Using geo-topographic materials for environmental protection

Abstract

In accordance with the requirements for the protection and development of environment, the usage of spatial data represents a specific need for different kinds of geographical and cartographical information. Theoretical and practical understanding of these requirements, with existing experiences and the use of appropriate standards, help in the process of solving particular ecological problems. In this paper, the analysis (theoretical understanding of the problem) and the comparison of models will try to point out the importance, requirements and possibilities of using existing data from different geo-topographical materials such as charts at different scales in analog as well as digital forms. Sources of information about an area: Cartographic-analytic collecting of spatial information for environmental purposes is carried out mainly from the following sources: satellite images, geographic information systems / Environmental Information Systems (GIS / EIS), Geo-topographic materials in analogue and digital (especially maps) forms and physical measurements of ambient environment. Types of maps which can be used for environmental protection: Base maps are widely used mostly for military purposes. Being highly detailed, these maps can be largely used for the purposes of environmental protection, especially topographic maps of a scale of 1:25 000 to 1:200 000 and 1:250 000. Thematic maps primarily give information on specific locations and specific content. For the purposes of environmental protection and improvement, thematic maps with specific topics are constructed most frequently. Combined maps are specific and they are a combination of base and thematic maps. These are, for example, political, travel, touristic, hydrological, and synoptic maps. Synthetic maps show the results and analysis of data collected. They cannot display all the characteristics or information related to the environment, especially data about complex ecosystems. Conclusion: For the purposes of environmental protection and improvement, the existing geo-topographic materials can be used, especially maps in the analogue and digital form. Based on the content and topics depicted, there are many different types of maps. All maps, especially those with the specific content important for environment, have highly variable characteristics. The geo-topographic materials of different scales and shapes, both in analogue and digital forms, in the Military Geographic Institute (MGI) are a good basis for environmental protection and improvement purposes.