The field of assessing the accuracy of maps derived from remotely sensed data has continued to develop and mature since the first edition of this book was published in 1999. The original eight chapters have been expanded to eleven. Of most significance is a new chapter that covers positional accuracy.

The report of the researchers of the Institute of Hydrogeology and Geoecology named after U.M. Akhmedsafin gives a review of energy and mineral resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The report shows their role in the economy of the country, as well as the role of the state for resource management, based on the current legislation in the area of exploitation of natural resources and environment protection. The report describes counteracting measures of the state against the global economy crisis events. It also reviews the existing classification systems of mineral resources of the country. Statistics on energy production and extraction of mineral resources are provided. Besides, the report considers social and ecological aspects of energy production and extraction of mineral resources. It provides data on the development of non-traditional renewable energy resources and the results of scientific research in this area, as well as information about the training system for technical and scientific staff and about the state of energy and natural resource management system of the country. <...>

A new superorder of Paleozoic eclochochlian eephalopods, Aslrovioidea superordo nov., is designated. A distinctive feature of this superorder is that the soft eameral tissue enters the siphon cavity and secrets calcareous eameral deposits. This resulted in the destruction of the connecting rings that previously constituted, in conjunction with the septal necks, the compound wall of the siphon. In early (Ordovician) representatives of this superorder, the soft eameral tissue passed through the siphon to destroy, either partially or completely, the connecting rings and to progress occasionally along the internal surface of those rings that remained unde-stroyed as far as several chambers (the order Lituilida Starobogalov, 1983).

Inadequate observation of sedimentary structures has been responsible for incorrect interpretation of the order of superposition in deformed beds and this has led, in turn, to gross errors in stratigraphy and structure. Failure to recognize and utilize those structures which indicate direction of current flow has also led to incorrect, or at least incomplete, understanding of basin development.