MONITORING AND GIS APPROACHES FOR MAPPING 
ECOLOGICAL DISASTERS IN THE KYSYL-KUM DESERT. 
Vladimir S. Tikunov 
Elena V. Glushko 
Moscow State University 
Faculty of Geography 
Dept. of Cartography and Geoinformatics 
Moscow, 119899, Russia 
ISPRS Commission VII/Working Group 6 
ABSTRACT 
The paper reviews the methodology of space monitoring of landscapes as it practised in Russia. Different 
views are presented concerning environmental monitoring as well as the aspects of its practical 
organization. The automation of ecological data acquisition, storage and processing is also reviewed and 
the necessity of geographic information systems is substantiated. Experience gained in the operation of 
geoinformation systems and development of relevant databases are suggest for geographical and 
ecological studies of the desert landscapes. Ecological disaster case studies in the Kysyl-Kum desert are 
described. 
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