Towards integrated geographical information processing

Many geographical applications access data from multiple disparate repositories such as file systems, Geographical Information Systems and database management systems which contain data able to be interrelated. Existing approaches that either built a single repository that contain all the required data or simply interconnect these repositories have not been well received. In this paper, we present the design of the Virtual GIS, a system for distributed spatial data processing in heterogeneous environments. The Virtual GIS is an integrated system that provides all the essential facilities for integrating and retrieving data from multiple component systems.The system isparticularly aimed at extensibility and scalability through distributing the processing load across the component systems and a global frontend. The object-oriented data model is adopted as a common data model to ensure meaningful data sharing. We also employ the fivelevel schema architecture of Sheth and Larson as the framework for system integration. Finally, queries are processed using a five-phase query processing approach.     

Spatial video and GIS

GIS elemental unit representations of spatial data are often defined in terms of points, lines and areas. However, another type of spatial data that is becoming frequently captured, but as yet is largely ignored in GIS, is that of video. While digital video recording is a commonly encountered medium in modern society and encompasses many forms, from simple personal camcorders through to sophisticated survey and surveillance systems, its geographical representation in a GIS has not been fully examined or realised. In the majority of cases the video footage is usually captured while the device and/or the objects being viewed are in motion. What is of particular interest is when video streams can be, or have been, associated with spatial data such as location and orientation to create geographically referenced videographic data, which, for simplicity, will be defined as spatial video. Fundamentally, the nature of video is to record space, so when spatial properties can be accurately acquired and associated with this footage, an important geographical element can be considered for integration and analysis within a GIS.

Existing spatial video systems, both commercial and research, are predominantly used in survey or LBS roles and are usually bespoke and application specific. These systems do not model spatial video to any recognised standards that is generalised to be both data and platform independent. They do not support GIS integration and/or analysis from a purely spatial content perspective. A video-image/remote-sensing centric approach prevails where usage options range from simple visualisation interfaces to interactive computer vision systems. What has been largely overlooked is a spatial approach where the inherent geographical extent recorded in each video frame can be modelled and used in a geo-spatial analysis context. While this modelling approach has not been fully realised, it does exist in a GIS form based on Open Geospatial Consortium standards, where the spatial context of video is defined in a structure called a ViewCone. However, a ViewCone only defines a 2D model of the geographical extent of each frame and is restricted to a three-or-five sided polygon representation.

Thus, this article examines the potential of modelling spatial video through the use of elemental data types within GIS; gives some examples of using this approach; describes some problems in using spatial video within GIS; and then demonstrates how these problems are being solved. This is done in three stages: Firstly, a detailed overview of spatial video in its current GIS role is provided – this is achieved through a complete introduction to the distinct elements of spatial video followed by a review of its use in both commercial and academic application areas. Secondly, a brief theoretical overview of an alternative GIS-constrained ViewCone data structure is given that defines a more flexible spatial video model for both 2D and 3D GIS analysis and visualisation. Thirdly, a selective sample of results is presented based on an implementation of this approach being applied to a constrained spatial video data source in a specific study area.     

基于面向对象的地图投影转换模块设计

以基于面向对象的方法实现地图投影转换模块设计,探讨该方法在地图投影转换中以及具体投影转换模块的设计及实现,在VC6.0平台下通过相关接口的建立以及地理坐标系和投影坐标系两大主要类的设计和扩充,实现地理坐标系间、投影坐标系间或两者间的投影转换.该模块有利于快速、高效编程的实现,并具有扩展性强和易于维护等优势.     

Implementing a new data model for simulating processes

The paper describes the development of a new methodological approach for simulating geographic processes through the development of a data model that represents a process. This methodology complements existing approaches to dynamic modelling, which focus on the states of the system at each time step, by storing and representing the processes that are implicit in the model. The data model, called nen, focuses existing modelling approaches on representing and storing process information, which provides advantages for querying and analysing processes. The flux simulation framework was created utilizing the nen data model to represent processes. This simulator includes basic classes for developing a domain specific simulation and a set of query tools for inquiring after the results of a simulation. The methodology is prototyped with a watershed runoff simulation.     

基于Landsat 8 OLI数据与面向对象分类的昆嵛山地区土地覆盖信息提取

利用2015年Landsat 8 OLI遥感影像和DEM作为分类数据源,结合野外调查数据,采用面向对象的分类方法对昆嵛山地区土地覆盖信息进行提取,并对分类结果进行精度评价与比较分析。研究表明：面向对象分类方法提取的各地类连续且边界清晰,分类效果与实际情况基本吻合。昆嵛山地区占主导地位的土地覆盖类型是针叶林,面积为1 546.81 km²。研究区土地覆盖分类的总体精度和Kappa系数分别为91.5%和0.88,其中针叶林、草地、水体和建设用地的生产者精度均达到87%以上。相对于监督分类方法,本研究提出的土地覆盖信息提取方法的总体分类精度和Kappa系数分别提高14.7%和0.17。基于面向对象的中分辨率遥感影像,能够获取较高精度的土地覆盖信息,为大范围土地覆盖分类研究提供方法参考。     

Many sorted algebraic data models for GIS

Although many GIS data models are available, a declarative, operational, well-defined, implementation-independent, and object-oriented language is lacking. Based on the theory of many sorted algebra, this work presents a family of geometric data models. Some geographical data models of urban information systems are illustrated using homomorphism. According to the results, the preferred characteristics of mixing declarative and operational statements, multiple representations, tight interdependency among objects, and integration of vector and raster based systems can be achieved through this mechanism.     

Modelling landslide distribution on loess soils in China: an investigation

Abstract

Catastrophic landslides are a severe environmental problem on the Loess Plateau of China. In order to establish which slopes are most at risk, their spatial incidence can be modelled using geographical information systems techniques together with a database describing the past landslides. Three modelling strategies, sieve mapping, weighting factors and log-linear modelling, are adopted and compared. It is suggested that the log-linear modelling approach is the most general and makes best use of the available information.     

面向对象的时空数据模型及其实现技术

在基于时间片的连续快照模型基础上,基于OpenGIS定义的几何类型扩充了时态类型,构建面向对象的时空数据模型,定义其抽象数据类型及相关操作;并采用对象关系数据库PostgreSQL作为实现平台,扩展其存储和查询能力。通过实例验证了上述模型及实现方法的有效性和实用性。     

面向对象的区域规划空间信息时空数据模型

区域规划的空间信息具有动态性和复杂性,面向对象技术作为一种有效的空间数据建模技术,为区域规划空间信息整合提供了思路。本文以面向对象的基本理论和方法为基础,提出采用面向对象技术建立区域规划空间信息时空数据模型,并对所建立的主要地理特征类进行定义与描述。     

Integrating attribute and space characteristics in choropleth display and spatial data mining

This paper develops an interactive approach for exploratory spatial data analysis. Measures of attribute similarity and spatial proximity are combined in a clustering model to support the identification of patterns in spatial information. Relationships between the developed clustering approach, spatial data mining and choropleth display are discussed. Analysis of property crime rates in Brisbane, Australia is presented. A surprising finding in this research is that there are substantial inconsistencies in standard choropleth display options found in two widely used commercial geographical information systems, both in terms of definition and performance. The comparative results demonstrate the usefulness and appeal of the developed approach in a geographical information system environment for exploratory spatial data analysis.     

Modelling the history of semi-structured geographical entities

Geographical entities are characterized by rather complex structures. They involve space and thematic information, which is subject to change in time, while history should be maintained. On the other hand, these structures may be irregular (i.e. they do not necessarily conform to a fixed schema), because associated data is usually collected based on different specifications and multiple resolutions. Hence, the representation of geographical entities in traditional data models, such as the relational or object-oriented, is not always feasible. In this respect, this paper investigates the use of semi-structured data (SSD) models—an innovative approach recently developed in Information Technology—for modelling dynamic geographical entities. A framework for the representation of geographic entities in Object Exchange Model (OEM), a popular model for semi-structured data, is introduced. Additionally, it is shown how useful information can be extracted from such a representation using the LOREL query language for SSD. A simplified case study in the application domain of cadastre involving SSD is examined closely.     

Taxonomy for surveying the use and value of geographical information!

Abstract

Understanding the use and value of geographical information in decision making has been identified as crucial to the further development of geographical information systems and related spatial analysis techniques. Research into the use of geographical information will be through surveys and case studies. A taxonomy for investigating the use of geographical information and its associated value is needed to structure the surveys and case studies. This paper presents an initial attempt at such a taxonomy, intended to support continuing research into the use and value of geographical information. The survey methodology to be supported will be mostly telephone and/or mail questionnaires, and this has influenced the structure of the taxonomy. The goal of this work is to create a taxonomy suitable for use in surveys that will enhance the understanding of the use and value of geographical information in decision making.     

Predictive land value modelling in Guatemala City using a geostatistical approach and Space Syntax

ABSTRACT

Spatial information of land values is fundamental for planners and policy makers. Individual appraisals are costly, explaining the need for predictive modelling. Recent work has investigated using Space Syntax to analyse urban access and explain land values. However, the spatial dependence of urban land markets has not been addressed in such studies. Further, the selection of meaningful variables is commonly conducted under non-spatialized modelling conditions. The objective of this paper is to construct a land value map using a geostatistical approach using Space Syntax and a spatialized variable selection. The methodology is applied in Guatemala City. We used an existing dataset of residential land value appraisals and accessibility metrics. Regression-kriging was used to conduct variable selection and derive a model for spatial prediction. The prediction accuracy is compared with a multivariate regression. The results show that a spatialized variable selection yields a more parsimonious model with higher prediction accuracy. New insights were found on how Space Syntax explains land value variability when also modelling the spatial dependence. Space Syntax can contribute with relevant spatialized information for predictive land value modelling purposes. Finally, the spatial modelling framework facilitates the production of spatial information of land values that is relevant for planning practice.     

面向对象的地理遥感信息模型

地理遥感信息模型是在地形模型、物理模型、数学模型的基础上提出的一种新型模型。面向对象技术是一种新型的系统建模技术。该文论述面向对象技术应用于地理遥感信息模型建模的可行性 ,以面向对象技术基本理论为指导 ,采用面向对象分析方法 ,将地理事物分类、抽象成具有一定地理意义的独立因子团 (即面向对象模型中的对象和类 )。提出了面向对象的地理遥感信息模型的建模方法、数据结构以及建模优势     

Logical data modelling for geographical applications

Abstract.

A formal, yet practical, GeoRelational Data Model (GRDM) is presented for the logical database design phase of the development of spatial information systems. Geographic applications are viewed in the context of information systems development. The generic needs of modelling spatial data are analyzed; it is concluded that they are not served satisfactorily by existing data models, so specifications of modelling tools for spatial application design are given. GRDM provides a set of representational constructs (relations and layers for the logical schema; virtual layers, object classes and spatial constraints for the user views) on top of well-established models. It constitutes part of a full, easily automated application design methodology. Extensive examples demonstrate the relevance, and ease-of-use of the platform-independent GRDM.     

The vector to raster conversion: (mis)use in geographical information systems

Abstract

Many geographical information systems offer the possibility of converting vector data to raster data and using the raster pattern for analysis. This conversion process is already well known and has been used for many years. This paper shows how a selection of eight geographical information systems convert vector test data to a raster pattern. Each system handles this process in its own way, giving results that differ both in number and in the location of assigned raster cells in the raster pattern. The results of the conversions are compared with a desired raster pattern based on five simple principles. Suggestions are made about standardizing the process of conversion for all geographical information systems to make it possible to create and exchange data more safely.     

Resource utilization and regional planning information systems (RURPIS) in Botswana

Abstract

Problems with data organization for increasingly complex resource utilization and regional programmes have encouraged Botswana to turn to a geographical information systems approach. A major project to carry this out, based in the Department of Environmental Science, University of Botswana, is outlined in this paper. The paper documents the design of the programme and lists its modules and variables. It also reports on important considerations that have been taken into account in evaluating the programme's data sets and gives results from an illustrative pilot project that has been undertaken.