Forecasting in Economic Geography

Economic-geographic forecasting is intended to predict the dynamics of the interplay between nature and society and to serve as the basis for economic development plans. Because of the large number of variables involved, probability analysis may be expected to play an important role in economic-geographic forecasts. One approach suggested is the analysis of chain reactions involved in various energy-and-production cycles, the name given to integrated economic-geographic systems based on the use of a given set of energy and raw-material sources.     

Point Scales in Geography

Point scales evaluating a set of factors for a particular purpose are finding increasing application in geographic research. The basic principles underlying the compilation of such point values are discussed, and recent Soviet publications are examined to determine the extent to which these principles have been properly used or misapplied. Simple and complex point systems are distinguished, and the construction of a point scale is discussed in detail.     

Futurology in Soviet Geography

A review article of recent Soviet futurological articles in the geographical literature, suggesting the increased activity of Soviet geographers in the prognostication of the environmental effects of human activity. Several of the papers under review appeared in Soviet Geography: Review and Translation.