Geography at the British Association

Abstract

THE proceedings of Section E (Geography) opened with a paper by Lt.-Col. E. F. W. Lees on Aeronautical Maps. The rapid progress in aviation has necessitated the provision of special maps for airmen. The subject was considered by the International Convention for the Regulation of Aerial Navigation of October, 1919, at which some thirty States were represented. It was agreed that there shall be two series of international aeronautical maps: general aeronautical maps on Mercator's projection on a scale of 3 cm. to 1 degree of longitude on the equator, and local aeronautical maps on a scale of 1: 200,000. For the local maps no particular projection is laid down—in many countries maps on this scale which could be adapted for the needs of airmen already exist. Col. Lees fully described the British proposals, and explained that the divergences of view with the French and Belgian authorities as regards depiction of relief on the general maps, and some other points, have now been adjusted. The maps for the British Empire are now being constructed for the Air Ministry by the Geographical Section of the General Staff. Sir Charles Close criticised adversely the employment of Mercator's projection for the general maps. After the presidential address by Dr. D. G. Hogarth on the application of geography (NATURE, Sept. 22, p. 120), Miss A. M. B. Gillett read a paper on the historical geography of the black earth region of Central Russia. In the afternoon Capt. L. V. S. Blacker lectured on his travels in Turkistan and Khorasan from 1918 to 1920.