A METHOD OF AUTOMATING THE PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION DURING COMPLEX AIR PHOTO INTERPRETATION

A method of complex image processing, i.e., the simultaneous use of various kinds of remote sensing imagery in the mapping and study of geographic features, is outlined. It features the use of computerized techniques (a) to identify shots or frames of auxiliary types of imagery containing the same specific geographic features identified on the principal type of imagery [this through the scanning of code lines containing information about the coordinates of imaging, flight direction and altitude of the plane or sensing platform, etc.], and (b) to precisely locate the features of interest within these shots or frames. Translated from: Izvestiya vysshykh uchebnykh zavededeniy, Geodeziya i aerofotos'yemka, 1986, No. 1, pp. 86–91.     

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.     

A REMOTE SENSING METHOD FOR DETERMINING HEAT FLUX AT THE OCEAN-ATMOSPHERE BOUNDARY LAYER

Results of experiments in the measurement of heat flux at the ocean-atmosphere boundary layer are described. More specifically, an algorithm is presented for the calculation of the different components of total heat flux (from the ocean into the atmosphere) based on estimates of water temperature, wind velocity, and cloud cover obtained from remote sensing imagery. Use of the algorithm yields values for total heat flux which, when averaged over a ten-day period, are only 10% less accurate than those obtained according to traditional methods (research vessels, buoys, offshore platforms). Translated from: Izvestiya vysshykh uchebnykh zavedeniy, Geodezlya i aerofotos”yemka, 1986, No. 5, pp. 117-120.     

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.     

THEMATIC MAPPING OF PLANETS: CURRENT SITUATION AND PROSPECTS

Principles and objectives governing Soviet thematic mapping of nearby planets are outlined, types of information sources for such mapping categorized, and the suitability of different types of information sources for thematic mapping are evaluated. This is followed by a classification of thematic planetary maps according to type. The need for a standardized, systems approach to the determination of map scales, compilation and generalization, symbolization, and map design is emphasized as an essential prerequisite for the development of complex atlases of individual planets, atlases of “comparative planetology,” and the establishment of “planetary information systems.” Translated by Jay Mitchell; PlanEcon, Inc.; Washington, DC 20005 from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1987, No. 6, pp. 60-67.     

THE READABILITY OF THE MAP: THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES

An effort is made at developing a theory of map readability, defined as the process of the user's representation of the information of the map in his/her own mind. This can be estimated quantitatively by surrogate measures, which include the speed of map comprehension and accuracy of map interpretation. Levels of psychological representation of map information are incorporated to determine at what stage particular aspects of map knowledge are understood. Thus what readability entails, and the approaches used to measure it (what types of things are comprehended, how fast, and how accurately) will depend upon the level of representation. Translated from: Vestnik Leningradskogo Universiteta, seriya 7 [geologiya, geografiya], 1988, No. 1, pp. 32-37.     

A GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR PHYSICAL-GEOGRAPHIC REGIONALIZATION

The design and functioning of a geographic information system established for the purpose of objectively delineating the boundaries of major physical geographic regions in the USSR is described. The basic components include an information input block for data collection and preliminary image processing; a recognition block for feature classification and analysis; a data base management system providing for repeated revision, addition, and use of spectral information; and a block for displaying results of processing in various forms. Applications of the system are demonstrated in the mapping of physical regions in a steppe and semi-desert area of the southern USSR. Translated from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1988, No. 2, pp. 89-94.     

SOME ASPECTS OF TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING OF THE SHELF

Shortcomings in the representation of bottom relief features on topographic maps of the continental shelves are examined, with particular attention given to submarine ridges and related features, the symbolization of which on such maps has been entirely ineffective. Specific recommendations are given on the form and color of symbols which can be used in upgrading the graphic impact of maps depicting such relief forms. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1989, No. 1, pp. 35–40.