Modern Maps Research Articles

Analyzing spatiotemporal features of Suzhou's old canal city: an optimized composite space syntax model based on multifaceted historical-modern data

AbstractRivers and road systems play crucial roles in urban development and in shaping the vitality of cities. The present study focuses on the spatiotemporal development patterns of canal cities. Taking Suzhou as an example, employing various spatial measurement methods combined with multidimensional spatiotemporal data, it clearly demonstrates the urban morphological patterns and societal characteristics related to the road and river network systems at different stages of urban development. Utilizing data extracted from historical and modern maps of Suzhou and employing the YOLO (You Only Look Once) algorithm, this study establishes a spatiotemporal dataset for Suzhou's ancient city, a representative Chinese canal city. An optimized space syntax algorithm for public service facilities, utilizing Python library like Geopandas, Numpy, is proposed to analyze the river and road system's impact on historical development and urban morphology. With multiple spatial econometric models applied to maps from various periods, this research explores the following findings: (1) By controlling rivers as a variable, it quantitatively confirms that rivers were crucial components of urban systems in ancient cities, playing a significant role in urban development and activities, though gradually overlooked in modern times. (2) Public service facilities of different types demonstrate patterns of Accessibility and Integration within the river-road system across various periods. (3) Changes in the distribution of public service facilities correspond to phased shifts in the center of Suzhou’s ancient city, mutually validating the authenticity of realistic paintings, historical maps, and the methodologies used in this study. This study emphasizes a broader historical and spatiotemporal perspective, augmented by quantitative research methods. It investigates the distribution and developmental characteristics of various types of public service facilities across different periods. The research aim is to understand the impact of river and road systems on urban development, as well as the morphological and social changes in historical cities that arise from urban activities.

A heterogenous-source geoinformation system to manage climate-induced modifications on the landscape for sustainable development

Historical landscapes in Italy have been slowly changing over the centuries and this is because their features, once fixed into specific shapes, were perpetuated until new economic and social developments occurred. Yet, in the Alpine region, this territorial organisation underwent sudden changes after World War II (WW II), resulting in a loss in population and traditional agropastoral production in favour of skiing plants and holiday houses. Moreover, the loss of traditional knowledge pertaining to environmental behaviour has resulted in the urbanisation of lands that are vulnerable to extreme events. In turn, this has hindered sustainable urban development. Nowadays, modern mapping technologies enable the state of the landscape to be assessed before, during, and after extreme events, the increased frequency of which may be related to climate change. The case study examined in this paper is the flood that hit Limone Piemonte, Italy, between the 2nd and 3rd October 2020. On that occasion, an aerial survey of the affected areas was carried out using Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAV) a few weeks after the event. Spatial analyses were also performed based on very high-resolution satellite imagery acquired a few days after the event in order to determine where to plan more detailed three-dimensional (3D) surveys. This has enabled assessments of damages at different map scales to be performed. Thanks to the availability of pre-event multitemporal cartographic reference datasets, it was possible to monitor the historical evolution of the affected areas. It was possible to assess the vulnerable areas before the event, as well as to evaluate the morphological and settlement changes after the disaster. Therefore, one of the goals of this manuscript is to demonstrate that geoinformation systems are among the primary technical tools used to analyse environmental and climatic alterations that impact landscapes. Finally, a 3D model of the affected areas was produced, fulfilling another goal of the research by providing the public administration with a sustainable and innovative tool for territorial and landscape management, in accordance with the 11th pillar of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

How to visualize the spatial uncertainty of landmark representations in maps?

Landmark representations in maps play an important role in spatial tasks such as self-localization, spatial orientation, and navigation. By matching landmarks to their map representations, people can identify their current location and orientation within a map. However, spatial inaccuracies of landmark representations like these of pictograms in maps have been found to affect the ability to successfully match spatial environments to their map representations. These map matching difficulties could negatively affect the performance in spatial tasks. Due to the increasing number of data sources used in modern map services, for example provided by volunteers, map data quality has become more heterogeneous and uncertain. Therefore, solutions for counteracting the negative effects of spatially inaccurate landmark representations on map matching are required. Here, we report two studies that investigate whether visualizing spatial landmark uncertainty can improve map matching. Although suggestions for visualizing uncertainty exist, there is no empirical evidence whether they can intuitively communicate spatial uncertainty of landmark representations. If map users are made aware of potential spatial inaccuracies in a map, they may observe small or moderate spatial inaccuracies of landmark representations but still be able to match these to the represented landmarks. Our findings support this assumption. Using pictogram size, transparency, or circular uncertainty areas around pictograms to communicate spatial uncertainty increased the likelihood of a perceived match between 3D environments or 360° images and a corresponding map representation when landmark representations were spatially inaccurate. Furthermore, our findings indicate that, in addition to landmarks, people use spatial reference points such as road segments for map matching. Thus, if sufficient other spatial reference points are available both in the environment and its map representation, negative effects of spatially inaccurate landmark representations on map matching may be less severe.

The origin problem of nautical cartography: the importance of evidence and method

ABSTRACT The origin of nautical or portolan charts poses the greatest challenge of the history of cartography. Claims that the ‘big’ questions have been answered and research can therefore focus on filling in the details are unfounded. Majority opinion still holds that portolan charts are medieval creations. Although there is a complete absence of historical evidence that supports a medieval origin, evidence that contradicts such an origin does exist. In the absence of historical records, quantitative (cartometric) analysis is a relatively novel technique that can reveal new facts about these charts. Cartometric analysis has shown that portolan charts are composites of accurate regional charts. These regional charts agree surprisingly well with a modern map on the Mercator projection. Both their correspondence with this projection and their accuracy are incompatible with a medieval origin. This has revealed a conundrum that is still able to raise the temperature of any debate on this fascinating subject.

The possibilities of using historical data on Tambov church monuments of the late 18th – first half of the 19th century in the development of an interactive map

Importance. A number of factors are considered: the possibility of providing relevant historical information to a wide audience, the use of modern technologies for analyzing and distributing historical information, and the significant interest of historians in working within the framework of the methodology used. The purpose of the study is to offer a resource for popularizing the church history of the region. The main sources are used in the work are plans of the city of Tambov and documents from the funds of the Tambov City Duma (16) and the Mezhevaya Chancellery (29) of the State Archive of the Tambov Region, some reference and visual materials, as well as a view of the city of Tambov in 1799.Research Methods. Both classical historical methods and the methodology of historical informatics are used.Results and Discussion. The relevance of modern information technologies use in scientific and educational activities is substantiated. A historiographical analysis of the problem has been carried out, which relates to the theoretical part of the study. The problems associateы with the localization of lost objects on modern maps and their solutions are described, which can be attributed to the practical part. Variants of references of the church history objects of Tambov city for an interactive map of the church history objects of Tambov at the end of the 18th – first half of the 19th century are proposed for consideration. The process of collecting and systematizing information for the formation of historical references of ancient religious buildings in Tambov: the Znamenskaya Church, the Church in the name of the Great Martyr Barbara and the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity is described.Conclusion. The main result of the study is the images demonstration of attaching cartographic, visual and descriptive data on the history of specific monuments of church history to maps.

O PAPEL DA TOPOGRAFIA NA OTIMIZAÇÃO DE PARQUES EÓLICOS: DEMONSTRAÇÃO DE EFICIÊNCIA E EFETIVDADE ENERGÉTICA ATRAVÉS DA LOCALIZAÇÃO ESTRATÉGICA

The wind energy sector has witnessed an unprecedented technological revolution, with the implementation of innovations that have reshaped traditional practices. This study proposes to investigate the role of topography in the optimization of wind farms, with the aim of leveraging energy efficiency, through the strategic location of wind turbines. As well as, focusing on modern mapping and simulation technologies, such as drones and LIDAR, and finally understanding socio-environmental impacts. The methodology adopted sought, through a bibliographic review, to find methods that involve collection, analysis and synthesis of pre-existing scientific literature in the domain in focus. The results obtained showed that technologies, such as the use of drones, LIDAR and simulation software, brought greater precision in topographic mapping and management of the direction of wind farms. This precision made it possible to analyze the influence of topography on the implementation of wind farms, proving that a correct interpretation of the relief can maximize energy efficiency and minimize socio-environmental impacts.

Landmark Base Point Approach to Positional and Coastal Accuracy Analysis for Historical Map Before WWI: A Case Study 1836 Moltke and 1914 German Blue about in Historical Peninsula of İstanbul

AbstractCartography, unquestionably one of the world’s oldest disciplines of scientific study, is among the fields that have been most influenced by technological improvements. These improvements have enhanced interest in historical maps while also paving the way for modern mapping. All of this process has created new topics of study for cartographers. It is possible to examine old maps using software such as MapAnalyst which can enable the investigation of time-dependent changes. In this study, two historical maps, namely, Moltke and German Blue, were analyzed in the study area including the Historical Peninsula, Golden Horn, some part of Bosphorus, and the Marmara Sea in İstanbul, Türkiye, employing Helmert, Affine, and Huber loss robust estimation methods. It was revealed that the region with the highest deterioration on both maps is between Beşiktaş and Üsküdar. The coastline change analysis was also performed. According to the results, it was observed that the regions with the most coastal change are located on the southern and eastern coasts of the Historical Peninsula.

Catheter Ablation for Channelopathies: When Is Less More?

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a common cause of sudden cardiac death in patients with channelopathies, particularly in the young population. Although pharmacological treatment, cardiac sympathectomy, and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) have been the mainstay in the management of VF in patients with channelopathies, they are associated with significant adverse effects and complications, leading to poor quality of life. Given these drawbacks, catheter ablation has been proposed as a therapeutic option for patients with channelopathies. Advances in imaging techniques and modern mapping technologies have enabled increased precision in identifying arrhythmia triggers and substrate modification. This has aided our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of ventricular arrhythmias in channelopathies, highlighting the roles of the Purkinje network and the epicardial right ventricular outflow tract in arrhythmogenesis. This review explores the role of catheter ablation in managing the most common channelopathies (Brugada syndrome, congenital long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia). While the initial results for ablation in Brugada syndrome are promising, the long-term efficacy and durability of ablation in different channelopathies require further investigation. Given the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of channelopathies, future studies are needed to show whether catheter ablation in patients with channelopathies is associated with a reduction in VF, and psychological distress stemming from recurrent ICD shocks, particularly relative to other available therapeutic options (e.g., quinidine in high-risk Brugada patients).

Mapping the Anatomy of the Human Lymphatic System.

While substantial anatomical study has been pursued throughout the human body, anatomical study of the human lymphatic system remains in its infancy. For microsurgeons specializing in lymphatic surgery, a better command of lymphatic anatomy is needed to further our ability to offer surgical interventions with precision. In an effort to facilitate the dissemination and advancement of human lymphatic anatomy knowledge, our teams worked together to create a map. The aim of this paper is to present our experience in mapping the anatomy of the human lymphatic system. Three steps were followed to develop a modern map of the human lymphatic system: (1) identifying our source material, which was "Anatomy of the human lymphatic system," published by Rouvière and Tobias (1938), (2) choosing a modern platform, the Miro Mind Map software, to integrate the source material, and (3) transitioning our modern platform into The Human BioMolecular Atlas Program (HuBMAP). The map of lymphatic anatomy based on the Rouvière textbook contained over 900 data points. Specifically, the map contained 404 channels, pathways, or trunks and 309 lymph node groups. Additionally, lymphatic drainage from 165 distinct anatomical regions were identified and integrated into the map. The map is being integrated into HuBMAP by creating a standard data format called an Anatomical Structures, Cell Types, plus Biomarkers table for the lymphatic vasculature, which is currently in the process of construction. Through a collaborative effort, we have developed a unified and centralized source for lymphatic anatomy knowledge available to the entire scientific community. We believe this resource will ultimately advance our knowledge of human lymphatic anatomy while simultaneously highlighting gaps for future research. Advancements in lymphatic anatomy knowledge will be critical for lymphatic surgeons to further refine surgical indications and operative approaches.

Antologie Antoniego Langego i uświatawianie polskiego imaginarium

The article interprets Antoni Lange’s set of editorial, translational, and strictly authorial practices as an attempt to make Polish culture more globally relevant. It looks at the tools the author used to modify the reader’s imaginary and asks where Lange’s project fits into the map of Central and Eastern European modernism. Of the more than a dozen volumes of anthologies published by the author of the Miranda between 1894 and 1921, special attention will be paid to the series entitled “Epic. The Most Excellent Epic Poems of All Countries and Nations” and the volume “Eastern Carpet,” since they contain literary works that the editor presents as epitomes of relevant cultures. The analysis of the paratexts Lange used to annotate his anthologies will reveal what is transcultural in his approach and what makes it possible to distinguish his project of Miriam’s “Chimera,” which aimed at Europeanizing Polish culture rather than making it worldly (in the sense inspired by Marko Juvan). An important context for the proposed interpretation is also Franco Moretti’s notion of the modern epic, in which the functions of sacred and epic texts undergo a fusion – close, I believe, to the mechanism set in motion by Lange in Poland at the beginning of the 20th century as he tried to revise the local literary canon.

Working freedom: Black farmers building industrious landscapes in Maryland, 1814-1880

This article studies the industrious strategies that Black farmers in Maryland’s Piedmont pursued before and after the Civil War and the resultant landscapes they created. An examination of antebellum landholdings, demographic patterns, and agricultural production trends demonstrate how free Black farmers leveraged ‘next to nothing’ to provide the foundations of the county’s Black industrious landscapes. In the years immediately following emancipation, additional Black land acquisitions had an importance that was out of scale to their relative paucity: an individual farm could help establish a new settlement. Analysis of agricultural census data, along with investigations of small-scale landscape features such as outbuildings, gardens, and orchards, shows how expanded household production remained a key strategy in the 1870s and 1880s. Black industriousness shaped homesteads, farms, and villages, and Black farming families created distinctive landscapes that endured well into the twentieth century. By embracing the industrious revolution, Black farmers established places of sanctuary and opportunity, in the midst of white hostility. Though these vital places have nearly disappeared from modern maps, Maryland’s Black industrious landscapes matter because they reveal Black farmers were responsible for extending the industrious revolution as it began to fade in other places and for other groups.

The Fischbach Alps: A Geomorphological Record of late Neogene Uplift at the Eastern Margin of the European Alps

Abstract Low-relief surfaces at high elevations are peculiar features of the Eastern Alps that are best explained as relicts of morphological base levels that escaped erosive decay during uplift. To expand our knowledge of such surfaces in the Eastern Alps, the Fischbach Alps at the eastern end of the range are investigated. There, a large number of these elevated low-relief surfaces have been known for some time, but modern mapping is absent and their genesis is not well understood. A combined approach of field mapping, morphometric analysis of a digital elevation model and downstream projection of geomorphic equilibrium sections in river profiles was employed to: (i) create a geomorphological map of the region and (ii) to extract quantitative data from river profiles to infer the amount of uplift and incision. Six discrete levels of low-relief surfaces and relict landscapes are recognized at elevations between ~500 m and ~1600 m. Some of the lower levels are interpreted to relate to the well-known Trahutten, Landscha and Stadelberg levels, known from other parts of Styria, respectively. Mapped low-relief surface levels follow the northward directed topographic gradient in the mountainous region of the Fischbach Alps. The formation of elevated low-relief surfaces is consistent with a Piedmonttreppen model, where successive phases of tectonic uplift and tectonic quiescence led to a succession of incised landscapes and low-relief surfaces. However, the entire region south of the Murztal was also then tilted towards the Styrian Basin by about ~1–2°. Swath profile analysis for the Raab and Weizbach Klamm suggests a minimum of ~400–450 m incision since the formation of the so called Hubenhalt level. This implies that the geomorphic response to tectonic uplift after the formation of the higher Wolscheneck and Koralm relict landscapes led to an estimated incision of up to 1000 m (868±101 m), relative to the base level of today’s Styrian Basin at ~380 m. By comparing published age data to the presented mapping results, the onset for much of the uplift at the eastern end of the Alps is suggested to lie between ~4–7 Ma, before the formation of the Hubenhalt and Trahutten levels. Because the mapped levels correlate well with those in many other regions at similar elevations, a growing body of work now suggests that the underlying uplift event has a large wavelength.

A clearer picture of Cascadia emerges from modern mapping

A clearer picture of Cascadia emerges from modern mapping

Конструирование образов исторического прошлого в Республике Казахстан (на примере Карасай и Агынтай батыров)

The purpose of the study is to identify the role of the institute of baghaturs in the process of constructing historical memory in the context of modern history of Kazakhstan on the example of Karasai and Agyntai baghaturs. The paper is based on the materials of the expedition of 2023 in Northern Kazakhstan and Almaty. As additional sources, Internet materials are used: modern maps, descriptions of sacred places and monuments. The images of baghaturs for a long time functioned in the environment of oral folk art, then they were included in the literary works of Kazakh poets and writers. Since 1991, the sphere of using the images of baghaturs has been expanding, including the names of streets, settlements and whole districts, creation of monuments and memorial complexes, films and holidays. Baghaturs are becoming a symbol of independence of the modern Republic of Kazakhstan. The institute of baghaturhood, which emerged during the struggle against the Dzungars, is now an important state tool for constructing the ancient history of Kazakhstan. The long friendship of Karasai and Agyntai, representing different zhuzes, their joint struggle against the Dzungars became a symbol of unity of Kazakhs throughout a long period of their history.

Historical Topography of Tsarevokokshaysk

The article deals with analysis of the historical topography of Tsarevokokshaysk on the basis of cartographic, written and archaeological sources. The most informative cartographic source on the historical topography of Tsarevokokshaysk is the city plan of 1795, which depicts the main elements of the urban landscape. Written sources provide the most detailed descriptions of the city in 1728, 1795 and 1837. The results of archaeological research of the historical center of Yoshkar-Ola significantly refine and supplement the data of archival sources, allowing us to localize historical and topographic objects on the modern map of the city. The author describes the objects of the urban planning of Tsarevokokshaysk, starting with its central part – the Kremlin, then the prison and Zaostrozhnaya territory. The description includes information from archival sources supported by archaeological research data. In conclusion, the author characterizes the change in the main features of the urban layout of Tsarevokokshaysk during the period from the founding of the city to the beginning of the 20th century, raises controversial issues of the historical topography of Tsarevokokshaysk and concludes that further archaeological research of the historical center of Yoshkar-Ola is necessary.

The Spanish Gough maps: first pre-postal maps of the Iberian Peninsula in its European context

In this paper, we study two singular maps, the Modern Map of Spain, attributed to Cardinal Margarit, and Spagna con le distantie de li loci; made in northern Italy in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Like the British Gough map, both already show communication networks with expressed distances. Using formal analysis, statistical methodology, and computer processing, we present the cartographic characteristics of each one and relate them to their historical context, updating the scarce information available until now. We explain their relationship as two milestones of the same cartographic process. At the same time, we study the routes represented, finding out the units of measurement used and the communication networks that both maps show us in the context of the Revolution of Communications that the Renaissance represented in Europe. The research has allowed us to attribute a new dating to them, question the traditional authorship, and advance a theory on the transport networks’ functionality, demonstrating that both maps are part of a cartographic and historical process at the European level. All these updates to the vision on the first maps of communications in Western Europe established new contributions to the relationship between maps and itineraries. It contributes to filling a void occupied in solitary, until now, by the map of Gough of Great Britain.

Effects of contemporary hard- and software mapping and ablation features on acute and long-term success in premature ventricular complex ablation

BackgroundCurrent standards of ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVC) combine modern hard- and software mapping and ablation features like multielectrode mapping catheters (MEC), contact force (CF) guided ablation catheters and pattern matching filters (PMF). Benefits of these individual tools were described for selected patients with PVC, but data on combination of these features in the real world setting is sparse. MethodsBetween 2015 and 2021 we retrospectively enrolled 172 consecutive patients undergoing PVC ablation in our center. The utilization of MEC, CF guided ablation catheters and PMF software was analyzed in terms of procedural data, acute and long-term success after 12 months. ResultsAcute ablation success was reached in 71% of patients (n = 118) with an overall recurrence rate of 34% after 12 months. PMF software was used in 130 patients (78%), MEC in 131 patients (79%) and ablation was guided using CF in 99 patients (60%). PMF significantly reduced procedural duration and time of radiofrequency application (RF, 150 vs. 185 min, p 0.04 and 325 vs. 556 min, p 0.01). CF enabled significantly shorter radiation time (7.9 vs. 12.3 min, p 0.01), whereas MEC did not influence procedural data. Acute and long-term outcomes were not affected by these modern mapping and ablation features, yet, multivariable regression analysis revealed an underlying cardiomyopathy and the respective focus as independent predictors for recurrence. ConclusionContemporary hard- and software mapping and ablation features could reduce procedural, radiation and RF time in PVC ablation. Furthermore, patient characteristics rather than technical factors alter outcome of this all-comer collective.

CHANGES IN THE CROPLAND AREAS OVER 250 YEARS (CASE STUDY A KEY PLOT IN THE MOSCOW REGION)

Based on data from old and modern maps and satellite images we reconstructed the arable land borders within a key plot (100 km2) in the Moscow region for 8 time periods, from the General Land Survey (1767) to the present day. Brief descriptions for the special geometric plans of the Bogorodsk, Dmitrov and Moscow districts (“uyezd”) of the Moscow province (“guberniya”) were analyzed for accurately describing the land use displayed on the General Land Survey plans. The contours of arable lands on the general land survey plans (1767) of the studied area refer to those under constant cultivation, while periodically abandoned land were described and measured separately. The dynamics of arable land borders for the studied period was analyzed using the scheme of landscape zoning, and data on the lithological and geomorphologic structure of the territory and morphometric characteristics of its relief. The prevailing slope gradients and the area of arable lands are identified for each time period. The maximum percentage of arable land under constant cultivation (42%) is characteristic for the end of the 18th century; the minimum (8%) is in evidence at the present time. It was found that the proximity to settlements and the degree of soil drainage were the principal factors determining the spatial structure of arable lands.

A machine learning approach using legacy geophysical datasets to model Quaternary marine paleotopography

High-resolution subsurface marine mapping tools, including chirp and 3D seismic, enable the reconstruction of ancient landscapes that have been buried and subsequently submerged by marine transgression. However, the established methods for paleotopographic reconstruction require time consuming field and data interpretation efforts. Here we present a novel methodology using machine learning to estimate Marine Isotope Stage 2 (MIS2) paleotopography over a large (22 000 km2) area of the Northern Gulf of Mexico with meter-scale accuracy (2.7 m mean prediction error, 4.3 m 1-σ mean uncertainty). A relatively small area (3300 km2) of high-resolution (30 × 30 m) interpreted paleotopography is used as training and validation data, while modern bathymetry and MIS2 paleovalley location (binary deep/shallow paleotopography) are used as predictors. This approach merges the high-resolution of modern mapping techniques and the broad coverage of low-resolution legacy geophysical data. Machine learning-modeled paleotopography is not a substitute for precise high-resolution paleotopography reconstruction techniques, but it can be used to reasonably approximate paleotopography over large areas with greatly reduced expense and expertise.

Tatjana Lolić: Urbanisation of Roman Siscia: Interpretation of historical and modern maps, drawings and plans

Tatjana Lolić: Urbanisation of Roman Siscia: Interpretation of historical and modern maps, drawings and plans