Geographic information systems and health: An educational resource

Abstract

The use of geographic information systems to analyze spatial dimensions of health care and disease ecology is becoming a realistic prospect for investigators in the social sciences. This review of the literature, bringing together a diverse collection of professional and academic journals, can be grouped into four categories: potential, cautionary, preliminary, and application. Enough references have been collected and reviewed to provide instructors with material for a classroom unit about 1) using GIS in a medical geography class: 2) medical applications in a GIS class; or 3) using GIS in classes which have a health and disease component.     

地理信息科学发展与技术应用

本文回顾了中国科学院地理科学与资源研究所在地理信息科学研究与技术应用方面的历史过程,从早期的测量和制图的研究,到开创中国地理信息学科,建立资源与环境信息系统国家重点实验室的历史,是中国特色原创地理信息理论发展的历史,是中国具备自主研发世界级地理信息软件的历史,是地理信息为国家重大战略提供坚实科技支撑的历史。本文主要从地图学、地学遥感、地理信息科学、地学数据共享、重大技术突破和国家战略支撑等方面进行概述,最后从地学知识图谱、地理大数据分析、遥感人工智能、地理系统模拟和知识服务角度展望地理科学发展的新科学范式。     

基于地理信息元组的分类预测理论及应用——以中亚矿集区预测为例

地理信息科学的迅速发展为矿集区预测提供了新的理论依据,使地理信息理论、相应的技术方法组合及应用的整体研究成为可能。在大量理论和实验研究的基础上提出了基于地理信息元组的分类预测理论体系,该理论体系由六个概念、一个空间信息本质、两个空间信息特性以及六个空间信息相关方法和约定的构成。并在该理论体系基础上结合空间数据分析方法和探索式空间数据分析方法,建立了基于地理信息元组的分类预测模型。应用该模型在中亚区域实现了Au矿集区预测目标。为中亚成矿域中其它区域(如新疆)的矿集区预测研究奠定了理论与方法论基础。     

Modelling the temporal element in land information systems

Abstract

This paper considers the use of a modern programming language (Modula-2) to develop a data model for a lot-based land information system. The emphasis is on the importance of maintaining the history of the lots, and a data model is developed which incorporates the history of each lot.     

Modelling the network component of geographical information systems

Abstract

This paper presents a data model to manage networks with a Geographical Information System with some consideration of the path operator. The data model is based on the merge of graph theory concepts and the object-oriented paradigm. The introduction of the Master_nodes (with respect to Master_edges) allows definition of a node (with respect to an edge) as an abstraction of a sub-network. A network can be defined using several levels of definition (detail) following the importance of the nodes (with respect to the edges) within an application. The object-oriented concepts are applied to both the alphanumerical data part and to the modelling part of the topology of the graph. The data manipulation operators are basic operators. These operators are the union, an intersection and a difference. More elaborated operators, such as under constraints paths, are obtained by combining these basic operators. We present some considerations of the path operator in a GIS context and introduce the concept of the ‘Open Graph Assumption’ and the notion of direction. These notions take full advantage of the data model and represent an alternative way of defining the path operator. This modelling is well adapted to take account of multi-level networks (i.e., the definition of a view in the context of a multi-user configuration or cartographic generalization).     

The use of land and property information systems

Abstract

This paper examines the use of land and property information systems by local authorities in England and Wales. A number of important lessons for the future are discussed. There is much evidence which suggests that the primary use of land and property information systems is to support administrative tasks. This is an important conclusion when it is borne in mind that, in early days of discussions on the design of land and property information systems, it was envisaged that most of the output from such systems would be for management     

Integrating geographical information systems and multiple criteria decision-making methods

Abstract

Many spatial decision-making problems, such as site selection or land use allocation require the decision-maker to consider the impacts of choice-alternatives along multiple dimensions in order to choose the best alternative. The decision-making process, involving policy priorities, trade-offs, and uncertainties, can be aided by Multiple Criteria Decision making (MCDM) methods. This paper presents a framework for integrating geographical information systems (GIS) and MCDM methods. In this framework the MCDM methods are classified and matched with choice heuristics used by the decision-makers in the presence of competing alternatives and multiple evaluation criteria. Two strategies for integrating GIS with MCDM are proposed. The first strategy suggests linking GIS and MCDM techniques using a file exchange mechanism. The second strategy suggests integrating GIS and MCDM functions using a common database. The paper presents the implementation of the first strategy using PC-ARC/INFO, a file exchange module, and four different MCDM computer programs.     

Performance evaluation and work-load estimation for geographic information systems

Abstract

Agencies acquiring GIS hardware and software are faced with uncertainty at two levels: over the degree to which the proposed system will perform the functions required, and over the degree to which it is capable of doing so within proposed production schedules. As the field matures the second concern is becoming more significant. A formal model of the process of acquiring a GIS is presented, based on the conceptual level of defining GIS sub-tasks. The appropriateness of the approach is illustrated using performance data from the Canada Land Data System. It is possible to construct reasonably accurate models of system resource utilization using simple predictors and least squares techniques, and a combination of inductive and deductive reasoning. The model has been implemented in an interactive package for MS-DOS systems.     

Tactile-map output from geographical information systems: the challenge and its importance

Abstract

The incorporation of the technology of geographic information systems (GIS) into a wide range of planning decisions makes it important that the visually handicapped have access to GIS-based map products to participate more fully in community decision making. Fortunately, GIS contain many procedures useful to the design of tactile maps, including changes of scale and simplification. Developing research opportunities are outlined within the context of the general problem. Tactile maps using microcapsule paper can be produced quickly, but they must be tested using visually handicapped subjects to ensure that suitable symbolization and specifications are developed.     

Requirements and principles for the implementation and construction of large-scale geographic information systems

Abstract

This paper provides a brief survey of the history, structure and functions of ‘traditional’ geographic information systems (GIS), and then suggests a set of requirements that large-scale GIS should satisfy, together with a set of principles for their satisfaction. These principles, which include the systematic application of techniques from several sub-fields of computer science to the design and implementation of GIS and the integration of techniques from computer vision and image processing into standard GIS technology, are discussed in some detail. In particular, the paper provides a detailed discussion of questions relating to appropriate data models, data structures and computational procedures for the efficient storage, retrieval and analysis of spatially-indexed data.     

Integrating multi-criteria evaluation with geographical information systems

Abstract

Geographical information systems (GIS) provide the decision-maker with a powerful set of tools for the manipulation and analysis of spatial information. The functionality of GIS is, however, limited to certain deterministic analyses in key application areas such as spatial search. The integration of multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) techniques with GIS is forwarded as providing the user with the means to evaluate various alternatives on the basis of multiple and conflicting criteria and objectives. An example application based on the search for suitable sites for the disposal of radioactive waste in the UK using the Arc/Info GIS is included. The potential use of a combined GIS-MCE approach in the development of spatial decision support systems is considered.     

A syllabus for teaching geographical information systems

The problems in teaching a course on geographical information systems in higher education are reviewed and a possible syllabus that will be most relevant to needs in the United Kingdom is suggested. The syllabus is divided into six major sections relating to the context, cartographic and spatial analytical concepts, their realization in a computing environment, operations, applications and institutional issues. A particular feature is an attempt to maintain a rigid distribution between underlying theory which is relatively stable and its more volatile operationalization on computers. The paper results from a symposium held in Leicester (U.K.) late in 1988 that brought together nine specialists in the held.     

An information systems approach to the preservation of biological diversity

Abstract

Although biological diversity has emerged in the 1980s as a major scientific and political issue, efforts at scientific assessment have been hampered by the lack of cohesive sets of data. We describe, in concept, a comprehensive national diversity information system, using geographical information system (GIS) techniques to organize existing data and improve spatial aspects of the assessment. One potential GIS analysis, to identify gaps in the network of nature reserves for California, is discussed in greater detail. By employing an information systems approach, available data can be used more effectively and better management strategies can be formulated.     

Constructing a Dialogue: Geographic Education and Geographic Research

Geographic researchers and those who specialize in educational issues have paid insufficient attention to one another. Many theoreticians are openly contemptuous of those who study education; many who focus on pedagogy are unnecessarily defensive. This essay calls for a program of sustained intercourse that is explicitly mutually transformative in nature. It reviews what each perspective offers the other. A change in attitude among those who emphasize geographic research is needed that takes pedagogy far more seriously than it has hitherto. Conversely, geographers whose professional interest is in education would benefit from including new conceptual material such as social theory and political economy in pedagogic works. The results of such an intersection would be to inject new energy into the field, including secondary schools, widen geography's audience, and enhance its popular reputation.     

Tiers of ontology and consistency constraints in geographical information systems

Consistency constraints placed on a database to assure, that values incorporated in the database are consistent, are a well known foundation of Geographical Information Systems. Unfortunately in real situations rules for consistency constraints are not so clear, and inconsistent ontologies are common place, not least in geographical information, covering as it does a much wider realm than many other information systems I have suggested elsewhere 5-tiers of ontology for GIS. Such an ontology can integrate different ontological approaches in a unified system. In this paper the relation of the 5-tier ontology and consistency constraints is explored, and it is shown that different constraints are appropriate to different tiers.     

A spatial analytical perspective on geographical information systems

Abstract

The field of geographical information systems (GIS) is reviewed from the viewpoint of spatial analysis which is the key component of the familiar four-part model of input, storage, analysis and output Input is constrained by the limits of manual methods and problems of ambiguity in scanning. The potential for developments in output is seen to be limited to the query mode of GIS operation, and to depend on abandoning the cartographic model. Discussion of storage methods is organized around the raster versus vector debate and the need to represent two spatial dimensions in one. A taxonomy of GIS spatial analysis operations is presented together with a generic data model. Prospects for implementation are discussed and seen to depend on appropriate scales of organization in national and international academic research.     

Non-current data and geographical information systems A case for data retention

Inter-urban income disparities reflect differences between individual urban localities in the average incomes of their residents. The present paper discusses different ways of visualizing such disparities on thematic maps. The approach we propose is based on the transformation of distances between individual localities and a reference city (e.g. a major population centre of a country) in proportion to the actual differences in the income levels. The general principle of such a transformation is to bring closer to the reference city places with higher incomes, while moving away localities with low income levels. Three alternative approaches to the implementation of this transformation technique are discussed. According to the ‘actual distance’ method, the spatial ‘shift’ of a locality on the map is set proportional to both the relative difference in incomes and the aerial distance between a locality and the reference city. In the ‘proportional increment’ transformation, the distance between a locality and the reference city is adjusted by a parameter whose values are proportional to income disparities between the two. Lastly, according to the ‘concentric circle’ transformation, localities with identical levels of incomes are positioned at a certain distance from the reference city, forming concentric circles around it. Both advantages and disadvantages of these transformation techniques are discussed, and the ‘proportional increment’ method is chosen as the best-performing visualization technique. The performance of this technique is demonstrated using income data for urban localities in Israel in 1991 and 1999. As analysis indicates, the proposed method helps to illustrate both the existing patterns of inter-urban income disparities and their dynamics over time.