Google Earth
Scientists used Google Earth to map thousands of miles of river boundaries which were missing from international records.
The results were collected on a vast database which will be used to help solve international disputes.
Researchers from Durham University’s International Boundaries Research Unit created the International River Boundaries Database (IRBD) after they discovered that up to 7 per cent of the world’s river boundaries were missing.
The IRBD is now the most comprehensive collection of information concerning the lengths and definitions of river boundaries worldwide.
John Donaldson, who led the Durham University team, said: ”Rivers have been a popular choice for boundaries throughout history. However, there are major issues in determining where a boundary runs within a river and what happens to the boundary when the river moves or creates a new channel.
”Based on actual treaty definition, the IRBD allows researchers to detect any patterns in the way river boundaries have been defined in treaties, both chronologically and geographically.
read full article: Scientists use Google Earth to map missing river boundaries
telegraph.co.uk
