Soviet Cartography Research Articles

Positivism reflections in Soviet cartography

Positivism reflections in Soviet cartography

Soviet Cartography Set in Stone: The ‘Map of Industrialization’

In this paper I take the example of the ‘Map of Industrialization’, a huge stone mosaic map of 1930s USSR as a point of convergence for discourses connecting Soviet propaganda and the depiction of Soviet space through cartography, the nature of maps as social constructs, the relationship between cartography and art in Soviet Russia, and the role of cartography in shaping the image of the Soviet nation-state. I trace the history of the Map and consider the Map as a work of art and as an instrument of the state, exploring these notions in the context of its history of exhibition in the USSR and overseas and of its periodic alteration. I conclude with a consideration of the changing discourses surrounding the Map in the post-Soviet era and link this discussion to broader themes of cultural memory, monuments, and the negotiation of national identity.

Maps for Ordinary Consumers versus Maps for the Military: Double Standards of Map Accuracy in Soviet Cartography, 1917-1991

Soviet cartography shared several important characteristics with the Russian cartography from which it emerged. Geographical expeditions were extremely important for filling out the contents of both Russian and Soviet state topographic maps. Cartography had been centralized in many ways in Russian times, but the centralization became absolute under the Soviet system. At the same time cartography came under centralized control of the government in the State Cartographic Service, and the publication and use of large-scale maps were subject to governmental restrictions. The 1:100,000 map of the USSR was compiled in 1954, and was not designed to provide ordinary consumers with topographic information. Any maps for ordinary users, their scales notwithstanding, were based on the 1:2,500,000 map of the country. In the 1970s, the map was deliberately impaired by a cartographic projection that resulted in random distortions of the map's contents.

V. I. LENIN AND SOVIET CARTOGRAPHY

The contributions of V. I. Lenin to Soviet cartography, as well as cartographic activity taking place as a direct result of his initiative, are reviewed. He decreed the organization of mapping services and his original and practical recommendations served as a basis for production of significant scientific maps and atlases which were effective tools in the organization and management of the Soviet economy and in educational institutions for many decades. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Izvestiya AN SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1989, No. 2, pp. 108–111.

PERSONAL COMPUTERS IN CARTOGRAPHY

A personal-computer based automated mapping system developed and used at Tbilisi University is described. A block diagram serves as a basis for describing the system's applications, and future possibilities of such systems are outlined. The paper is of interest because of the relative scarcity of information on PC use in Soviet cartography and the use of predominantly non-domestically produced equipment in the automated mapping system. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1988, No. 4, pp. 91-96.

THE SEVENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF SOVIET CARTOGRAPHY—SOME ACHIEVEMENTS AND TASKS OF RESTRUCTURING

This article, based on a presentation to the All-Union Conference on Cartography in the Era of the Scientific and Technological Revolution in November 1987, contains an eminent Soviet cartographer's evaluation of the state and development of Soviet cartography and his impressions concerning the tasks which lie ahead over the era of economic restructuring and social change. Translated from: Izvestiya Akademli Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1988, No. 3, pp. 17-21 by Jay K. Mitchell, PlanEcon, Inc., Washington, DC 20005.

CURRENT PROBLEMS OF GEOGRAPHICAL CARTOGRAPHY

The article provides an overview of the current status and future prospects of the school of geographical cartography in the USSR—a lead paper in a special issue of Izvestiya AN SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya devoted to the problems and achievements of Soviet cartography (reporting the results of a national conference on this theme held at the Institute of Geography in November 1987). Basic attention is focused on developments in theory and methodology, means for enhancing map quality, new approaches to cartographic modeling, and closer integration of cartography, remote sensing, and geographic information systems. Translated from: Izvestiya AN SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1988, No. 3, pp. 5-16.

CARTOGRAPHY IN THE ERA OF THE SCIENTIFIC-TECHNICAL REVOLUTION–THEORIES, METHODS, AND PRACTICE

The authors, one the director of the Institute of Geography, USSR Academy of Sciences and the other, the head of its cartography department, outline major trends in Soviet cartography over the last quarter century. They identify key theoretical and methodological issues which must be resolved in order for progress in the knowledge of mapmaking and map use to keep pace with technological advances in these areas. Among theoretical issues, particular attention is devoted to the need for evolutionary-historical and relativistic modes of thinking, whereas mathematical-cartographic modeling, automated mapping, and GIS are the focus of methodological/technological attention. Translated by Kathleen Quastler, Los Angeles, CA 90053 from: Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, seriya geograficheskaya, 1987, No. 5, pp. 36-47.

NEW FORMS OF CARTOGRAPHIC MODELS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE FOR SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL ACTIVITY

The author investigates a number of cartographic models, several introduced fairly recently into Soviet cartography, in terms of their specific attributes, place in the general system of cartographic knowledge, and prospects for further refinement upon subsequent advances in data gathering and manipulation methods and automated graphics technologies. The models described include digital, normalized, and topologic models; computer-generated cartograms; models of fields; and mental and preference models—many of which, unlike more traditional varieties, permit the representation of non-Euclidean, topologic and other relationships in a mathematically precise way. Translated from: Izvestiya Akademiya Nauk SSSR, seriya geograflcheskaya, 1987, No. 1, pp. 33-43.

Cartographic Consequences of a Planned Economy—50 Years of Soviet Cartography

For half a century all cartography in the Soviet Union has been under centralized control. It was recognized early that mapmaking was an activity of prime importance. All phases of the activity—from cartographic education and the preparation of topographic and thematic maps to the development of regional atlases and school maps—have been managed by and for the benefit of the state in accordance with its economic and social objectives. This has had a significant effect on the development of cartography, the degree of its standardization, and the relative emphasis placed on its various aspects.

Present Problems in Soviet Cartography and the Tasks of the Geographical Society

AbstractAfter having long existed as a technical discipline serving the needs of geographers, cartography in the Soviet Union has become increasingly a research discipline involving many common interests with geography. Collaboration between cartographers and geographers is becoming increasingly essential as more attention is being given to thematic cartography involving not only particular disciplines (geomorphology, economic geography, population geography) but what may be called an integrated “geographical” cartography. Much effort continues to be devoted in the Soviet Union to the compilation of regional atlases and to a wide range of thematic maps. Increasing attention is being given to the production of evaluative maps, assessing the potential use of the physical environment and natural resources. School maps represent a major part of Soviet map production. Tourist and hiking maps need to be seriously improved.

Some Achievements and Problems in Soviet Cartography

AbstractA review of the last 50 years finds that the traditional breakdown of Soviet cartography into its specialized research disciplines no longer conforms to current needs. Soviet cartography has been divided historically into mathematical cartography, map science (the study of maps and their uses), map compilation and editing, map design and production. A growing specialization in cartography by thematic disciplines (geomorphic mapping, agricultural mapping, etc.) with widely differing requirements and principles of compilation and editing suggests the need for a restructuring of the research disciplines. In addition to mathematical cartography, concerned with map projections and map measurements, the new structure would include: technical cartography (the study of source materials, map design and production); natural-historic cartography (principles of compilation and editing of maps of the physical environment), and socioeconomic cartography (concerned with the mapping of human phenomena).

50 Years Of Soviet Cartography

The authors review the contents and cartographic techniques of the principal atlases and maps published under the Soviet regime, noting their large numbers, wide variety, high quality and favourable reception. Most of these publications have appeared since World War II, and have been general reference works covering the physical, economic and political patterns of the U.S.S.R., rather than works on specific topics. In addition, however, several world atlases and maps of a topical nature have been issued. Soviet cartographic output has been closely geared to the needs of schools, research institutions, planning agencies, and the general public. The authors conclude by listing présent shortcomings and also the immediate tasks of Soviet cartography. Les auteurs étudient le contenu et les techniques de production des cartes et atlas les plus importants publiés sous le régime soviétique; ils ont noté leur grand nombre, leur variété, leur haute qualité et l'accueil favorable qu'ils ont reçu. La plupart de ces publications sont apparues depuis la Seconde guerre mondiale; ce sont surtout des ouvrages généraux de référence traitant des caractères physiques, économiques et politiques de l'U.R.S.S., plutôt que des études spécialisées. L'U.R.S.S. a également publié plusieurs atlas et cartes du monde portant sur un thème particulier. La production de carte en U.R.S.S. a été établie en fonction des besoins des écoles, des institutions de recherche, des agences de planification et du grand public. Les auteurs terminent leur étude en signalant les carences actuelles et la tâche qui attend les cartographes soviétiques dans l'avenir immédiat.