Original plottings or derivate maps?
Finally, in several countries and specific areas
of the world, an acute question arises concerning the
basic approach to topographical mapping: should
topographical mapping be considered as an original
independent operation, or should topographical map
series be derived as much as possible from larger
scale general purpose maps? What should be the
manufacturing relationship between the topographic-
al maps of different scales? Should they also be
established in independent operations or derived from
a basic, larger scale map? What are the economic
and technical criteria to be followed in this regard,
and how to approach, in the general mapping scheme,
the problem of a systematic map revision? These are
just a few questions that must be answered by map-
pers in any country, but particularly in many young-
er, fast developing countries with great variety of re-
quirements and conditions and lacking a mapping
system that has come into existence as the result of
long experience and slow evolution. We are definitely
lacking solid studies in this direction, and in many
cases good intentions or boldness take the place of
proper reasoning and knowledge. Results are often
discouraging. Behind seemingly energetic activity
there is a lack of a comprehensive system, logically
integrated into an effective whole, yet flexible enough
to accommodate rapid progress in mapping techno-
logy. A great deal of effort and time is lost irrevoc-
ably.
Recent development in the field of data acqui-
sition, its automatic processing, storage, and retrieval
with rapid graphical display capability, advanced
automation and speed offered by such technique as
orthophoto mapping, constitute new elements that
must be considered not only in designing new map-
ping programs, but also in revising those in actual
operation.
The answers are not easy and a single solution
is not always possible. Copying the mapping pattern
of highly developed relatively small and uniform
countries may not be acceptable. The evolution of
monstrous megapolitan areas side by side with virgin
forests or desert areas within one national boundary
requires rather a multiform approach. But the deci-
sion must be based on detailed analysis of require-
ments, conditions and available means of solution.
It is my firm conviction, however, that this is rarely
done. Much too often, the lack of understanding by
bureaucratic authorities is blamed for our own short-
comings and ignorance.
As many areas of developing countries are ra-
pidly approaching, or even surpassing, in their mo-
dern form of life and complexity, the degree of deve-
lopment of old countries, not only the technical as-
pects of mapping but also its basic concept must be
thoroughly re-examined. In this respect, large scale
mapping in densely populated areas as the starting
point for the usual 1:25,000 topographical mapping,
should be studied and general guide lines should be
more clearly established and accepted. Otherwise,
many national mapping efforts will continue to make
a haphazard impression. More intense exchange of
experience and results of studies in this area among
various nations seems to be of particular significance
at this moment, and it may be one of the important
tasks in which initiative and encouragement by the
International Society of Photogrammetry could be of
the utmost value.
Bibliography
[1] M. E. H. Young: ‘Block Triangulation on the NRC
Monocomparator" The Canadian Surveyor, XX, No. 4
1966, p. 314.
[2] T. J. Blachut: "Airborne Control Method of Aerial '
Triangulation" Photogrammetria, XIII (4), 1955— 1956,
p. 294.
[3] A. Caillemer: The King Memorial Lecture, The Ca-
nadian Surveyor, XX, No. 3, 1966, p. 179.
[4] A. C. Tuttle: "Aerodist in Geodetic Surveying in Ca-
nada", The Canadian Surveyor, XXI, No. 2, 1967, p. 155.
[5] W. H. Sehwieder: "Operational Test of a Laser
Terrain Profiler System". Paper presented at the Semi-
Annual Convention of the ASP, St. Louis, Mo. Oct. 1967.
T. J. Blachut: ‘Further Extension of the Ortho-
photo Technique” in print, The Canadian Surveyor, March
issue 1968.
[7] S. H. Collins: "Stereoscopic Orthophoto Maps" in
print, The Canadian Surveyor, March issue 1968.
[8] M. C. van Wijk: "The Use of the A9-B9 System in
Aerial Surveying", Photogrammetric Engineering, 1964,
p. 83.
[6]
