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CONTROILED MOSAICS OF LARGE AREAS. 
FEATURING CERTAIN PROBLEMS ENCOUNTRED AND EXPERIENCE 
GAINED ON THE ZAMBEZI RIVER BASIN 
I 
INTRODUCTION 
SURVEY OF THE FLUVIAL AND FLUVI0-MARITIMS COURSES OF THE ZAMBEZI 
RIVER 
The "MISSAO DE FOMENTO E POVOAMENTO DO ZAMBEZE" is .a 
technical organization of the Portuguese Government, established to 
carry out the reconnaissance, survey and study of the natural re» 
sources of approximately 50*00**000 acres, in the Zambezi River Basin 
in Mozambique. 
The final aim of this study is to establish on a sound 
basis an economical development plan for the whole area in order to 
create a source of wealth which will raise the standard of living of 
the local population and, consequently, will benefit the whole ter 
ritory. 
In 1957 th M.F,P.Z. started its activity with only a 
reconnaissance map 1/250.000, compiled mainly by classical methods, 
and with reconnaissance photography of the Northern part of the 
TETE District, at l/40 # 000. 
Consequently one of its first needs was a photogra 
phic and cartographic coverage of the whole Basin, at a medium 
scale - 1/50.OCO - and the coverage of specific areas in larger 
scales - mainly 1/10*000. 
This mapping job was carried out by a private firm, 
ARTOP - Lisbon, and has already been completed. 
Beginning with the reconnaissance photography and 
later with the new coverage, the scheduled work is almost completed 
in the fields of Geology and Prospection, Soils, Forestry, Sociology, 
Health, Communications, Hydrology, Power, etc. In this work various 
experts trained in the technique of photo interpretation are being 
employed. 
For the planning of the economical development of the 
Zambezi River Basin it was necessary tc study a system of transporta 
tion of goods which would- allow them to be placed on the various majr 
kets under competitive conditions. Mie importance of the problem be. 
comes greater since the economy to be built up will depend largely