Showing papers in "Mapping Sciences & Remote Sensing in 1990"
TL;DR: The organization and results of an emergency remote sensing study conducted after the December 1988 Armenian earthquake provides insights into the Soviet approach to the use of remote sensing in natural hazards analysis and that country's capability to mobilize remote sensing resources in a time of crisis.
Abstract: The organization and results of an emergency remote sensing study conducted after the December 1988 Armenian earthquake are described. The study, necessitated by the lack of accurate information on...
4 citations
TL;DR: Torrey et al. as discussed by the authors used medium-resolution scanner images from the "Meteor" satellite for different seasons to trace the seasonal position of the snow cover boundary in Afghanistan.
Abstract: Medium-resolution scanner images from the “Meteor” satellite for different seasons were used in tracing the seasonal position of the snow cover boundary in Afghanistan. Supplemented by data from field measurements, these images were used to compile 13 snow cover maps at 1:5,000,000 showing seasonal snow distribution and depth, dynamics of the snow boundary, and dates of formation, melting, and duration of the snow cover. The influence of the Indian monsoon on snow cover distribution is discussed. These materials are important for evaluating the avalanche hazard. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Materialy glyatsiologicheskikh issledovaniy, 1989, No. 67, pp. 44–49.
4 citations
TL;DR: The history and recent developments of a program for topographic coverage of the entire country at 1:25,000 scale are described and improvements in aerial photographic, photogrammetric, and geodetic technologies in support of more effective cartographic work are paid.
Abstract: 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.
3 citations
TL;DR: The authors outline a method for employing space photography in the classification and mapping of different types of steppe and semidesert plant cover according to their value as a fodder resource and describes a computer algorithm for clustering groups of plant species and their cover densities.
Abstract: The authors outline a method for employing space photography in the classification and mapping of different types of steppe and semidesert plant cover according to their value as a fodder resource. Considerable attention is devoted to describing a computer algorithm for clustering groups of plant species and their cover densities. Cross checking of the identified clusters in the field for ground truth provided the basis for the development of a series of remote sensing interpretation keys and the compilation of maps of pasture types. A concluding section presents recommendations for the replication of such work in other settings. Translated by Jay K. Mitchell, PlanEcon, Inc., Washington, DC 20005 from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1990, No. 1, pp. 101–111.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the relative information yield of radar imagery and aerial photographs is compared for selected natural and cultural features (mountains, erosional depressions, low and high forest, desert plants and shrubs, reeds, and canals) in a number of desert and mountainous areas.
Abstract: The relative information yield of radar imagery and aerial photographs is compared for selected natural and cultural features (mountains, erosional depressions, low and high forest, desert plants and shrubs, reeds, and canals) in a number of desert and mountainous areas. The types of aerial photographic and radar equipment used are discussed and recommendations are made regarding when preference should be given to one or the other type of system. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Vestnik Leningradskogo Universiteta, seriya 7 (geologiya, geografiya), 1989, No. 2, pp. 106–110.
1 citations
TL;DR: Methods for compiling maps of the dynamics of simple and complex ecological systems are proposed on the basis of materials from regular aerial and space surveys, and a new “quantitative” method is proposed.
Abstract: Methods for compiling maps of the dynamics of simple and complex ecological systems are proposed on the basis of materials from regular aerial and space surveys, and a new “quantitative” method is proposed. Particular attention is given to the difficult problem of preparing a legend for such maps. Different time intervals are recommended for areas with different rates of human modification. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Izvestiya AN SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1989, No. 3, pp. 109–115.
1 citations
TL;DR: A new multipurpose cartographic-morphometric analysis procedure is outlined that makes it possible to study natural and socioeconomic phenomena at three different stages: cartometric, morphometric, and mapping.
Abstract: The concept of morphometry is examined as it applies to geography and cartography and a new multipurpose cartographic-morphometric analysis procedure is outlined. This procedure makes it possible to study natural and socioeconomic phenomena at three different stages: cartometric, morphometric, and mapping. Methods employed for the automation of cartographic-morphometric analysis then are described. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1990, No. 2, pp. 120–126.
1 citations
TL;DR: The procedure for hierarchically organizing a system of territorial units, developed here for the Ob' floodplain, can be used in mapping the floodplains of various rivers with appropriate changes in mapping scale.
Abstract: Methodological aspects of defining and cartographically representing variable-scale dynamic phenomena on floodplain landscapes are examined. Dynamic phenomena at three levels are considered: elementary, local, and regional. The procedure for hierarchically organizing a system of territorial units, developed here for the Ob' floodplain, can be used in mapping the floodplains of various rivers with appropriate changes in mapping scale. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1989, No. 4, pp 108–112.
1 citations
TL;DR: This paper focuses on methods for deriving distribution functions, i.e., on quantitatively describing the shapes of features based on the areas or size relationships of various elements superimposed onto their outlines.
Abstract: The author outlines various methods by which the shapes of features depicted on maps may be described and measured quantitatively. More specifically, four levels of “informativeness” in the analysis of shape are examined, corresponding to large-scale maps, graphs, distribution functions, and numerical indices. This paper focuses on methods for deriving distribution functions, i.e., on quantitatively describing the shapes of features based on the areas or size relationships of various elements (isochores, parallel lines, inscribed circles) superimposed onto their outlines. Translated by Jay K. Mitchell, PlanEcon, Inc., Washington, DC 20005 from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1989, No. 6, pp. 114–119.
1 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a 1:2.400,000 scale image from the Salyut-6 space station was used to compile maps on the evolution of arid landscapes in the Late Pleistocene and Holocene in western Iraq.
Abstract: Space photography at 1:2,400,000 scale from the “Salyut-6” space station was used to compile maps on the evolution of arid landscapes in the Late Pleistocene and Holocene in western Iraq The image
1 citations
TL;DR: 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 employed, the use (or non-use) of color in the symbolization scheme, etc.
Abstract: 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.
TL;DR: Torrey et al. as mentioned in this paper applied a genetic principle for the identification of morphological units on a floodplain landscape to the mapping of vegetation and, more specifically, to a study of the spatial distribution of forest vegetation within the Ob' River floodplain.
Abstract: A “genetic” principle for the identification of morphological units on a floodplain landscape is applied to the mapping of vegetation and, more specifically, to a study of the spatial distribution of forest vegetation within the Ob' River floodplain. Aspects of the problem which are discussed include the identification and ranking of floodplain units and their components and appropriate scales for image interpretation and mapping. The principles and procedures outlined are applicable to the mapping of other floodplains. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1989, No. 2, pp. 78–84.
TL;DR: In this paper, the spatial structure of Indian landscapes has been modified by human activity and natural processes activated by that activity, and an interpretation map depicting various natural landscapes is compiled and compared with one depicting landscapes altered by human action.
Abstract: Two Soviet researchers rely on small- and intermediate-scale space imagery to examine how the spatial structure of Indian landscapes has been modified by human activity and natural processes activated by that activity. An interpretation map depicting various natural landscapes is compiled and compared with one depicting landscapes altered by human action. Visual interpretation keys corresponding to different types of degraded landscapes are described and illustrated. Translated by Jay K. Mitchell, PlanEcon, Inc., Washington, DC 20005 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1989, No. 4, pp. 86–95.
TL;DR: Torrey et al. as mentioned in this paper illustrated the procedures used in constructing transformed images, using indices other than distance as a metric for scaling, using the example of the distribution of food stores in Troy, New York.
Abstract: The procedures used in constructing transformed images, using indices other than distance as a metric for scaling, are illustrated using the example of the distribution of food stores in Troy, New York. Statistical data were used in a breakdown of the city area into grid units, showing where food outlets are situated and where population density would indicate optimal distribution of such stores. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA from: Izvestiya Vsesoyuznogo Geograficheskogo Obshchestva, 1989, No. 5, pp. 433–437.
TL;DR: The author describes problems with traditional statistical and cartographic methods employed in the classification and mapping of ambiguously or vaguely defined features and argues that multiple classification strategies be used to determine optimal strategies for visually representing imprecise systems.
Abstract: 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.
TL;DR: A methodology for mapping the intensity of water erosion at a global scale is presented in this paper, which is based on sediment transport data for a larger number of river basins and relies on equations expressing relationships between erosion rates and annual river discharge which are unique for particular geographical zones.
Abstract: A methodology is outlined for mapping the intensity of water erosion at a global scale, differing from that used to compile earlier maps in that: (a) it is based on sediment transport data for a larger number of river basins (ca. 1,200), (b) it relies on equations expressing relationships between erosion rates and annual river discharge which are unique for particular geographical zones, and (c) it takes into account azonal physical factors and human land-use modifications within these geographical zones. These methodological improvements permit identification of a much greater number of basic erosional regions than in earlier maps. Translated by H. L. Haslett, Leamington Spa, UK from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1989, No. 3, pp. 17–30.
TL;DR: In this paper, Mitchell et al. present a set of maps for the atlas The Natural Environment and Natural Resources of the World (NE and NNR) of 1990, showing the quantity and intensity of precipitation.
Abstract: Procedures for the compilation of new maps showing the quantity and intensity of precipitation, which take into account its frequency, are outlined. The maps were prepared for the atlas The Natural Environment and Natural Resources of the World. A comparison is made with earlier published maps compiled by other methods. Translated by Jay K. Mitchell, PlanEcon, Inc., Washington, DC from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1990, No. 2, pp. 5–16.