Here we discuss impacts of distance determinations on the Galactic disk traced by relatively young objects. The Galactic disk, ∼40kpc$\sim40~\mbox{kpc}$ in diameter, is a cross-road of studies on the methods of measuring distances, interstellar extinction, evolution of galaxies, and other subjects of interest in astronomy. A proper treatment of interstellar extinction is, for example, crucial for estimating distances to stars in the disk outside the small range of the solar neighborhood. We’ll review the current status of relevant studies and discuss some new approaches to the extinction law. When the extinction law is reasonably constrained, distance indicators found in today and future surveys are telling us stellar distribution and more throughout the Galactic disk. Among several useful distance indicators, the focus of this review is Cepheids and open clusters (especially contact binaries in clusters). These tracers are particularly useful for addressing the metallicity gradient of the Galactic disk, an important feature for which comparison between observations and theoretical models can reveal the evolution of the disk.

中文翻译：

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距离测定对银河结构的影响。I. 青年和中年追踪者

在这里，我们讨论距离确定对由相对年轻的物体追踪的银盘的影响。银盘直径约为 40kpc$\sim40~\mbox{kpc}$，是研究距离测量方法、星际灭绝、星系演化和其他天文学感兴趣主题的交叉路口。例如，对星际消光的正确处理对于估计太阳附近小范围之外的圆盘中恒星的距离至关重要。我们将回顾相关研究的现状并讨论灭绝法的一些新方法。当灭绝定律受到合理限制时，在今天和未来的调查中发现的距离指标会告诉我们恒星分布以及整个银盘的更多信息。在几个有用的距离指标中，本次审查的重点是造父变星和疏散星团（尤其是星团中的联系二进制文件）。这些示踪剂对于解决银盘的金属丰度梯度特别有用，这是一个重要特征，观测和理论模型之间的比较可以揭示银盘的演化。