Assessment of the Ecological Status of a Territory from Topographic Maps: Methodology and Results
ISBN 978-85-88783-11-9
Authors
1Vereshchaka, T.; 2Kachaev, G.
1MOSCOW STATE UNIVERSITY OF GEODESY AND CARTOGRAPHY Email: cartography@miigaik.ru
2MOSCOW STATE UNIVERSITY OF GEODESY AND CARTOGRAPHY Email: glebkach@gmail.com
Abstract
The role of topographic maps is discussed in the system of a territory eco-diagnostics, environmental indicators derived from topographic maps by analysis of the main classes of objects displayed are identified and substantiated. Both characteristics taken directly from the map and deriva-tives determined by calculations and conversions by graphic-analytical and other techniques are used, including the construction of maps derived from topographic ones. A metric and semantic analysis of the map contents al-lowed a methodology for assessing the ecological status of a territory to be developed, using map information potential. The methodology is considered and illustrated by particular results in the form of established environmental values of natural and man-made objects and eco-thematic maps compiled from topographic ones. One of the most important methodological concepts of modern cartography is associated with the cartographic method of research. It is applying cartography into sciences of nature and society to address a wide range of scientific and practical problems. Using a map helps to form an independent branch of cartography that investigates the application lines of cartographic works to various fields of human activities and to develop a theory, methodology, and practice of map work. Prerequisite for the development of the cartographic method is creation of a huge fund of topographic and thematic maps of the highest quality and aerospace materials complementing them and different in spatial coverage, resolutions, and other factors. Today, the long-posed problem of using maps as a means of knowledge is growing, embracing a variety of map application areas, one of which is ecology and the environment protection. We consider the cartographic method as it is aimed at the development of relevant theoretical and methodological problem – the assessment of the ecological status of a territory of great practical importance for the solution of problems of natural resources use and balanced sustainable development of regions. Topographic maps are the main cartographic fund of the country and provide a spatial reference of many environmental factors affecting the ecological conditions of the region. Both traditional and digital electronic topographic maps of the new generation meet the highest standards of accuracy, objectivity, comprehensiveness, and comparability of their contents. It would be wrong not to take into account this authoritative multidimensional information source having a large share of the total cartographic study of the world as an information model of the life environment. Topographic maps, completely covering the entire territory of Russia (and other countries) to large scales allow us to solve a number of problems for areas that are hard-to-access or less studied. The map role is increased by accurate plane and vertical description of objects, which is based on field measurements, especially under the conditions of lack of factual information and terrestrial environmental observations at stations and posts. An analysis of the practice and lines of using topographic maps shows that previous methods were contented, as a rule, with a quantitative assessment of the relief and morphometric measurements of water bodies. Unfortunately, we must ascertain that both in Russia and abroad there are no problem articles, no researcher’s look at topographic maps and their contents, which can accumulate rich geoinformation for solving problems of ecological and geographical profile. We think that the results of the studies outlined in this article compensate, to some extent, the lack of synthesizing investigations focused on a comprehensive analysis of complex content and assessment of information possibilities of topographic maps, including the ecological potential.