Spatial data infrastructures as complex adaptive systems

Many researchers throughout the world have been struggling to better understand and describe spatial data infrastructures (SDIs). Our knowledge of the real forces and mechanisms behind SDIs is still very limited. The reason for this difficulty might lie in the complex, dynamic and multifaceted nature of SDIs. To evaluate the functioning and effects of SDIs we must have a proper theory and understanding of their nature. This article describes a new approach to understanding SDIs by looking at them through the lens of complex adaptive systems (CASs). CASs are frequently described by the following features and behaviours: complexity, components, self-organization, openness, unpredictability, nonlinearity and adaptability, scale-independence, existence of feedback loop mechanism and sensitivity to initial conditions. In this article both CAS and SDI features are presented, examined and compared using three National SDI case studies from the Netherlands, Australia and Poland. These three National SDIs were carefully analysed to identify CAS features and behaviours. In addition, an Internet survey of SDI experts was carried out to gauge the degree to which they consider SDIs and CASs to be similar. This explorative study provides evidence that to a certain extent SDIs can be viewed as CASs because they have many features in common and behave in a similar way. Studying SDIs as CASs has significant implications for our understanding of SDIs. It will help us to identify and better understand the key factors and conditions for SDI functioning. Assuming that SDIs behave much like CASs, this also has implications for their assessment: assessment techniques typical for linear and predictable systems may not be valid for complex and adaptive systems. This implies that future studies on the development of an SDI assessment framework must consider the complex and adaptive nature of SDIs.     

Local‐government data sharing: Evaluating the foundations of spatial data infrastructures

This paper presents a typology of local‐government data sharing arrangements in the US at a time when spatial data infrastructures (SDI) are moving into a second generation. In the first generation, the US National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) theoretically involved a pyramid of data integration resting on local‐government data sharing. Availability of local‐government data is the foundation for all SDI‐related data sharing in this model. However, first‐generation SDI data‐sharing activities and principles have gained only a tenuous hold in local governments. Some formalized data sharing occurs, but only infrequently in response to SDI programmes and policies. Previous research suggests that local‐government data sharing aligns with immediate organizational and practical concerns rather than state or national policies and programmes. We present research findings echoing extending these findings to show that local‐government data sharing is largely informal in nature and is undertaken to support existing governmental activities. NSDI principles remain simply irrelevant for the majority of surveyed local governments. The typology we present distinguishes four distinct types of local‐government data sharing arrangements that reflect institutional, political, and economic factors. The effectiveness of second generation, client‐service‐based SDI will be seriously constrained if the problems of local government take‐up fail to be addressed.     

Investigating the system dynamics technique for the modeling and simulation of the development of spatial data infrastructures

Spatial data infrastructure (SDI) is a complex system for which huge investments are being made worldwide. These large-scale investments in the development of SDIs incontrovertibly require reliable design and planning that guarantee a successful outcome. One approach to deal with such an expectation is to model the development process of the SDI system over time. If the model can be translated into the computer-based environment to be used as a virtual world, then the real situation can also be simulated. Such a simulation will enable the SDI coordinators/managers to gain knowledge about the behavior of the system under different decisions and situations and eventually help them to better develop the SDI through the informed decision making. However, a limited number of tools and techniques are currently available in the SDI modeling history in terms of the modeling and simulation of such a complex system. The system dynamics technique based on systems theory is a method for modeling and managing the feedback systems that are complex, dynamic and nonlinear over time. This article addresses the applicability of the system dynamics technique for modeling and simulating the development process of SDIs. It is argued that the system dynamics technique is capable of modeling the interactions among the factors affecting the SDI, the feedback loops and the delays. It is also highlighted that an SDI model based on the system dynamics technique enables the SDI coordinators/managers to simulate the effect of different factors or decisions on various aspects of SDI and evaluate alternative decisions and/or policies prior to making any commitment.     

Assessing the worldwide developments of national spatial data clearinghouses

Many countries have spent considerable resources over the past few years debating optimal national spatial data infrastructures. One of the (main) elements of these infrastructures is the national spatial data clearinghouse, which facilitates access to required spatial data and provides complementary services. With this in mind, in April 2000, 2001, 2002 and December 2000, 2001, 2002, a web survey was carried out to assess systematically the developments of these national clearinghouses worldwide. Regarding the development in the number of implementations, it can be considered a worldwide success. However, of concern are the declining trends in use, management and content. One of the main reasons for these negative trends could be the dissatisfaction of the spatial data community with the functional capability of current clearinghouses. The functional capabilities of clearinghouses should likely be changed from a data-oriented to a user and application-oriented focus. This is in accord with the objectives of the second generation of spatial data infrastructures. The main factors, therefore, that will have positive impacts on developments in this field are the inclusion of web services, stability of funding and creation of user-friendly interfaces.     

关于"生态旅游"概念的探讨

该文选取国外44个生态旅游定义作为研究对象,通过确认关键词、对关键词进行聚类分析,将定义内容归纳为6大类11组分,进而构建生态旅游概念模型.在检验模型理论上的可靠性和实践上的适应性后,笔者依据模型提出生态旅游定义.     

An initial formal model for spatial data infrastructures

The Commission on Spatial Data Standards of the International Cartographic Association is working to define formal models and technical characteristics of Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI). To date, this work has been restricted to the Enterprise and Information Viewpoints from the ISO Reference Model for Open Distributed Processing standard. The Commission has developed models for these two viewpoints. These models describe how the different parts of an SDI fit together in the viewpoints in question. These models should be seen as a contribution towards the overall model of the SDI and its technical characteristics. During the model development process, the roles of the different Actors in an SDI in the Enterprise and Information Viewpoints have also been identified in Use Case diagrams of an SDI. All the models have been developed using the Unified Modeling Language.     

Tuning the second-generation SDI: theoretical aspects and real use cases

Spatial data infrastructure (SDI) actors have great expectations for the second-generation SDI currently under development. However, SDIs have many implementation problems at different levels that are delaying the development of the SDI framework. The aims of this article are to identify these difficulties, in the literature and based on our own experience, in order to determine how mature and useful the current SDI phenomena are. We can then determine whether a general reconceptualization is necessary or rather a set of technical improvements and good practices needs to be developed before the second-generation SDI is completed. This study is based on the following aspects: metadata about data and services, data models, data download, data and processing services, data portrayal and symbolization, and mass market aspects. This work aims to find an equilibrium between user-focused geoportals and web service interconnection (the user side vs. the server side). These deep reflections are motivated by a use case in the healthcare area in which we employed the Catalan regional SDI. The use case shows that even one of the best regional SDI implementations can fail to provide the required information and processes even when the required data exist. Several previous studies recognize the value of applying Web 2.0 and user participation approaches but few of these studies provide a real implementation. Another objective of this work is to show that it is easy to complement the classical, international standard-based SDI with a participative Web 2.0 approach. To do so, we present a mash-up portal built on top of the Catalan SDI catalogues.     

荒漠绿洲PRED系统特征与可持续发展定量研究

荒漠绿洲PRED系统是一个相当脆弱的系统，自然灾害频繁、水分失衡导致的生态风险大。在分析其特征的基础上，建立了衡量可持续发展的指标体系并运用层次分析法得出了这些因子对绿洲PRED系统可持续发展的权值，影响最大的前三位因子是：人均水资源量、绿洲化面积、人口素质、其权值分别为0.124、0.077、0.062。计算了河西走廊20个县（市、区）的SDI，排在最前面的依次是：萧北蒙古族自治县、嘉峪关市和玉门市、金川区，其SDI分别为0.437、0.406、0.405，排在最后面的依次是：古浪县、民勤县、天祝藏族自治县，其SDI分别为0.150、0.213、0.217。分析了这种格局产生的原因并提出了相应对策。     

基于社区参与的卤阳湖湿地生态旅游开发对策研究

社区参与已成为生态旅游的本质要求之一,对社区参与生态旅游的相关探讨也已成为当今国内外学者的研究热点。以卤阳湖湿地为例,介绍了卤阳湖湿地生态旅游资源,提出了社区参与生态旅游开发原则与目标,分析了卤阳湖湿地开展社区参与生态旅游存在的问题,提出了相应的对策,以期为湿地旅游资源的可持续发展提供参考。     

Methodological challenges posed in studying an elite in the field

This paper engages with recent debates in geography and associated disciplines that are concerned with the wider analytic issues to be confronted in researching an elite. Drawing on a case study of the construction of a policy position on GMOs and the Environment in Ireland, the methodological challenges encountered researching up the hybrid elite central to this development are interrogated. In particular, emphasis is placed on the politics of time, which becomes central when a new sector is emerging, and meanings and definitions are being constructed.     

Emerging transitions in organic waste infrastructure in Aotearoa New Zealand

Aotearoa New Zealand is at a critical juncture in reducing and managing organic waste. Research has highlighted the significant proportion of organic waste sent to landfills and associated adverse effects such as greenhouse gas emissions and loss of valuable organic matter. There is current debate about what practices and infrastructure to invest in to better manage and use organic waste. We highlight the diversity of existing organic waste practices and infrastructures, focusing on Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. We show how debates about organic waste practices and infrastructure connect across three themes: waste subjectivities, collective action in place and language.     

GEO/GRAPHIC DESIGN: THE LIMINAL SPACE OF THE PAGE

For many geographers, the printed page is no longer a productive tool to engage contemporary definitions of place or debates surrounding the nonrepresentational. There is a discernible shift within the discipline toward creative research methods, including using media such as film or sound, with a perception that they are less “fixed” in nature. In this article, however, I suggest that, by developing “geo/graphic” work that draws on theories and practices from both cultural geography and graphic design, the page can be recast as a liminal space, a threshold between readers and their understanding and imagination. I propose that a book has the potential to offer a multisensory, interactive space of exploration for readers and that the construction of such geo/graphic work also offers researchers an additional creative method with which to understand place.     

The role of sub‐national government and the private sector in future spatial data infrastructures

A Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) facilitates and coordinates the exchange and sharing of spatial data between stakeholders in the spatial data community. With this objective in mind, countries throughout the world are developing SDIs to manage and utilize their spatial data assets more effectively. These countries are developing SDIs to assist in various kinds of decision‐making at different levels of government jurisdictions that have an important impact within their national boundaries. However, current research shows that SDI is understood and described differently by stakeholders from different disciplines and different jurisdictional levels. Therefore, in many cases, SDI initiatives remain very much an innovation, even among practitioners. There are still uncertainties regarding the benefits and identities of SDIs, particularly in connection with how they evolve over time to meet user needs. This paper reviews and assesses the development of SDIs throughout the world over the past 15 years and the leadership role of national governments in SDI creation. This assessment is based on the SDI activities of various jurisdictions including Asia‐Pacific, Australia, North America, and Europe, and research into the worldwide effects of spatial information clearing houses. This assessment includes a discussion on emerging trends in SDI development, with particular reference to the increasingly important role played by sub‐national governments and the private sector within the framework of SDI development. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for future SDI development, including the delivery of a virtual world that has a particular focus on facilitating decision‐making at a community level within a national context.     

西班牙交通基础设施与城市体系建设

从社会和地方融合、均衡性与土地异质性、交通网等级体系和支路网与交通可持续性四个角度探讨西班牙交通基础设施网建设对土地开发和土地规划相关国家法规的影响。从城市地理学视角分析中央政府基于改善城市和区域连接度和可达性进行的高速公路网、高铁网、机场和港口等交通基础设施规划,通过1950年代以来土地开发和房价涨跌、新兴产业培育和交通状况改善刺激不同级别城市蔓延和分化的人口增长,重塑西班牙国家城市体系格局。随后,概括了蔓延的城市增长模式和房地产与交通投资泡沫破裂后带给区域增长中心的影响,对通过交通基础设施规划进行投机性投资政策进行了批评。最后建议中央政府应该避免投机投资行为,基于现有的城市体系层级改善核心城市和大城市周边的机动性,优化基础设施建设,建立新的城市与区域增长模式。     

"数字广州"空间数据基础设施建设策略研究

该文探讨了空间数据基础设施（SDI）在“数字城市”建设中的地位和作用,在此基础上,结合“数字广州”的要求和发展现状,指出了目前广州市空间数据基础设施建设存在的不足,并从政府管理的角度提出了加强空间数据基础设施建设的若干策略,涵盖了机构设置,数据政策,数据生产管理模式,人才培养和市场化等方面。     

Farmland Conversion: Some Comments on the Potential Cropland Study

Data from the 1975 Potential Cropland Study conducted by the Soil Conservation Service, USDA, have been used by geographers and others as measures of land use change. Unfortunately, the surveys on which these change data are based are not comparable. They had different objectives, different sample designs, and different definitions. Under scrutiny, the data are unreasonable and unreconcilable with land use data from established sources. The most serious fault is inconsistent classification.     

资源型城市可持续发展评价指标体系研究——以攀枝花为例

可持续发展指标是用以反映和评价可持续发展实践结果的测试手段。从经济发展转向可持续发展是人类认识自己、合理地发展自身的要本性转变。文章针对资源型城市目前发展面临的选择,为其有效地实施可持续发展战略和保证资源的可持续利用,建立的可持续发展评价体系,合硎骨意识、有监测地实施可持续发展战略。     

宁夏生态移民村空间剥夺测度及影响因素

生态移民村是一种具有扶贫脱贫与生态保护双重意义的特殊乡村类型,是乡村振兴不可或缺的重要对象。在空间重构过程中形成的空间剥夺现象,是当前生态移民村全面振兴面临的一个新问题。为探究生态移民村空间剥夺规律,以宁夏70个生态移民村2017年相关数据为基础,构建了以收入就业、教育培训、社会生活、居住环境及公共服务可达性为主要内容的空间剥夺指标体系并进行水平测度,进而运用地理加权回归和地理探测器对其影响因子进行探测。结果显示：① 宁夏生态移民村空间剥夺整体水平较低,但总指数均值相对于非生态移民村显著高出0.023;② 宁夏生态移民村空间剥夺时空分异特征明显,总指数均值在时间上呈现“先较低—后上升—再下降”趋势,在空间上呈现“北部低—中部高—南部次高”分布;③ 民族构成、地形地貌、移民时段、依托资源和经济区带是影响生态移民村空间剥夺的重要因子,前3项对空间剥夺总指数的解释力分别达到了22.4%、10.6%和14.0%。空间剥夺水平测度为生态移民生产生活评价和政策调整完善提供新的客观依据,相关部门可据此优化调节生态移民村空间资源配置,增加其获取资源的能力和机会,推动生态移民村全面振兴。     

信息技术对企业空间组织的影响——以诺基亚北京星网工业园为例

最近通信技术的进展引发了对经济活动集聚和扩散力量的争论。本文以坐落于北京经济技术开发区的星网工业园为例 ,探讨在新的信息技术下地方企业集群的动力机制。过去几十年中 ,新的信息技术在经济空间变化中起着越来越重要的作用 ,但是它只是一种提供可能或促成发生的介质 ,并不是决定性的。新的信息技术的应用会导致企业的“虚拟集群” ,这是运用信息技术整合和缩短供应链的必然结果 ,但是零部件厂是否选择在地理空间上与整装厂集中在一起还取决于其他因素。在这个过程中 ,时间成本正成为企业空间组织的重要影响因素     

Mosquitoes in the mix: How transferable is creative city thinking?

This paper contributes to recent debates about whether urban policy discourses are transferable and what is at stake in their translation. It draws on discussion of Darwin (Northwest Territory, Australia), a tropical savanna location that the local government wants to promote as a 'creative city', without quite knowing what this might require. We discuss relevant debates on research knowledge construction, the creative city and the path-dependent character of neoliberal governmental objectives. We then turn to the geographical, demographic and cultural characteristics that make Darwin a challenging and distinct context for translation of global theories of creative city rejuvenation. As well as arguing a case for more nuanced, locationally specific, analysis of the capacity of places to embrace travelling policy discourses, we suggest ways in which creative city research can be refreshed through engaging with literatures on (post)colonial urban politics and intersections with policy initiatives other than those targeted at 'creative industries' per se . We systematically outline the particular challenges that tropical cities in remote locations provide to accepted wisdom about creativity-led urban planning.