Designing a personal guidance system to aid navigation without sight: progress on the GIS component

Abstract

This paper reports on progress towards the development of a personal guidance system for a blind navigator. The system is being developed in light of the unique problems facing the blind traveller, which are discussed first. The system consists of four modules: a locator unit, a detailed spatial database, an algorithm for path selection and a user interface. Suggestions are offered for alternative ways of handling the locator problem using a global positioning system or a database query system. The nature of the geographic information system (GIS) to be used as a host for the database is discussed, followed by brief statement of the criteria for choosing an algorithm for path selection and suggestions on types of user interfaces best suited to the system. A report on a pilot-study GIS is presented. Special problems of database and system design are highlighted.     

Database design for a multi-scale spatial information system

Abstract

Growth in the available quantities of digital geographical data has led to major problems in maintaining and integrating data from multiple sources, required by users at differing levels of generalization. Existing GIS and associated database management systems provide few facilities specifically intended for handling spatial data at multiple scales and require time consuming manual intervention to control update and retain consistency between representations. In this paper the GEODYSSEY conceptual design for a multi-scale, multiple representation spatial database is presented and the results of experimental implementation of several aspects of the design are described. Object-oriented, deductive and procedural programming techniques have been applied in several contexts: automated update software, using probabilistic reasoning; deductive query processing using explicit stored semantic and spatial relations combined with geometric data; multiresolution spatial data access methods combining poini, line, area and surface geometry; and triangulation-based generalization software that detects and resolves topological inconsistency.     

An iconic query language for topological relationships in GIS

Abstract

The study of query languages for spatial databases is an active research area. This paper describes a new spatial query language that uses a visual grammar to express topological relationships. It is supplemented by text and icons to handle other spatial and non-spatial queries. A graphical user interface is also developed to provide an interactive environment for composing the iconic query command. To test the language, the interface is implemented on a SUN 4 Workstation and linked to Ingres, a relational DBMS. Preliminary tests show that the iconic query language is more convenient for expressing spatial concepts than conventional textual languages. This is due mainly to the two-dimensionality of iconic languages in contrast with the linear nature of conventional languages.     

KBGIS-II A knowledge-based geographical information system

Abstract

This paper describes the architecture and working of a recently implemented knowledge-based GIS (KBGIS-II) that was designed to satisfy several general criteria for GIS. The system has four major functions, query-answering, learning, editing and training. The main query finds constrained locations for spatial objects that are describable in a predicate-calculus based spatial object language. The main search procedures include a family of constraint-satisfaction procedures that use a spatial object knowledge base to search efficiently for complex spatial objects in large, multi-layered spatial data bases. These data bases are represented in quadtree form. The search strategy is designed to reduce the computational cost of search in the average case. The learning capabilities of the system include the addition of new locations of complex spatial objects to the knowledge base as queries are answered, and the ability to learn inductively definitions of new spatial objects from examples. The new definitions are added to the knowledge base by the system. The system is currently performing all its designated tasks successfully, although currently implemented on inadequate hardware.     

Aspects of the implementation of the GEOVIEW design

Abstract

GEOVIEW, an integrated system, uses relational database technology and a graphics package (Graphical Kernel System) to offer a flexible environment in which to develop applications of geographical information systems (GIS). It has facilities to represent data in different spatial data structures. Data are stored and retrieved efficiently by using variable length raw data. The unified representation offers the benefit of storing entities in a single relation and eases the process of overlaying different entities. GEOVIEW also provides a mechanism for tailoring user interfaces to suit the needs of different applications by means of a facility to generate macros and menus.

Processing requirements for GIS applications can be supported by using tools provided by relational database technology and by graphics packages. High-level language interfaces which can process dynamic statements and bind dynamic variables are needed to develop an efficient database interface module. A graphics segment facility is essential to provide editing functions and to maximize the use of the local processing power of graphics workstations in the graphics interface module. Further improvements in performance can be made by using the array fetch facility and linear keys for spatial searching.     

Java环境下基于Hibernate的GIS数据库访问策略

全关系型数据存储模式将GIS数据的空间数据和属性数据统一存储于关系数据库中,分析Java应用程序通过JDBC和SQL语言访问关系数据库中存储的GIS数据的不足,提出基于。Hibernate的解决方案,并给出地理信息共享系统的开发实例。     

面向问题的空间应用表达与实现

讨论空间应用的一种面向问题的表达方法与实现机制。为解决空间应用的描述问题,在建立时空一体化空间数据模型基础上,定义了对SQL进行扩展的时空复合查询语言,实现了对空间应用问题的非过程化描述;研究复杂空间应用的表达问题,讨论时空复合查询语言的限制,并在语言中引入流机制,通过空间应用问题的组合实现更为复杂的空间应用,并支持空间数据分布式计算;最后给出若干空间应用实例及其面向问题的表达。     

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.     

Spatial analysis of linguistic data with GIS functions

Abstract

During the 1980s techniques for analysis of geographical patterns have been refined to the point that they may be applied to data from many fields. Quantitative spatial analysis and existing functions available in geographical information systems (GIS) enable computerized implementations of these spatial analysis methods. This paper describes the application of quantitative spatial analysis and GIS functions to analysis of language data, using the extensive files of the Linguistic Atlas of the Middle and South Atlantic States (LAMSAS). A brief review of recent development of using quantitative and statistical methods for analysing linguistic data is also included.     

Relational spatial topologies for historical geographical information

Abstract

Research on time and data models for Geographical Information Systems (GIS) has focused mainly in the representation of temporal geographical entities and implementation of temporal databases. Many temporal GIS database structures have been proposed but most of them just provide principles, not the recipe for the design. Owing to the manipulation of the large quantity of geographical information and the slow response time, few implementations exist. This paper presents a relational method of storing and retrieving spatial and temporal topologies. Two-level state topologies are proposed: a state topology for a set of geographical entities and a state topology for a single geographical entity.

From a temporal perspective, these two-level state topologies may also be viewed as two-level time topologies: a time topology for all geographical entities in a GIS database and a time topology for a single geographical entity. Based on these state and time topologies, a detailed storage approach for historical geographical information is provided.     

HyperArc: a task-oriented hypertext GIS interface

Abstract

The rationale, development and -implementation of a task-oriented hypertext GIS interface (HyperArc) are described. HyperArc is a fully functional interface on an Apple Macintosh computer acting as a client to a host computer running the ARC/INFO GIS. The package has been developed using the HyperCard package, and makes full use of the Apple Macintosh WIMP interface, enabling the user to perform a range of standard ARC/INFO tasks, including a variety of map displays and data queries. The key advantage of this kind of interface is that it permits the creation of tasks or sets of spatial procedures which can be easily customised and executed by the end user without any knowledge of the system command language.     

The GEO VIEW design A relational data base approach to geographical data handling

Abstract

Digital map data are currently available based on a variety of data structures, depending on the uses to which the data are to be put Within the major categories of vector and raster data, as well as other structures, there is a multiplicity of data formats. Further to this, data for digital map coordinates are frequently stored in a different way from attribute data pertaining to points, lines and polygons. Given these problems, this paper investigates the possibility of handling different kinds of data structures, as well as both coordinate and attribute information within a unified conceptual scheme. This scheme is expressed in terms of the design of an integrated geographical information system called GEO VIEW, which can be implemented in a relational data base environment. The structure of the tables in the data base is outlined, together with the methodology for coding different kinds of data structure into a standard form. Examples of queries are provided, using the SQL query language, to indicate how the system might be used and problems in optimizing spatial searching on a data base of this kind are addressed.     

基于空间数据库的多媒体图形查询信息系统研究——以苏州河环境综合整治为例

本文介绍作者自行开发的GIS软件系统———基于空间数据库的多媒体图形查询信息系统的内容、结构和功能 ,以及在环境规划管理方面的应用。阐明了系统可满足决策管理层和公共信息发布层等不同层次的应用需求 ,对环境工程项目的规划管理可作为示范和借鉴。说明本系统除具有一般GIS系统所具有的功能外 ,还把现代多媒体技术和GIS空间数据库技术结合起来 ,实现了在空间数据基础上的多媒体信息查询 ,丰富了GIS中属性数据查询的内容 ,提高了地图的可视性。详细介绍了一种地理信息系统的空间分析方法———包含分析的算法和在本系统中的具体应用———按多边形区域进行空间相关性关系查询。     

面向对象技术在GIS数据库中的应用研究

地理信息系统（GIS）在国民经济和社会生活中得到了广泛的应用，基于GIS的地理数据库是这些应用的重要组成部分，在论述地理信息系统数据库概念的基础上，讨论了现有的空间数据模型在表现地理对象方面的优缺点，提出应用面向对象技术来解决地理对象在地理信息系统数据库中的表示和存储，最后，对GIS数据库开发的趋势进行了展望。     

地理空间意像模式的Voronoi模型

提出用Voronoi空间模型来表达意像模式，Voronoi模型无岐义空间邻近关系，构建能封装对象间空间关系的拓扑网络，使用该模型将各种空间介词映射为不同的拓扑结构，GIS采用该模型，可按自然语言中空间介词描述的定性空间关系查询检索模糊地理信息。     

基于空间数据库技术的地籍管理系统研究

随着GIS应用的深入发展,以文件管理空间数据的方式已不能满足当前GIS应用的需要,而空间数据库技术正是为解决GIS应用的企业化和社会化问题而发展起来的新技术,空间数据库技术及其应用研究是当前GIS技术研究的热点。本文分析了空间数据对象、空间数据库、空间数据库技术及其实现,研究了基于空间数据库技术的地籍管理系统在空间数据共享、海量数据管理、大范围查询检索、分布式空间数据处理与维护、地籍制图、数据安全控制等方面的应用实现,通过具体应用系统建设,提出了基于空间数据库技术的地籍管理信息系统的解决方案。     

栅格空间中三维地学实体拓扑关系表达的K6N9-I模型

论述栅格空间中三维地学实体拓扑空间关系研究的理论基础和现实意义,基于数字拓扑理论定义了栅格实体的6邻域内部I6、6邻域边界B6和k阶6邻域E6k,并以此分别替换9-I模型中实体的内部I、边界B和外部E,形成一种适用于栅格空间三维实体拓扑关系描述和分析的新9-I模型,即k阶6邻9-I模型(K6N9-I)。以基于规则六面体表达的地学实体为研究对象,通过扩展关系数据库SQL形成空间关系查询语言,实现了栅格空间中三维地学实体拓扑关系的定性表示和定量计算。以若干地学实体为例进行了初步实验,表明该模型实用方便,且在复杂地学实体的度量、方位等空间关系研究方面亦有较好的应用前景。     

Research Paper. The predictive use of GIS to model property valuations

Abstract

GIS is a technology which is ideally suited to analysis of the market values of properties, since such values are based upon spatial comparisons as well as individual property attributes. Great Britain now has a new mechanism of local taxation, the council tax, which is based upon the capital values of properties. Central to the implementation of this tax has been the potentially controversial assignment of properties to valuation ‘bands’. This paper posits that a geographical model embedded within a GIS provides an alternative means of devising credible capital values, and anticipates some of the prospects for the use of GIS in local revenue-raising.