Results and Prospects of the use of Mathematical Methods in Economic Geography

A review of the use of mathematical techniques in Soviet geography finds that the new methods are an essential tool in the application of systems theory to geographical problems. Mathematical techniques are held to have the greatest promise in the investigation of space (topology), the study of large systems (set theory, general systems theory) and research on complex relationships between phenomena with a certain randomness (linear algebra, polylinear algebra, probability theory). The use of mathematical techniques should be combined with traditional methods in geography, and instead of replacing the traditional geographical methodology, mathematics may be expected to strengthen that methodology. A real need is seen for a set of basic axioms in geography, and mathematics is expected to play a significant role in this connection. Mathematical models have proved useful in the investigation of particular spatial structures, such as population density within cities and the location of service establishments. But problems have been encountered in the modeling of territorial production systems.     

Man-Induced Differentiation of Natural Conditions as a Factor in Physical-Geographic Regionalization

The author analyzes the significance of man-induced changes in the natural environment at various levels of the hierarchy of physical-geographic regionalization, and proposes a classification of man-altered landscapes that can be applied to existing systems of physical-geographic regions.     

On Physical-Geographic Regionalization and the Regionalization of Natural Resources

The author finds conventional physical-geographic regionalization inadequate for economic-geographic purposes, and proposes instead a “natural regionalization” or regionalization of natural resources. Such a regionalization would reflect the economic assessment of the natural environment of a given area and would be more appropriate in economic-geographic research. The principles underlying natural-resource regionalization are illustrated with a regional scheme for the Sudan, an area to which the author has devoted special study.     

A Physical-Geographic Regionalization of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam

The author served as a consultant in 1963–64 with a geography group of the State Committee of Sciences of North Vietnam that compiled a physical regionalization of the country. The regionalization, at 1:1,000,000 to 1:2,000,000, was based mainly on geologic-geomorphic and climatic criteria as well as other, more variable components of the physical environment. Six natural oblasts were distinguished: (1) the Northeast hills and low mountains, with a relatively cool climate, (2) the Northwest, distinguished by linear mountain ranges trending NW—SE, (3) the Truong Son, or Annamese Cordillera, (4) the Bac Bo [Tonkin] plain, the population center and economic core of North Vietnam, (5) the Thanh-Nghe coastal plains, and (6) the Binh-Tri-Thien coastal plains, in the extreme south. The oblasts were further partitioned into suboblasts, 51 rayons and 50 subrayons.     

The Physical-Geographic Regionalization of the Ukrainian SSR for Agricultural Purposes

A program of research is proposed to determine the optimal regionalization of production and consumption of industrial output. The author proposes a regionalization of the most common industries by major zones (covering two or three regions), and a basic division of the USSR into two major economic zones (West and East) designed to reduce irrational long hauls between them.     

The Role and Significance of Objective (Mathematical) Methods in Geographic Research

A staff member of Leningrad University's Cartography Department reviews the introduction of quantitative methods into geography and offers a classification of physical and mathematical models used in geography. The increasing use of objective methods, including physical and chemical techniques, is expected inevitably to affect the nature of geography as a scientific discipline, just as the use of aerial photography changed the theory and practice of topographic mapping.     

The Scientific Principles of the Content of a Geography Course of the Soviet Eight-Year School

The author, a member of the Geography Department of Kursk Teachers' Institute, makes two points about the teaching of elementary-school geography in the Soviet Union: (1) The present topical approach should be replaced by a genuinely regional method; (2) physical geography should not be taught in isolation from human society, but as a condition for the development of society.     

Principles and Methods of Regional Geographical Prediction

A research methodology for purposes of geographical prediction is proposed. A region is considered the most likely object of geographical prediction, which is designed to forecast the most likely modifications of the natural environment under the impact of human activity, and the expected working and living conditions for man in the altered environment. The predictive process should focus on phenomena and processes that change through time and can be tested on the basis of known regularities and relationships. Predictive techniques may include both general scientific methods used for prediction and cause-and-effect relationships peculiar to geography. Among the most useful general techniques are extrapolation, expert evaluations, model building and comparative methods.     

方志学研究中的数学工具

用数学工具解决方志问题。可以使方志理论研究和志书编纂实践由定性分析走上定量分析的轨道,从而推动方志研究向纵深发展。章就使用数学工具中的公理化方法构建方志学逻辑结构、利用数学结构构筑方志学理论框架、运用数学模型处理地情信息、采用模糊数学建立志书质量评价体系等作了初步探讨。     

第二轮志书使用统计数据的原则与方法

使用统计数据方面存在的问题,已经成为影响第二轮志书质量的因素之一。因此,使用统计数据必须遵循严谨科学、全面系统的原则,应当经过认真严密的校核、考证,做到重要的基本的统计数据说明资料来源,并在必要时注明统计口径、范围,力求反映地情概貌的基本数据全面系统,注意防止志书数据保密上的两种错误倾向,使志书真正达到存真求实、确保质量的要求。     

旅游管理专业(本科)的课程体系和教学方法探讨

旅游管理专业(本科)是新修订的专业目录中唯一的旅游高等教育专业.本文主要探讨了在四年制本科教育的框架下,旅游管理专业的课程体系及其教学方法.     

地方综合年鉴框架设计的原则与方法

《绍兴年鉴》依据科学分类和社会分工相结合的原则,在10年的编纂实践中,不断对其基本框架进行设计和调整。地方综合年鉴框架设计需遵循以下五项原则:需求性原则、全面性原则、客观性原则、稳定性原则、创意性原则。为实现其框架结构最优化,应掌握一些科学的方法:1.对准各层读者需求,明确记述范围和记述方式;2.把握价值判断尺度,选择有效的资料信息立目入鉴;3.抓住"地方"、"综合"属性,强化地方特色;4.紧扣时代发展特点,适时调整栏目设置;5.依据科学、系统要求,做到合理分类、有序排列;6.设置多重索引,增加检查功能。     

Cave Art in Context: Methods for the Analysis of the Spatial Organization of Cave Sites

Investigations of prehistoric cave art have long neglected the surrounding context: space, archaeological objects, and imprints. As a result, an integrative structural approach that analyzes cave art as part of an anthropomorphized landscape has not been available. This article draws on urban planning and the physiology of the human eye to provide an innovative archaeospatial analysis of cave sites. A set of relevant features from the caves of Bédeilhac, Fontanet, and Le Portel was selected and defined (light zone, chamber type, path network, mode of movement, and available space). An analysis of the prehistoric remains in the caves allows the reconstruction of different concentrations of human activities (cave art, archaeological objects, and imprints). The projection of these concentrations onto the structured map of the caves results in four types of locations: drawing location, supply location, drawing location with substantial activities, and drawing location with consumption activities. This approach opens new avenues for the archaeological perception of caves and their inhabitants: Upper Paleolithic humans were very familiar with caves and probably followed a master plan during their stay in the dark.     

Computational Reproducibility in Archaeological Research: Basic Principles and a Case Study of Their Implementation

The use of computers and complex software is pervasive in archaeology, yet their role in the analytical pipeline is rarely exposed for other researchers to inspect or reuse. This limits the progress of archaeology because researchers cannot easily reproduce each other’s work to verify or extend it. Four general principles of reproducible research that have emerged in other fields are presented. An archaeological case study is described that shows how each principle can be implemented using freely available software. The costs and benefits of implementing reproducible research are assessed. The primary benefit, of sharing data in particular, is increased impact via an increased number of citations. The primary cost is the additional time required to enhance reproducibility, although the exact amount is difficult to quantify.     

清代苏州书院研究

书院作为一种重要的教育组织形式,在中国古代教育史上占有重要的地位。苏州地区自宋代开始出现书院,至清代,苏州书院经历了前期复兴、中期鼎盛、后期衰落三个阶段。清代苏州书院在发展过程中呈现出许多特点,不仅促进了苏州教育的发达,培养了大批人才,而且繁荣了学术。     

20世纪80年代中国经济的发展历程和陈云的经济指导思想

长期以来,在我国的社会主义经济建设中一直存在着盲目追求高速度的问题。20世纪80年代的发展也是这样,经历了调整、高涨、再调整的过程。陈云在这十年中一直强调建设社会主义强国首先要把“实事”搞清楚,从长期看国民经济能做到按比例发展就是最快的速度,该调整的时候就要退够,等等。实践证明他对国民经济的发展所提出的这些基本原则是完全正确的,至今仍具有重要的指导意义。     

Principles of a Landscape Classification

A classification of natural landscapes based on a combination of historical-genetic and structural criteria is offered. The classificatory categories of a higher order are based on genetic and spatial associations of landscapes; the lower taxonomic entities are based largely on internal landscape structure. The taxonomic entities range from division to subspecies. The earth's landscape sphere is first broken down into divisions of terrestrial and water landscapes. Divisions fall into systems based on zonal differences in the heat and water balance (subarctic, boreal, subboreal, etc.). Systems fall into classes (plains and mountain landscapes), and classes break down into groups of landscapes based on geochemical and moisture criteria (eluvial, hydromorphic, etc.). Groups fall into types on the basis of bioclimatic and soils criteria (wooded steppe, steppe, desert etc.). Types break down into genera on the basis of genetic landform types (alluvial plains, colian landforms, etc.). Finally, the genera fall into species and subspecies on the basis of dominant and subordinated morphologic units known in Russian as urochishche. Examples of steppe plains genera might be gently rolling sandy plains with feathergrass on dark chestnut soils, or level plateau with a mantle of loam and fascue grass on dark chestnut carbonate soils.     

Implementing a Problem-Based Learning Approach for Teaching Research Methods in Geography

This paper first describes problem-based learning; second describes how a research methods course in geography is taught using a problem-based learning approach; and finally relates student and staff experiences of this approach. The course is run through regular group meetings, two residential field trips and optional skills-based workshops. Course evaluations improved markedly following the introduction of this approach and students appreciated the benefits of the problem-based learning approach, particularly through working in groups on authentic problems that were relevant to future workplace scenarios. They were also able to further develop a range of transferable skills, particularly in teamwork. However, they may not have increased other transferable skills (such as in oral communication) as much as desired due to the tendency for groups to draw on individual strengths to complete collaborative group tasks. Other concerns were group size, the high workload and coping with group dynamics. Tutors found the teaching to be enjoyable, relaxing and very rewarding but there were some anxieties due to the unpredictable nature of the course as well as frustration at knowing when to intervene. However, despite these difficulties for both students and staff, the authors are sufficiently encouraged by the response to continue teaching using a problem-based learning approach.     

Use of the Mathematical Method in the Solution of a Location Problem

Cost minimization criteria are applied to a study of the optimal location of plants for the manufacture of service-industry machines, including street-cleaning equipment, laundry, and dry-cleaning machines. Future national and regional demand for such machines is estimated. The matrix technique is used to identify the economic region for which the aggregate cost of production and transportation of service-industry machines would be minimized. That region is found to be the Volga-Vyatka region, where the estimated cost of producing 315 million rubles worth of service-industry machines is put at 19.5 million rubles. The author does not necessarily exclude the location of manufacturing plants in other regions, if the purpose is to provide employment, as in areas of depleted mineral deposits of the Urals and the Donets Basin or in the agricultural districts of the Southwest and Central Asia.