Geoglyphics as a science of the earth’s artificial surface relief

The article covers a new scientific branch - the science of geoglyphics, which studies space-eye view (1,000 and over km from the surface of the earth) of ancient inscriptions, images, symbols and traces of ancient settlements. The author provides a brief description of the history of geoglyph studies, geoglyph types, interpretations of a geoglyph, and makes seven conclusions concerning the signification of geoglyphs for research into the history of different ethnic groups. The author defines a geoglyph as at least a 4-metre all-angle image or inscription on the surface of the Earth. Throughout the 20th century it was the Nazca Lines in Peru were the only scientifically acclaimed geogplyphs. However, there seems to be no place on the planet that could not boast a geoglyph of its own. Despite the fact that for a long time Russian researchers have abstained from studying geoglyphs, at present Russian science has produced interesting reports, for example by Aleksei Loktev. However, pessimistic views are also voiced, for example, Oleg Utkin claims that the topic receives undeservedly little attention. Men of art also resort to creating geoglyphs of nonexistent objects such as, for example, the fictitious land of Atlaropa (also referred to as Panropa). Private collections of the geoglyphs of the past century are being created as well.