Virtual globes for UAV-based data integration: Sputnik GIS and Google Earth™ applications

The integration of local measurements and monitoring via global-scale Earth observations has become a new challenge in digital Earth science. The increasing accessibility and ease of use of virtual globes (VGs) represent primary advantages of this integration, and the digital Earth scientific community has adopted this technology as one of the main methods for disseminating the results of scientific studies. In this study, the best VG software for the dissemination and analysis of high-resolution UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) data is identified for global and continuous geographic scope support. The VGs Google Earth and Sputnik Geographic Information System (GIS) are selected and compared for this purpose. Google Earth is a free platform and one of the most widely used VGs, and one of its best features its ability to provide users with quality visual results. The proprietary software Sputnik GIS more closely approximates the analytical capacity of a traditional GIS and provides outstanding advantages, such as DEM overlapping and visualization for its dissemination.     

Web-based visualization of large 3D urban building models

Adaptive rendering of large urban building models has become an important research issue in three-dimensional (3D) geographic information system (GIS) applications. This study explores a way for rendering web-based 3D urban building models. A client–server hybrid rendering approach is presented for large 3D city models, stored on a remote server through a network. The approach combines an efficient multi-hierarchical building representation with a novel image-based method, 3D image impostor generated on demand by a remote server. This approach allows transferring complex scenes progressively while keeping high visualization quality. We also evaluated the rendering and data transferring performance of the proposed approach.     

Improvement of a location-aware recommender system using volunteered geographic information

Abstract

Recommender systems (RS), as supportive tools, filter information from a massive amount of data based on the determined preferences. Most of the RS require information about the context of users such as their locations. In such cases, location-aware recommender systems (LARS) can be employed to suggest more personalized items to the users. The most current research projects on LARS focus on the development of algorithms, evaluation methods and applications. However, the role of up-to-date spatial databases in LARS is not a well-researched area. The up-to-date spatial information would potentially improve the accuracy of items which are recommended by LARS. Volunteered geographic information (VGI) could be a low-cost source of up-to-date spatial information for LARS. This article proposes an approach to enrich spatial databases of LARS by VGI. Since not all records of VGI are fitted for use in LARS, a mechanism is developed to identify useful information. Some VGI data sets refer to existing spatial data in the database while other VGI data sets are shared for the first time. Therefore, the proposed method assessed the quality of VGI with reference source (for VGI which is existed in the database) and VGI without reference source (for VGI which is shared for the first time). To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach, a mobile application has been developed to recommend suitable restaurants to the users based on their geospatial locations. The evaluation of the method indicates that VGI can potentially enhance the functionality of the LARS in predicting the users’ interests.     

基于Java3D的网络地理信息可视化

在分析WebGIS中地理信息可视化研究现状的基础上，详细介绍了Java3D开发库的基本开发机制，并讨论其关键技术与解决方案，成功实现了基于Java3D的网络地理信息Web浏览器。实验表明，通过Java3D建立数字球面，并利用Java3D空间数据模型表达地理信息模型，实现在数字球面上映射地理信息，是实现网络地理信息可视化的新途径和新思路。     

基于EV-Globe的三维地理信息系统研究

主要研究实现多尺度、多分辨率、不同时期、海量影像数据的快速加载,通过建立域地理三维演示系统,整合了三维模型场景数据、DEM、DOM等数据,实现了直观的全空间三维可视化、海量多元数据集成逼真的三维场景显示的特性、快捷的二三维一体化应用、高效的三维模型渲染与分析、矢量和影像文件的客户端直接加载,实现了城市DEM和DOM的快速加载、三维场景的对比浏览和地下镜头浏览、自然效果的模拟、地理位置的标注、城市场景的飞行浏览以及空间距离面积的测量、各种应用的分析及查询等功能,在将来的研究中,将根据城市建设及规划应用的需求,发挥三维立体展示优势,研究建设、规划辅助系统。     

The Impact of Global/Local Bias on Task-Solving in Map-Related Tasks Employing Extrinsic and Intrinsic Visualization of Risk Uncertainty Maps

The form of visual representation affects both the way in which the visual representation is processed and the effectiveness of this processing. Different forms of visual representation may require the employment of different cognitive strategies in order to solve a particular task; at the same time, the different representations vary as to the extent to which they correspond with an individual’s preferred cognitive style. The present study employed a Navon-type task to learn about the occurrence of global/local bias. The research was based on close interdisciplinary cooperation between the domains of both psychology and cartography. Several different types of tasks were made involving avalanche hazard maps with intrinsic/extrinsic visual representations, each of them employing different types of graphic variables representing the level of avalanche hazard and avalanche hazard uncertainty. The research sample consisted of two groups of participants, each of which was provided with a different form of visual representation of identical geographical data, such that the representations could be regarded as ‘informationally equivalent’. The first phase of the research consisted of two correlation studies, the first involving subjects with a high degree of map literacy (students of cartography) (intrinsic method: N?=?35; extrinsic method: N?=?37). The second study was performed after the results of the first study were analyzed. The second group of participants consisted of subjects with a low expected degree of map literacy (students of psychology; intrinsic method: N?=?35; extrinsic method: N?=?27).The first study revealed a statistically significant moderate correlation between the students’ response times in extrinsic visualization tasks and their response times in a global subtest (r?=?0.384, p?<?0.05); likewise, a statistically significant moderate correlation was found between the students’ response times in intrinsic visualization tasks and their response times in the local subtest (r?=?0.387, p?<?0.05). At the same time, no correlation was found between the students’ performance in the local subtest and their performance in extrinsic visualization tasks, or between their scores in the global subtest and their performance in intrinsic visualization tasks. The second correlation study did not confirm the results of the first correlation study (intrinsic visualization/‘small figures test’: r?=?0.221; extrinsic visualization/‘large figures test’: r?=?0.135). The first phase of the research, where the data was subjected to statistical analysis, was followed by a comparative eye-tracking study, whose aim was to provide more detailed insight into the cognitive strategies employed when solving map-related tasks. More specifically, the eye-tracking study was expected to be able to detect possible differences between the cognitive patterns employed when solving extrinsic- as opposed to intrinsic visualization tasks. The results of an exploratory eye-tracking data analysis support the hypothesis of different strategies of visual information processing being used in reaction to different types of visualization.     

Study of the attentive behavior of novice and expert map users using eye tracking

The aim of this paper is to gain better understanding of the way map users read and interpret the visual stimuli presented to them and how this can be influenced. In particular, the difference between expert and novice map users is considered. In a user study, the participants studied four screen maps which had been manipulated to introduce deviations. The eye movements of 24 expert and novice participants were tracked, recorded, and analyzed (both visually and statistically) based on a grid of Areas of Interest. These visual analyses are essential for studying the spatial dimension of maps to identify problems in design. In this research, we used visualization of eye movement metrics (fixation count and duration) in a 2D and 3D grid and a statistical comparison of the grid cells. The results show that the users’ eye movements clearly reflect the main elements on the map. The users’ attentive behavior is influenced by deviating colors, as their attention is drawn to it. This could also influence the users’ interpretation process. Both user groups encountered difficulties when trying to interpret and store map objects that were mirrored. Insights into how different types of map users read and interpret map content are essential in this fast-evolving era of digital cartographic products.     

文献计量的地图动态可视化进展分析

地理信息技术的发展逐渐拓宽到时空演化、信息更新、过程发展等方向的应用,海量多时相的地理空间信息处理受到越来越多的关注,推动着地图学领域的动态可视化研究不断发展创新。该文使用文献计量学方法对近25a地图动态可视化方面的研究工作进行分析。结果表明,当前地图动态可视化的发展与三维、仿真、虚拟现实联系紧密,研究热点主要集中在动态流体模拟分析、工程建设动态仿真和交通及灾害地理信息系统应用等领域。通过总结动态可视化相关的技术方法和应用,对未来研究面临的挑战作了展望,以期对将来的研究工作提供参考。     

论虚拟地理环境对地理知识的表达与共享

地理知识是通过对地理科学领域独特的背景、过程和结果进行解释而得到的知识。如何有效表达和共享地理知识是地理学研究和应用中的重要问题。本文首先将地理知识划分为3个层次,事实型知识、规则及控制型知识和决策型知识,分析了不同阶段地理语言对地理知识表达与共享的支持能力。对比地图和GIS语言,发现新一代地理语言—虚拟地理环境VGEs(Virtual Geographic Environments)能够较为全面地支持3个层次的地理知识。针对VGEs,从多个角度分析了其服务于地理知识表达与共享的能力,包括虚实结合理论、地理模型库及管理系统、动态可视化表达和异地协同工作环境。结合面向珠江三角洲地区空气质量研究问题的虚拟地理环境平台,对上述各方面进行了阐述。最后从地理知识生成、管理与应用角度对未来研究提出展望。     

Addressing the value of art in cartographic communication

Contemporary methods for depicting the earth and its cultural and natural attributes use graphic and non-graphic formats, maps and map-related artefacts, for visualizing geography and building virtual landscapes and environments. The discipline area of cartography, traditionally, has applied art (design), science and technology to map making to design and realise these products. Prior to the mid-1950s, cartographic artefacts were built under the theoretical and practical ‘umbrella’ of this partnership of art, science and technology. However, since then, the theory and methodology associated with visualizing geography has focused on Science and Technology, and away from Art. This ‘move’ away from art was accelerated by: (1) computing, computers and complete automated systems; and (2) the ‘quest’ to gain ‘scientific legitimacy’ by using scientific visualization as a lodestone for gauging the ‘quality’ of theories and applications.Science and Technology has been embraced by cartography as a means to ensure that what is presented is scientifically ‘correct’ — products are considered to ‘work’ if they are scientifically ‘elegant’, ‘technologically’ ‘buildable’ and ‘deliverable’ using contemporary communication systems. But, it is argued, science or technology, need not always take on primary roles, and there now is a need to address the role that design should take to facilitate the further development of contemporary cartography, especially in the areas where new media has been applied to facilitate the building of geographical visualization tools.This paper will address how, by incorporating art elements into the design criteria of geographical visualization artefacts, ‘different’ visualization tools might be provided using all three elements of cartography: art, science and technology.     

三维空间测量数据体视化技术研究

介绍体视化的基本流程,着重阐述两类不同的三维空间测量数据体视化原理与方法,并对体视化技术在三维空间测量数据可视化中的应用做了介绍,得出了一些有益的结论和建议。     

Interface Design for Geographic Visualization: Tools for Representing Reliability

Digital "softcopy" maps are becoming the norm—replacing static paper maps in applications from wayfinding to scientific research. As a result, the design of interface tools that allow users to manipulate map parameters effectively and efficiently is likely to become as fundamental to cartography as the design of maps themselves. This article presents some principles for the design of interfaces to geo-referenced data. These principles are summarized in a hierarchical approach to interface design with conceptual, operational, and implementational levels. This hierarchical approach leads designers from questions about the goals of the system and the users of that system to the creation of tools to accomplish those goals and interface controls that allow effective interaction with the tools. The article goes on to describe the application of these principles to a prototype geographic visualization system designed for exploration of spatial data sets and visualization of reliability of both data and data abstractions associated with environmental change. The prototype involves a synthesis of concepts and methods derived from cartography, scientific visualization, and exploratory data analysis into a system for exploratory spatial data analysis and spatial decision support.     

环境空气质量系列专题地图制图方法研究

环境与发展是当今世界共同关注的重大问题。目前我国经济正处于高速发展时期,随着经济社会的快速发展和城镇一体化进程的加快,空气污染问题日趋严重,对人体健康造成很大伤害,因此环境保护的重要性日益突出。本文通过建立环境质量空间数据库,利用地理信息软件ArcGIS为基础平台,将环境空气质量监测数据与地理空间位置进行地理匹配,利用地理信息可视化技术,实现环境空气质量监测数据中各主要空气污染物的浓度时间分布的可视化表达,制作环境空气质量专题地图,有助于有效地从海量监测数据中发现有价值的信息,为环境保护部门提供决策参考依据。     

基于Matlab的空间分析

空间分析被认为是地理信息系统区别于一般信息系统、CAD或电子地图系统的主要功能特征,也是评价一个地理信息系统的主要指标。从介绍Matlab强大的数值计算功能和数据可视化功能着手,分析了Matlab在空间分析方面的技术应用,重点研究了Matlab在空间数据分析中插值法的应用以及空间数据的三维表达。     

How users interact with a 3D geo-browser under time pressure

Interactive 3D geo-browsers, also known as globe viewers, are popular, because they are easy and fun to use. However, it is still an open question whether highly interactive, 3D geographic data browsing, and visualization displays support effective and efficient spatio-temporal decision making. Moreover, little is known about the role of time constraints for spatio-temporal decision-making in an interactive, 3D context. In this article, we present an empirical approach to assess the effect of decision-time constraints on the quality of spatio-temporal decision-making when using 3D geo-browsers, such as GoogleEarth, in 3D task contexts of varying complexity. Our experimental results suggest that while, overall, people interact more with interactive geo-browsers when not under time pressure, this does not mean that they are also more accurate or more confident in their decisions when solving typical 3D cartometric tasks. Surprisingly, we also find that 2D interaction capabilities (i.e., zooming and panning) are more frequently used for 3D tasks than 3D interaction tools (i.e., rotating and tilting), regardless of time pressure. Finally, we find that background and training of tested users do not seem to influence 3D task performance. In summary, our study does not provide any evidence for the added value of using interactive 3D globe viewers when needing to solve 3D cartometric tasks with or without time pressure.     

鞍钢厂区三维可视化设计与应用

介绍了空间数据三维可视化基本原理及运用IMAGIS进行三维可视化设计与开发的过程。同时,以鞍钢厂区为例,在其基础地理数据库的基础上,应用VB和IMAGIS进行二次开发,实现厂区景观的三维可视化。     

Visualizing spatiotemporal trajectories of mobile social media users using space–time cube

The implementation of social network applications on mobile platforms has significantly elevated the activity of mobile social networking. Mobile social networking offers a channel for recording an individual’s spatiotemporal behaviors when location-detecting capabilities of devices are enabled. It also facilitates the study of time geography on an individual level, which has previously suffered from a scarcity of georeferenced movement data. In this paper, we report on the use of georeferenced tweets to display and analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of daily user trajectories. For georeferenced tweets having both location information in longitude and latitude values and recorded creation time, we apply a space–time cube approach for visualization. Compared to the traditional methodologies for time geography studies such as the travel diary-based approach, the analytics using social media data present challenges broadly associated with those of Big Data, including the characteristics of high velocity, large volume, and heterogeneity. For this study, a batch processing system has been developed for extracting spatiotemporal information from each tweet and then creating trajectories of each individual mobile Twitter user. Using social media data in time geographic research has the benefits of study area flexibility, continuous observation and non-involvement with contributors. For example, during every 30-minute cycle, we collected tweets created by about 50,000 Twitter users living in a geographic region covering New York City to Washington, DC. Each tweet can indicate the exact location of its creator when the tweet was posted. Thus, the linked tweets show a Twitter users’ movement trajectory in space and time. This study explores using data intensive computing for processing Twitter data to generate spatiotemporal information that can recreate the space–time trajectories of their creators.     

Automatic extraction of building roofs using LIDAR data and multispectral imagery

Automatic 3D extraction of building roofs from remotely sensed data is important for many applications including city modelling. This paper proposes a new method for automatic 3D roof extraction through an effective integration of LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) data and multispectral orthoimagery. Using the ground height from a DEM (Digital Elevation Model), the raw LIDAR points are separated into two groups. The first group contains the ground points that are exploited to constitute a ‘ground mask’. The second group contains the non-ground points which are segmented using an innovative image line guided segmentation technique to extract the roof planes. The image lines are extracted from the grey-scale version of the orthoimage and then classified into several classes such as ‘ground’, ‘tree’, ‘roof edge’ and ‘roof ridge’ using the ground mask and colour and texture information from the orthoimagery. During segmentation of the non-ground LIDAR points, the lines from the latter two classes are used as baselines to locate the nearby LIDAR points of the neighbouring planes. For each plane a robust seed region is thereby defined using the nearby non-ground LIDAR points of a baseline and this region is iteratively grown to extract the complete roof plane. Finally, a newly proposed rule-based procedure is applied to remove planes constructed on trees. Experimental results show that the proposed method can successfully remove vegetation and so offers high extraction rates.     

基于改进Web墨卡托投影的瓦片地图服务设计与实现

为解决网络地理信息应用二、三维一体化显示需要,通常做法是处理并存储两套不同投影的地图瓦片数据,一套采用Web墨卡托投影,面向二维地图应用;一套采用经纬度坐标,面向三维地图应用。这在一定程度上降低数据处理效率、浪费存储资源。文中提出一种改进Web墨卡托地图投影方法,并设计一种面向影像地图和DEM数据的瓦片化方法。方法生成的影像地图瓦片数据既能同时面向二维地图和三维可视化场景使用,又有效解决Web墨卡托投影不支持高纬度地区栅格地图表达的缺陷。将新型的地图投影和数据模型通过瓦片地图服务系统进行验证,证明这种新改进的投影和影像,以及DEM瓦片化方法具备较高的实用性。