Alastair Pearson

Change Detection Mapping and Analysis of Salt Marsh Areas of Central Southern England from Hurst Castle Spit to Pagham Harbour

Abstract This paper describes a research project that has been conducted as part of the coastal habitat and management plans initiative (ChaMPs). The primary aim at this stage is to identify and quantify the salt marsh decline by mapping the changing extent of salt marsh coverage during the last 30 years. Rectified aerial images of the salt marsh were created for three epochs. The salt marsh and coastal boundaries were then mapped using a head-up digitising technique combined with stereo aerial photo interpretation. This methodology, though simple, provides an important estimate of salt marsh change for a number of harbours and estuaries in southern England. The results show a rapid decline in salt marsh habitat, with some areas showing a reduction of over half their existing salt marsh between 1971 to 2001. The authors consider the various theories that have been presented to account for this dramatic change and offer preliminary explanations. Though no doubt resulting from the combined effects of rising sea levels, Spartina dieback, restricted sediment supplies, pollution, and coastal squeeze, the authors underline the need for more detailed case studies of specific sites in the future.

Allied military model making during World War II

It is generally accepted that the three-dimensional nature of the digital terrain model enhances our visualization of surfaces. Modern techniques enable a detailed landscape to be constructed as a facsimile of reality that provides an opportunity to move through or fly over the landscape. Given these benefits, it is little surprise that simulations using digital terrain models are employed as essential visual aids for briefing and training military personnel prior to land, air, and sea operations. Though these capabilities are significant, they are not necessarily, in the basic sense, new. This paper traces the development and examines the role of terrain models made by the Allies during World War II, a period prior to the development of computer-based modeling. Though made from basic materials, these sophisticated terrain models were hand crafted by enlisted sculptors, architects, stage designers, and artists, who carefully modeled a sculpture of the landscape to be an invaluable aid during key military operations of World War II.

The Representation of Topographic Information on Maps – Vegetation and Rural Land Use

Vegetation and rural land use show some of the greatest variety both in what and in how they are depicted on topographic maps. This paper discusses the various approaches that have been adopted to the selection of information to be shown on non-specialist maps. It also looks at the different ways in which vegetation and rural land use are depicted on a range of published map.

The Use of Close Range Photogrammetry for Studying Ice Accretion on Aerofoil Sections

This paper describes the use of photogrammetry to measure and quantify ice accretion on an aerofoil section. A series of stereoscopic photographs was taken during the ice accretion on the section in an icing tunnel. From measurements made on these photographs with a Kern (Leica) DSR 14 analytical photogrammetric plotter, a series of three dimensional models of the ice surfaces was constructed. The results of the project are discussed and possible improvements in the methodology are suggested.

The state of mapping in the former satellite countries of Eastern Europe

Since the breakup of the former Eastern Bloc and the emergence of newly independent states from the former Soviet Union, there has been a more liberal approach to the publication of maps. Types and scales of maps which had formerly been available only to the military or planners are now being sold freely to the general public and to foreigners. Freed from the straitjacket of military requirements and censorship, a number of the former Eastern Block countries are also producing a much wider range of map types. This paper explores both the types of maps formerly produced in the satellite countries of Eastern Europe and those being produced under the new, more liberal regimes.

Mapping the intertidal vegetation of the harbours of southern England for water quality management

This paper discusses a research project dealing with the mapping of the intertidal vegetation of several harbours along the southern coastline of England. It describes in detail the methods used to map the vegetation and gives examples of the results from these studies. This paper then goes on to explain how these results are applied by the Environment Agency of England and Wales to improve water quality in the harbours. This type of vegetation mapping is useful in monitoring the development of the intertidal species includingSpartina, Zostera and of particular importance to this study the green algaeUlva andEnteromorpha. The work was undertaken with funding from the Environment Agency and at present has taken place over a four year period. The data collected will be used by the Environment Agency to assess macro-algae covervalues for the intertidal area of the harbours concerned. This forms part of the Agencys commitment to the EU Nitrates Directive and the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. Some of the species mapped act as suitable indicators of water quality and are symptoms of entrophication. Other species are of interest for nature conservation and were recorded to provide a record for longer-term trends in vegetation patterns within the harbour. This paper aims to provide readers with an understanding of the techniques involved as well as an evaluation of the methodology.

The State of Mapping in the European Republics of the Former Soviet Union

Since the emergence of newly independent states from the former Soviet Union, there has been a much more liberal approach to the publication of maps. Types and scales of maps which had formerly only been available to the military or planners are now being freely sold to the general public and to foreigners. Freed from the straitjacket of military requirements and censorship, a number of the former Soviet republics are also producing a much wider range of map types. This paper explores both the types of maps produced in the former Soviet republics and those being produced under the new, sometimes more liberal regimes.

The Representation of Topographic Information on Maps – The Coastal Environtnent

The coastline is one of the most important boundary lines many maps. How the coastline is portrayed and the treatment of the zone adjacent to the coast varies considerably from map to map. The nature of this coastal environment is discussed and its representation on non specialist maps is illustrated with examples from a wide range of published topographic maps.

Three English Romanesque Lecterns

Three surviving stone lecterns are described and analysed in terms of their petrography and sculptural style. The similarity between their petrography strongly suggests that they share a common origin, traceable to a quarry or quarries in the immediate vicinity of Much Wenlock, and that the similarity of sculptural style and dimensions points to them being a product of a single workshop. Furthermore, the authors suggest that the petrographie and stylistic characteristics show striking similarities to the Much Wenlock lavabo, thus adding support to the notion of a Much Wenlock workshop.