ASIAN ALPINE E-NEWS
Issue No 49. March 2019

Easternmost Himalaya (distant view) & Nyainqentanglha East, east Tibet

Contents
Peak Identification-Method and Result, Tim Inoue

Page 2 ~ 17Grand Hengduan Book”大横断”published in China

Page 18 ~28

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横断山脈研究会 20192019/3/23:Tim Inoue

Peak Identification, East Tibet: Method and Result
Tim

Inoue

Introduction
Less information forces us hard work to identify un-known peaks in the east Tibet.
But we can make the way to get the answer by the following scenario.
1) Start from one picture
From where was the picture taken? For instance, here
is a peak “Choembo” picture taken by F. Kingdon Wardduring his exploration through the Ata valley in 1933.
In 2006, when we had started survey of approach andclimbing route of Ruoni, the highest peak in the Kangri
Garpo Mountains, this picture was only one source tostudy the west and south face of the peak. The caption
attached to the picture gave us no additional information
Fig-1 Choembo from Ata Quof camera bearing and point unfortunately. We could not
identify the peak by Google Earth which we could access at that time.
There is another way to exploit pictures taken on the airlines. Peak and mountain
range pictures taken on the airlines
Chengdu—Lhasa or Chengdu—Lin Zhi
provide us useful information for peakidentification.
Mining the Internet gives us many useful,but, uncertain pictures, taken by tourists.
Many Chinese took interesting peak
pictures in forbidden Tibet for foreigners.
For instance, we had a plan to make an
expedition to Tarlha Ri range in 2015. Even
though we could get pictures of the east,
north and west face. The south face one was
Fig-2 Unveiled hidden peaks in the Kangri Garpo
missing. We could get the one in the Internet
An aerial picture on the flight to Lhasa
incidentally.
The photographer misunderstood the peak-name, but we could identify it as the south
face of Tarlha Ri range.
2) Useful maps
We cannot access the Chinese detail
topography of the Nyainqentanglha andKangri Garpo. Those are not open toforeigners. We can get the old Soviet Union
maps. Yukio Matsumoto published niceskeleton map of Kangri Garpo under laying
the Soviet map by painstaking work. Finally,
Tom Nakamura assembled skeleton maps of
the whole east Tibet. These maps are theFig-3 Internet image: Tarlha Ri
basic tool to identify peak pictures whichwere taken by climbers and trekkers.
Kone Kangri in the KangriGarpo was a missing peak in many years. An explorationteam had tried to access to the peak and reached the snout of the glacier, but they could
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not see the peak. There are still several unveiled 6000m peaks in the Kangri Garpo.
In addition to those maps, it is important to make a skeleton map for the target range
by using Google Map or Google EarthFig-4

An original skeleton map of Tarlha Ri Range drawn under laying Google Earth and Google Map

3) Satellite DSM (Digital Surface Mode l) data
The Satellite DSM (or DEM: Digital Elevation Model) data has recently become moreaccurate and precise. It is possible to utilize the DSM data with in “centimeter range”
for professional use. Only expert engineer can deal with special knowledge, skill,computer environment and cost. But, it is necessary to prepare relatively easy
operation and low cost environment
for us like climber, explorer or tourist
So, Google Earth (including GoogleMap) and ALOS (successor of ASTER)
are available and powerful for peakidentification to date. The DSM of
Google Earth has inaccurate andunclear data in some region. The data
may be updated frequently. It isnecessary to check periodically. For
Instance, the Bada Ri 6516m
Fig-5 Bada Ri BC Tents can be recognized.
expedition in 2015 sent the team to the2015/10/27 (Updated image:2018/10/11 has no camp.)
Nyainqentanglha West. They had
gotten Google Earth data and picture for their planning to decide camp and route to thesummit. When they were in the mountain, the Satellite took new picture and updated
the area data. After the expedition, they surprisingly found new data which captured
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横断山脈研究会 20192019/3/23:Tim Inouetheir base camp and attack camp.
ALOS, The Advanced Land Observing Satellite, a Japanese satellite named“DAICHI” , opens “the ALOS World 3D－30m （AW3D30）” data to the public and is freeof charge. A few interface tools are introduced to expert engineer. “Kashmir” is popularin Japan and easy to operate to utilize DSM.
The data of ALOS is same as Google
Earth. Both solutions have accurate
location data, and questionable peakelevation. The different heights are shownon the same peak in the two solutions.
The reason is that the data review andevaluation process was not enoughbecause of less cost. If necessary, it isrequired to order to a certain business
unit for the precise DSM of focused area
Fig-6 ALOS Sample
Mt. Everest
with payment. A precise sample of Mt.
Everest is attached to the Web site.
◇ Method of peak identification
In order to identify the peaks of East Tibet, the unknown target peaks and well-knownreference peaks picked up from the skeleton map “East of Himalaya, Mountain Peak
Maps” should be plotted on Google Earth and ALOS- based Kashmir map with peak ID.
Downward, the well-known peak will be the datum point to search surrounding
unknown peaks. The wide and zoom pictures of well-known peak become good guide forsearching. In addition to the reference peak, surrounding peaks found on Google Earthand ALOS should be plotted on the map with tentative ID and elevation data.
Next, review date and time, place of the shot and additional information of the newly
acquired pictures. If the peaks have unique feature points, it is useful to identify. If thetravelling photographer had a GPS receiver, tracking record can indicate the location of
the picture because digital camera has date and time in each picture data. It is easy tomake a same 3D simulation shot of the target picture on Google Earth or ALOS by using
the picture location. In case of aerial picture, flight record provides shot location as well.
Sequential shots of aerial picture easily suggest the location even though those shots
have a few lacks.
Kone Kangri in the Kangri Garpo is a missing peak for years. The location of the peakis clearly pointed on topography. Searching Kone Kangri on the road through Parlung
Tsangpo by using Google Earth 3D image, a visible area was found in the upper part ofYupu Village. It was easy to find pictures of the peak in the database of PC.
Reference data and tool
1. Skeleton map“East of Himalaya, Mountain Peak Maps”
2. Google Earth and Google Map
3. ALOS data and Kashmir map
4. GPS data: Expedition record, traveler ; tracking data
5. Digital camera Picture and Time Data (yyyy- mm- dd- hh-mm-ss)
Unique feature of picture
6. Flight tracking data Flight Number, Date
7. Report of expedition and travel◇ALOS data

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横断山脈研究会 20192019/3/23:Tim Inoue URL: http://www.eorc.jaxa.jp/ALOS/aw3d/index.htm
 ALOS (DSM) 「ALOS World 3D - 30m (AW3D30)」 JAXA ALOS: Advanced Land Observing Satellite(DAICHI) PRISM: Panchromatic Remote--sensing Instrument for Stereo Mapping Earth model: WGS84
 data: DSM (Average)
 Digital Elevation Model( DEM) or Digital Surface Model( DSM)
 Accuracy: 5m
 Kashmir: http://www.kashmir3d.com/ALOS/◇Experience➢ The data of East Tibet, AW3D30 has noise and in-accurate data in certain area.
➢ The latest ALOS2 will be utilized in near future which has more accurate data.
➢ Kashmir is comfortable for analysis with colored contour line such as 6000 meterand others.
➢ Kashmir has a function to put names of peaks on the map. It is easy to identify
peaks.
The altitude data extracted fromALOS and Google Earth indicate
lower height numbers on the
sharp or thin summit structure
peaks than that of actual. The
satellite survey of the Himalaya
will
noticetheapparent
flattening effect. But a few data
looks higher elevation than thedata of the skeleton map. Google
Earth and ALOS often indicate
different elevations on the sameFig-7 Height comparison
peak. Peaks of some areas haveextreme low elevation data in ALOS; therefor careful evaluation will be required.
Data correction on Google Earth and ALOS by past operation like SRTM and ASTER
has been executed and the revised up loaded data can be seen. But, it is not the case in
East Tibet region.
ASTER: Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (TERRA, USA)
SRTM: Shuttle Radar Topography Mission

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Fig-8 Review of the elevation in Ata Glacier peaks ( Ruoni Feng 6,882m and surrounding peaks）
Flat surface of the glacier has accurate elevation against GPS.
The peak elevation of ALOS indicate lower numbers than the evaluated altitude.

◇ Identification of Zepu and Jalong range
Flight from Chengdu to Lhasa flies over the Nyainqentanglha Mountains. If weather
permit, countless number of unclimbed peaks will appear and disappear in the window.
Many beautiful pictures are taken by passengers. Those pictures will become importantsource of peak identification.
Flight number, date and time record of the digital camera indicate the location of thepicture. Flight direction of Chengdu-Lhasa usually goes from east to west that means
the shadow of mountain appears in south or north, not east or west. Analyst cannarrow down search direction. Google Earth will provide an adjusted simulation imageof the picture. Previously marked peak ID on Google Earth can be easily identified by
the peak image.

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Fig-9 Flight information and bearing of the picture found this area on Google Earth
Well known Zepu and Jalong Peak ID helps recognition.

Fig-10
ALOS-Kashmir map of same area of Google Earth
Coloring helps feature of the range. Camera angle is shown on the map.

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Fig-11

Simulated image by ALOS-Kashmir

Fig-12 Identified aerial picture of Jalong Zepu Range
Previously fixed peak 6420m of Jalong indicate 6248m from ALOS
The number 6420m looks too higher than actual.

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横断山脈研究会 20192019/3/23:Tim Inoue◇Aerial picture identification : Mainri Snow Mountain(Kawagebo) & Kangri Garpo
The flight Chengdu-Lhasa or Lin Zhi flies over Sichuan Mountains. Minya Konka andother rocky mountains will appear in the window and the flight will approach to the
Nyainqentanglha. Mainri Snow Mountain and Kangri Garpo Mountains are visible in
the far south horizon.

Fig-13 Flight information and Camera data suggested the range and Google Earth image fixed peaks.

Aerial pictures of the mountain range provide informative overview of the peaks.
Hidden peaks stand in the deep valley often appear in the aerial view with thosefeature. Aerial picture is a powerful tool of peak identification.

Fig-14After comparison check by aerial picture with Sketch and skeleton map extracted from Google Earth, KG-21
and KG-155 those peaks are not visible on the ground appears.

◇ Known peak and unknown peaks are in the same picture:

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Pulongu Range

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To identify the peaks in the Nyainqentanglha, Namcha Barwa is a powerful reference
point. In case of Pulongu Range, the aerial picture captures Namcha Barwa and Gyala
Peri in the south. Therefor it was easy to find camera bearing. At first Pumobunji wasfixed. Pulongu was identified continuously on the jointed serial picture. Jointed serial
pictures are effective.

Fig-15Many peaks were fixed by Namcha Barwa and jointed aerial image◇Known peak and unknown peaks are in the same picture : Serial shot:
Jainija6586m

Fig-16 The result of Pulongu identification and time series of the flight suggested the area of the picture.

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The picture (Fig-16) taken after taking Pulongu area includes Namcha Barwa andGyala Peri. Position of these two peaks in the picture comparing with previous shotindicates progress of the flight to west. The two prominent peak of Jainija and P6444m
stand side by side. This feature is also remarkable identifier. The image simulation was
done by Google Earth. Elevation numbers of Jainija and P6444m are 6045m and
6002m in ALO. Those data are extremely low and questionable. Additional survey ofthis area should be retried.
◇Discovery of hidden Kone Kangri
There are still veiled 6000m peaks such as KG-21 KG-35 Kg-36 KG-54 KG-55 KG-57.
Remote shots of KG-21, KG-35 and KG-36 exist, but are too small to recognize.
In
1999,
Gakushuuin party
approachedto
Kone
KangrithroughGone
valley and reachedon the snout of
Gone
Glacier.
They could not see
thepeak
unfortunately.
Since
this
exploration, thispeakhasremainedas
mysterious peak
until 2009.
Fig-17
Unveiled Kone Kangri
Lopchin
Expedition by Kobe University party had passed the road through Parlung Tsangpo andtook many pictures of Kangri Garpo with GPS tracking data. The picture of Kone
Kangri was included in those image data.
At first, as preparation,
the peak was plotted on
Googlemapwithsurrounding peaks which
was extracted from theskeleton map and speciallygranted topography.
Searching view point on
Google Earth 3D images
through Parlung Tsangpo,
good location near thevillage of Yupu was found.
The date and time wasgotten from GPS and theFig-18 Kone Kangri in the 3D image of Google Earth
GPS and Digital camera data provided date stored file of the picture
target picture was found in

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横断山脈研究会 20192019/3/23:Tim Inouethe image database.
Digital camera and GPS is basic tool during travel and many pictures targeting
unknown peaks will be reviewed after coming back home. We should instruct this way to
travelers who are going into remote valleys and mountains.
◇ Sample of analysis operation by ALOS DSM with Kashmir
Kashmir has function of 3D imaging and Mapping with contour coloring pallet. These
functions utilize clear mapping, image shot and pointing peaks. Pallet has flexible
coloring with unlimited contour generation.

Fig-19 Pallet setting sample
3D imaging tool can put peak names and elevation on the summit.

Fig-20Coloring provides ease of reviewing altitude.

◇Browsing Internet: Tarlha Ri“Tarlha Ri Range” is an independent range and visible from surrounding road.
Therefore it is easy to get nice pictures. In reality, fine pictures of east face, north face
and west face are in the binder. To find capable approach and line to the summit was animportant issue. South face had not been unveiled.
The picture was found incidentally and fortunately through Internet browsing without
key word because of misunderstanding of naming on that picture by the photographer.
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Many pictures are pinned up on Google Earth and incorrect captions or wrong
locations are detected. But, valuable picture may found sometimes.

Fig-21

Internet Browsing helped finding searching picture of Tarlha Ri◇ Comparison of height number of Zepu Kangri; which is main peak?
Zepu Kangri has three peaks on the summit ridge. These peaks have different threeelevation numbers of Google Earth skeleton map and ALOS.
In Google Earth, the Peak 6338m elevation in ALOS is 6157m. To decide the highest
peak, additional study is required.

Fig-22

1: Lower position number is in Google Earth
2: In Google Earth, peak *1 is the highest.
3: In Google Earth, P6420m has the height of 6367m.
4: In Google Earth, Peak *2 6342m is higher than Zepu Kangri
5. White mark number is current fixed altitude.

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2019/3/23:Tim Inoue◇ Unique point : KG-41(Kangri Garpo)
Explorers often go in to unknown deep valleys to survey peaks and tries to takepictures. Narrow sight in the valley prevents them from taking good pictures. They areperhaps obstructed by ridge andforehead of the peak even if theywant to see the main peak.
KG-20 (Genikutz) 、 KG-21 、
KG-40 and KG-41 stand in theback end divide ridge of KG-20 isinvisible from Midui Longba.
The east peak of KG-40 can beseen from Midui Longba, so thatsomeone said KG-40 should be
Genikutz. KG-40 is twins (WestPeak and East Peak) and is visible
in Xinguo Longba. Xinguo Glacierhas two forks. KG-41 stands in the
Fig-23

Unique point

west fork.
KG-41 should be
visible at the confluence of two
glaciers.
Zoom shot of KG-41(Fig-23) has
a characteristic feature on theridge. This feature is captured in
the picture from Snow Dome
(Fig-24) and peak identification of
KG-41 is complete. Peaks withunique feature are easy toidentify. KG-41 is captured in
the aerial remote shot (Fig-14) ofKangri Garpo Mountains fromChengdu – Lhasa flight.

Fig-24

KG-41 Feature point**************Other sample of the peak identifications********************

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Fig-25 Nyainqentanglha West Mountains

2019/3/23:Tim Inoue

south faceFig-26 West view from the top of Ta Ri 6300m

Fig-27 Chagla from the west ridge of Kyizi

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Fig-28

Dojiza & Yuri

South – east viewFig-29 Namcha Barwa & Kangri Garpo

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Fig-30 P6840m,

Nyainqentanglha

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The Grand Hengduan Mountains

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