。这使得地图信息的传递突破了纸张、印刷等方面的限制,显著提高了信息传递的灵活性与生动性。然而新的问题也随之而来,其一,随着地理信息量的不断增加,如何在有限的屏幕上实现海量数据的符号化并减少时间延迟问题;其二,如何使屏幕地图在缩放过程中更符合人的视觉习惯,使之能够进行多尺度的显示,以减少噪声量的问题。本文在总结前人研究的基础上,就电子地图的多尺度表达与快速表达问题进行了一些探索与总结。     

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MAPS: PROBLEMS IN COMPILATION AND READABILITY

The successes and shortcomings of environmental protection maps published in the USSR are reviewed. Emphasis is on the problems of defining map content and the techniques which can be employed to enhance the readability of the maps. Speed and accuracy of map reading are evaluated and a compromise is sought between these two contradictory requirements. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22038 from: Izvestiya Vsesoyuznogo Geograficheskogo Obshchestva, 1988, No. 5, pp. 453-459.     

Managing spatial uncertainty using attribute,geometric, and neighborhood measures in an empirical rule-based model approach

 A rule-based model for managing uncertainty in spatial databases is presented. The overall goal of the model is to allow a user to assign to a single map class each polygon whose class is not entirely certain using more information than only the map class attributes of such polygons (that are herein termed abjects). This situation might arise when multiple map realizations of an area are available and interpreters/cartographers are not in agreement as to what class is present at a given location or when a digital image is classified by algorithmic/probabilistic means. The scale-based model developed relies on attribute, geometric, and neighborhood measures of abjects arranged in a hierarchical rule-based structure. Structural knowledge of these measures leads to the procedural knowledge that determines what action – e.g., merge, reclassify, retain – is to be taken for a given abject. The wider applicability of the model and associated methodology is also discussed. Received: 5 July 2001 / Accepted: 11 April 2002     

PROBABILITY ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLETENESS OF GEOGRAPHIC MAPS

The author outlines a method for quantitative analysis of the completeness of information presented on maps of varying scale, i.e., for determining, upon reductions in scale of an original map A, what magnitudes of loss in graphic detail will result in derivative maps B, C, D that are of equal relative completeness to the original. Empirical formulae are derived which describe intensities of selection typical of maps devoted to particular topics (stream networks, urban socioeconomic indices, etc.) and graphic methods are described which can be used to determine scale denominators at which specific reductions in the number of features can occur without losses in “completeness” or, conversely, the number of particular kinds of features that can be eliminated on maps (or portions of maps) upon reductions in scale without losses in completeness. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1985, No. 5, pp. 17–23.     

A LANDSCAPE-GEOCHEMICAL WORLD MAP AS A BASIS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL-GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING AND FORECASTING

The author outlines a procedure for the compilation of a global-scale map of landscapes as defined by their associated geochemical conditions. Major methodological issues are addressed, such as the selection of the appropriate taxonomic units (size of geochemical regions) for mapping, identification of specific geochemical criteria for regional differentiation, and use of color and pattern in map generation to ensure maximum discrimination and readability. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1993, No. 1, pp. 5-10.     

Reviews

Abstract

Vegetation and rural land use show some of the greatest variety both in what and in how they are depicted on topographic maps. This paper discusses the various approaches that have been adopted to the selection of information to be shown on non-specialist maps. It also looks at the different ways in which vegetation and rural land use are depicted on a range of published map.     

RECIDIVISM OF COMMUNICATIVE CARTOGRAPHY UNDER THE GUISE OF AUTOMATION

The author, in a review of Ye. Ye. Shiryayev's book, Cartographic Presentation, Transformation, and Analysis of Geoinformation, addresses several issues in the automation of cartography—in particular what he perceives as a growing tendency to underestimate the importance of understanding the information being portrayed on maps. A formalistic (strictly quantitative) view of generalization that focuses on preservation or minimization of the loss of information on an initial map ignores the potential for the creation of new knowledge through the abstraction and elimination of information about lower-order systems. Salishchev criticizes Shiryayev's method of “raster digitizing” on such formalistic grounds, and because of its lack of visual quality and purported indiscriminate application within cartography. Shiryayev's reply to Salishchev's comments appears in the following paper of this issue. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1985, No. 11, pp. 59–61.     

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.     

Books

Abstract

This is a summary of the problems which are involved in the apparently trivial task of measuring the length of a sinuous line on a map. It represents an extended review of the publication Cartometric Measurements, by H. Kishimoto. It is concerned with three basic problems: (1) the sorts of errors which may result from using different instruments and methods of measurement and how these may be corrected: (2) the sorts of errors which may occur in the map and how these may be corrected: 3) the fundamental problem of what is 'length'. Extensive use is made of East European literature on these subjects.     

INTERPRETATION OF THE AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE WITH SPACE IMAGERY

Heterochronous multispectral imagery from the “Fragment” scanner is used to identify and map a series of “natural-agricultural complexes,” or agricultural landscapes, of southern European Russia. Interpretation is based on imagery in the green, orange, red, and near-infrared zones of the spectrum (0.5-1.1 μm). Interpretation keys and other information designed to facilitate feature discrimination (optimal wavelengths, best seasons for imagining) are provided in many instances. Natural landscape and soil erosion maps are also compiled from the imagery, which supply information (an optimal crop rotation scheme and needed reclamation measures) used on the agricultural landscape map. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovs-kogo Unlversiteta, geografiya, 1985, No. 2, pp. 34-41.     

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.     

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 TRANSVERSE MERCATOR PROJECTION AND ITS APPLICATION TO TANGANYIKA TERRITORY

Abstract

The Transverse Mercator Projection is also called the Conformal of Gauss since it was devised by him in the early part of the nineteenth century in connexion with the Triangulation of Hanover. It belongs to the class of cylindrical orthomorphic projections. That is to say, the Earth's surface, or part thereof, is developed on the surface of a cylinder, and there is practically no angular distortion, an angle on the surface of the Earth being represented on the map by almost precisely the same angle. The representation of meridians and parallels, for instance, shows them intersecting at right angles as they actually do on the Earth's surface; but this orthotomic condition, though essential, is not in itself sufficient for orthomorphism.     

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.     

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.     

Recent Literature - Bookcase

Abstract

Why should a specialist sport require a map of its own? Trout fishing is not dependent on map use, but a carefully researched and presented map is a useful addition to the angler's tackle bag. The sport does not require the absolute planimetric accuracy of, say, an orienteering map, but careful research and selection of features is just as important. What information is essential to the angler and what is helpful? What is background information; and what, if anything, should be left off?