Experience of Permafrost Mapping in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

Due to their fundamental scientific content and functional capabilities, modern thematic maps, map series, and atlases for large regions, both digital and paper, can be used as a system for obtaining fundamental knowledge, as well as a support for decision making and regional development scenarios. The basic principle of permafrost mapping is to depict separately the main permafrost characteristics and environmental controls. Theoretical foundations for geocryological mapping have been developed under the guidance of V.A. Kudryavtsev as unified principles for classifying the geocryological conditions. The mapping approach commonly used for permafrost studies is that of the landscape system. The Melnikov Permafrost Institute has had much experience in constructing geocryological maps, which are classified as thematic maps in regards to content. Commencing from the Schematic Geocryological Map of the Yakutian ASSR, 1 : 5 000 000 scale [1], a range of thematic maps were compiled by I.A. Nekrasov, P.A. Solovyov, V.M. Piguzova, I.S. Vasiliev, A.N. Fedorov, V.B. Spektor, and others. Original methods for depicting various elements of permafrost were developed, which are reflected in the publications of numerous institutes. Currently, cartographic research is in its most active stage of development.