Visual Analysis of Urban Development and Historical Changes
School
University of Wisconsin, Madison**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
GEOG 170
Subject
Geography
Date
Dec 12, 2024
Pages
4
Uploaded by MinisterRiver15903
Question 2.1Examine ‘image1.’Name at least 3 aspects that stand out to you in this picture andconnect them to visual elements discussed in this module. (7 pts) What major city is this in the Balkan Peninsula (3 pts)?●In examining image 1, several aspects stand out that connect to the visual elements discussed in this module. First, the pattern of squares visible in the image represents the residential areas and roads surrounding them, creating a grid-like layout that is indicative of urban planning. This pattern demonstrates the element of spatial organization, which helps in identifying how human activities are structured in relation to the environment. Secondly, the patterns of raised areas on the right side of the image suggest the presence of a high mountain lake, characterized by its distinctive topography and shading. This relates to the visual element of relief and texture, as the variations in elevation are depicted through changes in color and shading, highlighting the lake's geographical features. Lastly, the patterns in the top left corner appear to indicate a factory, evident from the geometric shapes and possible infrastructure associated with industrial activities.This aspect reflects the visual element of land use, showing how different areas are designated for various purposes, such as residential, recreational, or industrial. Question 2.2 Examine ‘image2’. This is a historical aerial photo of Madison centered at MononaBay and Lake Wingra taken in 1937.Compare this image to the very recent satellite imagery in Google Earth, and name 4 changes that happened between 1937 and now, as well as 3 landmarks (natural or built) that were already present when this picture was taken. For example, some vacant land and vegetated area in 1937 have been converted to buildings. You can start by looking for the building or street you are mostfamiliar with in both the historical aerial photo and Google Earth. Be specific in your answers.For example, state where and how the landscape has changed.●Since 1937, the area surrounding Monona Bay and Lake Wingra in Madison has experienced significant changes. One of the most notable transformations is the urban development around Monona Bay, where vacant land and vegetated areas have been replaced by residential neighborhoods and commercial buildings, such as those now seen in the Brittingham Park area. Additionally, road infrastructure has expanded, with John Nolen Drive, which either did not exist or was much smaller in 1937, now serving as a major thoroughfare along the bay. Public infrastructure has also grown near Lake Wingra, with the construction of schools, community facilities, and the expansion of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. Vilas Park has undergone a significant transformation, developing from a simpler, smaller space in 1937 into a more elaborate park with recreational areas, playgrounds, and paths. Despite these changes, some key landmarks have remained constant. Monona Bay and Lake Wingra, two natural landmarks, retain their shape and boundaries and continue to be central features in the Madison landscape. Additionally, some University of Wisconsin-Madison buildings, especially those near Lake Mendota, such as those along Observatory Drive, were presentin 1937 and are still recognizable today.Question 2.3 Examine ‘image3’.There are several items in this image, but there’s one that’s the most prominent. What, specifically, is this image showing? (3pts) What elements of visual image
interpretation led you to draw this conclusion? Where do you think this image is located (check your answer on Google Earth), or not located? (7 pts) You do not have to state the exact place in which this is located, but use the visual cues to guide your deduction.●The image shows the Pula Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheater located at Scalierova ul. 13, 52100, Pula, Croatia. Several elements of visual image interpretation helped identify it. The oval shape is characteristic of Roman amphitheaters, built for public spectacles like gladiatorial combat. The size and proportion of the structure in relation to surrounding buildings confirm that it is a monumental building. The shadow and texture of the walls, with arches and columns, indicate an ancient stone structure typical of Roman architecture. Additionally, the location and association of the site, close to the coastline and in a Mediterranean environment, point toward a Roman city. By cross-referencing this information with Google Earth, it was confirmed that the image is indeedof the Pula Arena.Question 2.4Examine ‘image4.’ What, specifically, is this image showing? (2pts) What elements of visual image interpretation led you to draw this conclusion? (8pts) You must mention at least three aspects of visual image interpretation and clearly state how those aspects helped you to deduct what the image shows for full credit. (Specific location is NOT required toget full score)●The image is specifically showing a cemetery. Several elements of visual image interpretation led to this conclusion. First, pattern and arrangement are evident in the uniform, grid-like layout of the site, which is typical of a cemetery where gravestones areoften arranged in regular rows. This geometric layout suggests an organized space meant for individual plots. Second, the shape and size of the objects, which are small, rectangular, or upright, resemble headstones or grave markers, further indicating the site is a burial ground. Third, tone and texture play a role as the lighter color of the markers contrasts with the darker, grassy areas between them, emphasizing the separation of plots and the open green space that typically surrounds gravesites. Question 2.5 Examine ‘image5.’This is an image of a natural landmark in Argentina. What is it (5 pts). Can you spot the unusual configuration of water and land that gives this mysterious landmark its name? (5 pts)●The image is showing El Ojo Misterioso, a natural landmark in Argentina. This distinctive feature is a circular island that appears to float within a body of water, located in the Paraná Delta. The unusual configuration of water and land that gives this landmark its name is the perfectly round shape of both the island and the surrounding water, which resembles an eye. The island seems to rotate slightly within its circular water boundary, giving it an almost surreal appearance. The precise geometric formation of the water and land is what led to its mysterious reputation and its name, "The Mysterious Eye."Question 2.6 Examine ‘image6.1' and 'image 6.2'What sea in Central Asia is this? (2 pt)? Image 6.1 is from 1984, and image 6.2 is from 2024. Name two things that have changed from 1984 and 2024 (4pts). Why might have this change occurred? (4 pts).
●The images show the Aral Sea in Central Asia. Comparing the images from 1984 and 2024, two significant changes are evident. First, the size of the sea has drastically decreased, with large portions of it disappearing, especially in the southern region. Second, the once-continuous water body has fragmented into smaller, disconnected sections. This change likely occurred due to the diversion of rivers (Amu Darya and Syr Darya) for irrigation projects during the Soviet era, which reduced the flow of water into the Aral Sea. The diversion primarily supported cotton farming and other agricultural developments, causing the sea to shrink dramatically over time.Question 2.7 Examine ‘image7.’This satellite image of a natural landmark revered by the indigenous aboriginal peoples of Australia. What is it? (5 pts) Name 3 visual elements that helped you identify this landmark (5 pts).●The natural landmark in image7 is Uluru, a massive sandstone monolith located in Australia's Northern Territory, revered by indigenous Aboriginal peoples. Several visual elements helped identify this landmark. First, its distinct shape, a large, oval form, stands out in the surrounding flat desert landscape. Second, the color of the rock is a deep red-brown hue, characteristic of Uluru’s sandstone composition, which changes shades with the sun's position. Finally, its isolation in a remote, barren area, with little vegetation and no other major geological formations nearby, makes it an iconic solitary feature. Question 2.8 Examine ‘image8.1’ and 'image8.2" Image 8.1 is from September 2010, and Image 8.2 is from March 2011. Name three things that have changed in these photos (4pts). What do you think has caused this change? (4pts). Where is this (2pts)●In examining image 8.1 from September 2010 and image 8.2 from March 2011, three significant changes can be observed. First, the most notable alteration is the flooding in image 8.2, where water has inundated the fields that were visible in the earlier image. Second, the lush vegetation present in the first image is largely replaced by water in the second, indicating a substantial loss of agricultural land. These changes were primarily caused by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which resulted in severe flooding in coastal areas, including Soma, Japan. This location is specifically identified as being in Soma, Japan, with coordinates 37°49'49.00"N 140°57'22.02"E.Question 2.9 Examine ‘image9.’ What feature is the most prominent in the image and where is it located? What, specifically, is this image showing? What elements of visual image interpretation led you to this conclusion? Again, be specific. Share at least 3 elements of visual image interpretation and describe how they led you to the conclusion.●The most prominent feature in image 9 is the Palm Jumeirah, an iconic man-made archipelago located off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This image specificallyshowcases the distinct shape of the island, resembling a palm tree with a central trunk andradiating fronds. Several elements of visual image interpretation led to this conclusion. First, the unique layout of the Palm Jumeirah is immediately recognizable due to its distinctive palm-like structure, with the central trunk and fronds creating a clear silhouette that sets it apart from natural landforms. Second, the contrasting colors between the blue water and the green land of the island highlight its artificial nature, withthe vibrant hues of the palm fronds against the deep blue of the surrounding sea emphasizing its design as a luxurious resort area. Finally, the scale of the Palm Jumeirah
compared to nearby coastal features indicates that it is a significant and well-developed structure, further supported by the presence of large-scale developments such as hotels and residential complexes. Question 2.10 Examine ‘image10’. This pair of images shows the same around Madison, WI. Examine the image on the right, which has the near-infrared band displayed in the red channel, the red band displayed in the green channel, and the green band displayed in the blue channel. What are the red areas in the right image? (2pts) how did you come to this conclusion? (4pts) Could you differentiate between natural forest and agriculture? (1pt) How? (3pts) (Specific location is NOT required to get full score)●In examining image 10, the red areas in the right image represent vegetation. This conclusion was reached by analyzing the color coding in the near-infrared band displayedin the red channel. In remote sensing, healthy vegetation reflects a significant amount of near-infrared light, making it appear red in this specific color combination. This distinctive red coloration is a reliable indicator of healthy plant life in aerial imagery. When it comes to differentiating between natural forest and agricultural land, the answer is yes; it is possible to distinguish between the two using the color variations and patterns in the image. Natural forests typically exhibit a more diverse range of green hues due to the variety of tree species and their densities, while agricultural areas often display more uniform colors and patterns, reflecting the crop types and row orientations. Additionally, agricultural land may have a more manicured appearance, with distinct boundaries and less variability in texture compared to the more irregular and dense structure of natural forests.