Satellite images as visual source of ecological information (at example of Russia’s Ecological atlas)

Abstract

Performing the function of information visualization, satellite images together with legends of landscape type maps, types of anthropogenic load under different economic use of the territory in various natural zones, maps of soil cover structures, seasonal production processes, create a visual image of the Earth’s night lights. The ecological functions of the images are manifested with showing the sources and distribution of pollution in different natural environments, i. e. smoke pollution of air, pollution of snow cover around cities, contamination of river and lake waters. The pictures illustrate the impact on the natural environment under extraction of minerals, oil production, mining coal, mineral raw materials, gold and diamonds. Particular attention is paid to industrial pollution of cities under the influence of ferrous and nonferrous metallurgy, chemical industry and energy. In addition to these negative examples, the opportunities of using satellite imagery to monitor the effectiveness of environmental protective measures to reduce water pollution and the reclamation of quarries are shown.