V. I. LENIN AND SOVIET CARTOGRAPHY

The contributions of V. I. Lenin to Soviet cartography, as well as cartographic activity taking place as a direct result of his initiative, are reviewed. He decreed the organization of mapping services and his original and practical recommendations served as a basis for production of significant scientific maps and atlases which were effective tools in the organization and management of the Soviet economy and in educational institutions for many decades. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Izvestiya AN SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1989, No. 2, pp. 108–111.     

基于遥感反演水深数据的测图技术研究

针对江苏省辐射沙洲海域复杂的地形条件不利于大范围地形测量的特殊性,本文在遥感反演水深数据的基础上,根据反演数据特征,阐述了使用数字化成图软件转换数据,生成等深线,绘制图廓等制图技术与方法。经过对比和分析,结果表明这种通过建立遥感模型反演水深,利用多种软件辅助成图的方法适用于辐射沙洲海域的水深图制作。     

USE OF A CENTER-PERIPHERY MODEL IN MAPPING SOCIAL-TERRITORIAL DIFFERENCES

General principles underlying the study of spatial inequality are outlined from a Soviet perspective before more specific coverage of guidelines for its portrayal in cartographic form. Questions addressed in the development of a center-periphery model for isarithmic mapping of socioeconomic differences in Hungary include selection of appropriate indices and samplings of data points for mapping, and methods for data normalization and comparison. Examples of both aggregate and more narrowly focused maps of living conditions are included. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1985, No. 4, pp. 68-74.     

CURRENT PROBLEMS IN OCEAN MAPPING

The author, in a review of papers presented at the First All-Union Conference on the Geography and Mapping of the Oceans, outlines the present status and current trends of marine cartography in the USSR. Issues warranting increased attention include development of a systems approach for the mapping of marine ecosystems; improvement of methods and principles for the mapping of coastal zones, bottom relief, and shelf topography; and accelerated production of economic/resource maps of the oceans. Work now underway on a comprehensive, multi-volume A tlas of the Oceans reflects a Soviet concern with these issues. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1984, No. 12, pp. 38-42.     

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.     

PHOTOMAPS FROM SPACE: THEIR PRODUCTION AND POSSIBLE USES

This paper outlines, from the Soviet perspective, technical principles for the use of remote sensing imagery in mapping, with special emphasis on the compilation of small-scale space photomaps—composite map-space images in which the thematic detail of a photographic image is enhanced and/or supplemented by cartographic techniques. Two systems for producing such images, one Soviet and the other East German, are compared and a series of basic procedures identified—production of orthographic images, compilation of a terrain model and original image of relief, stereoplotting of contours on an orthophotographic base, and overall map design. A concluding section explores potential applications of space photomaps in geographic research. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1986, No. 1, pp. 49-56.     

Deriving Bathymetric Maps of the Shallow Coastal Water of the Gaza Strip Coastal Zone Using Passive Remotely Sensed Imagery

Bathymetry, the mapping of the shape of the surface of the seafloor, is a necessary science for coastal populations that rely heavily on the marine ecosystem for their survival and prosperity. Bathymetric maps are typically derived through a sound or light remote sensing system that is mounted on a boat or airplane that sweeps the designated study area. However, in regions with political constraints or logistical difficulties, reaching the study area and conducting in situ measurements can be difficult or impossible. Thus, using passive satellite imaging can be an alternative approach to traditional hydrographic surveying methods. As bathymetric maps are influenced by the local sea water conditions, the bottom type, and the water constituents, choosing a derivation algorithm for the satellite images which results in a robust and accurate map is very important. In this study, QuickBird imagery was selected to investigate the functionality and the accuracy of two different bathymetric derivation algorithms to obtain robust and reliable maps of the Gaza Strip coastal zone. Despite the high pollution level in the seawater of the investigated area, the findings confirmed the feasibility of obtaining reasonable accurate bathymetric maps.     

REMOTE SENSING IN THE MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF CHANNELS AND FLOODPLAINS

The first of two papers devoted to the analysis and mapping of river channels and floodplains describes Soviet work in the photogrammetric and cartometric analysis of floodplain morphology based on remote sensing imagery. The emphasis of the present paper is on the creation of digital terrain models for the automated measurement and mapping of floodplain features. Considerable attention is focused upon analysis of indicators of channel and floodplain dynamics (channel deposition, bankside erosion, meanders) appearing on aerial photographs. The results of channel analyses based on aerial photographic and field methods (determinations of channel width, depth, etc.) are compared for a test site. Translated from: Geomorfologiya, 1986, No. 4, pp. 51-57.     

INTERPRETATION OF REMOTE SENSING DATA: THE FOREIGN EXPERIENCE

A report by Soviet delegates to the 15th Congress of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing provides a forum for a Soviet assessment of foreign achievements in the practical application of remote sensing in various fields of economic activity, particularly oil and gas exploration, prospecting for metallic minerals, forestry, and oceanography. Special emphasis is given to digital image processing for land-use classification, a field in which Soviet researchers are becoming increasingly involved. The Congress is described as contributing greatly to the development of common data processing methodologies and the exchange of information and opinions on common problems. Translated from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1985, No. 4, pp. 53-58.     

SELECTION OF AN OPTIMAL ALGORITHM FOR RECOGNITION OF NATURAL FEATURES

Two widely used Soviet algorithms for the classification of hydromete-orological features are compared for the purposes of mapping water temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, transparency/turbidity, dissolved surface concentration of chemical elements, depth, etc. The KLASS algorithm, using a solution to the “traveling salesman” problem for classifying objects in feature space, produced higher intra-class proximity and greater inter-class “distances” than the KSS algorithm, based on optimizing “shortest-path” criteria. This was determined through the use of five similar measures of recognition quality. Translated from: Vestnik Leningrad-skogo Universiteta, 1985, No. 14, pp. 95-100.     

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.     

模拟水深测量实习设计与实现

针对海洋测绘实践教学中,水深测量实习受场地、经费和安全因素影响大,难以开展的问题,设计并实现了模拟水深测量实习。该模拟实习能较为真实地模拟了水深测量的主要步骤,易于开展和推广。     

DEVELOPING THE CARTOGRAPHIC SKILLS OF GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS (Organization of laboratory work in the “Cartography” course)

The authors describe the content and objectives of laboratory work in the general cartography course at Moscow University. The course is taken by all third-semester geography students, with laboratory work designed to develop basic skills in mapping and map use rather than supply professional cartographic training. A lab syllabus, designed as a model for similar courses throughout the USSR, permits comparison of Soviet emphases with those prevailing in North American universities. Considerable attention is devoted to development of evaluative skills (selection of suitable projections, methods of presentation, etc.) and recognition of basic sources of cartographic information. Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1984, No. 5, pp. 43-48.     

Assessing the potential of MODIS/Terra version 5 images to improve near shore lake bathymetric surveys

Estimation of storage volume of inland water bodies is made using bathymetric surveys. Such surveys are often terminated far inward from shores due to operational limitations. The gap in depth data for the shore area is often overcome by extrapolating the established volume-area relationship beyond the survey boundary. This introduces large errors in volume estimation. In this study, the potential of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer MODIS version-5 images to improve an existing bathymetric model is assessed over Lake Tana, Ethiopia. MODIS images are used to generate a new bathymetric model of the unsurveyed shore. The new model is validated through its ability to reproduce measured lake levels. The result is compared with lake level estimates made from an existing bathymetric survey. Results showed that MODIS improved bathymetric model reproduced lake water level with a RMSE of 0.14 m as compared to 0.82 m using the existing bathymetric model. The Mean Absolute Error (MAE) has also improved from 0.78 m to 0.13 m. These results suggest that despite their unavailability on cloudy days, MODIS images provide significant advantages for improving bathymetric models.     

THE SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE GEODETIC SERVICE

The Director of the Main Administration of Geodesy and Cartography reviews the history of development of the geodetic and mapping services in the Soviet Union and summarizes the current geodetic and cartographic activities of that agency. Emphasis is given to significant achievements of recent years, but criticisms also are voiced regarding various deficiencies in the training of personnel, shortcomings in technical progress, failures to integrate various branches, and the lag behind foreign achievements in several areas. The director closes by examining the administration's adjustment to new economic conditions. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1989, No. 3, pp. 2–9.     

声惯一体单波束测深系统在长江河道勘测中的应用

现如今单波束测深系统及多波束测深系统已经在长江河道水下地形测绘中广泛应用,人们对于内河航道水下地形数据的精度要求也越来越高,声惯一体单波束测深系统很好地解决了传统单波束测深精度不高及多波束测深系统安装操作复杂且对测量水域条件要求较高等问题。本文针对声惯一体单波束测深系统在长江河道勘测中的实际应用情况,与传统单波束及多波束测量数据进行对比分析,结果表明声惯一体单波束测深系统能够很好地满足长江河道高精度测量的需求。     

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 SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF SOVIET CARTOGRAPHY—SOME ACHIEVEMENTS AND TASKS OF RESTRUCTURING

This article, based on a presentation to the All-Union Conference on Cartography in the Era of the Scientific and Technological Revolution in November 1987, contains an eminent Soviet cartographer's evaluation of the state and development of Soviet cartography and his impressions concerning the tasks which lie ahead over the era of economic restructuring and social change. Translated from: Izvestiya Akademli Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1988, No. 3, pp. 17-21 by Jay K. Mitchell, PlanEcon, Inc., Washington, DC 20005.     

PROBLEMS IN CONSTRUCTING A BATHYMETRIC BASE MAP FOR THE GULF OF FINLAND

The various steps required for compilation of a bathymetric chart of the Gulf of Finland are outlined, taking into account the specific conditions characteristic of that water body. The use of available initial source materials and special survey work required for supplementing these sources is discussed. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geodeziya i kartografiya, 1988, No. 8, pp. 40-42.     

利用BP神经网络剔除多波束测深数据粗差

针对多波束单ping水深数据多呈现较为复杂的曲线形式的现象，提出了基于逆传播（back propagation，BP）神经网络的多波束测深数据粗差剔除方法，即依据BP神经网络具有从输入到输出的映射功能，构建适应多波束单ping水深数据复杂曲线的训练学习算法进行曲线拟合。考虑地形之间的延续性进行相邻ping水深数据间的相关性分析，纵向检查定位并剔除粗差。通过实测多波束测深数据验证该方法的有效性，并与不确定性与测深学联合估值滤波以及交互式滤波方法进行比对分析，结果表明该方法可以有效剔除多波束测深数据中的粗差。