MAPPING ECOLOGICAL SITUATIONS: STATUS, METHODOLOGY, AND PROSPECTS

The authors survey the basic concepts and evolution of what is considered to be a new branch of thematic mapping—ecological mapping. Initial sections focus on the basic characteristics and types of ecological maps; this is followed by coverage of methodological problems that must be addressed in the generalization of initial data. Two algorithms are described for the compilation of maps of ecological situations, depending on the amount and type of information available to map compilers, and considerations of boundary delineation, scale, and GIS applications are addressed. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Geografiya i prirodnyye resursy, 1995, No. 3, pp. 18-25.