Determination of complexity factor and its relationship with accuracy of representation for DEM terrain

Based on the estimating rule of the normal vector angles between two adjacent terrain units, we use the concept of terrain complexity factor to quantify the terrain complexity of DEM, and then the formula of terrain complexity factor in Raster DEM and TIN DEM is deduced theoretically. In order to make clear how the terrain complexity factor E _CF and the average elevation h affect the accuracy of DEM terrain representation RMSE _Et , the formula of Gauss synthetical surface is applied to simulate several real terrain surfaces, each of which has different terrain complexity. Through the statistical analysis of linear regression in simulation data, the linear equation between accuracy of DEM terrain representation RMSE _Et , terrain complexity factor E _CF and the average elevation h is achieved. A new method is provided to estimate the accuracy of DEM terrain representation RMSE _Et with a certain terrain complexity and it gives convincing theoretical evidence for DEM production and the corresponding error research in the future.     

Assessment of Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Elevation Data Based on Topographic Maps in Turkey

Depending on scale, topographic maps depicting the shape of the land surfaces of the Earth are produced from different data sources. National topographic maps at a scale of 1:25 000 (25K maps) produced by General Command of Mapping are used as the base map set in Turkey. This map set, which consists of approximately 5500 sheets, covers the whole country and is produced using photogrammetric methods. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) created from these maps are also available. Recently, another data source, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometric data, has become more important than those produced by conventional methods. The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) contains elevation data with 3 arc-second resolution and 16 m absolute height error (90 percent confidence level). These data are freely available via the Internet for approximately 80 percent of the Earth's land mass. In this study, SRTM DEM was compared with DEM derived from 25K topographic maps for different parts of Turkey. The study areas, each covering four neighboring 25K maps, and having an area of approximately 600 km², were chosen to represent various terrain characteristics. For the comparison, DEMs created from the 25K maps were obtained and organized as files for each map sheet in vector format, containing the digitized contour lines. From these data, DEMs in the resolution of 3 arc-second were created (25K-DEM), in the same structure as the SRTM DEM, allowing the 25K-DEMs and the SRTM DEM to be compared directly. The results show that the agreement of SRTM DEM to the 25K-DEM is within about 13 m, which is less than the SRTM's targeted error of 16 m. The spatial distribution of the height differences between SRTM-DEM and the 25K-DEM and correlation analysis show that the differences were mainly related to the topography of the test areas. In some areas, local height shifts were determined.     

浅析动画效果地图的公开表示

公开地图的表示关乎国家安全、领土完整、民族尊严,具有严肃的政治性、严密的科学性和严格的法定性。动画效果地图是大众喜闻乐见而又十分有效的信息传播载体。但在公开表示方面存在盲区,是"问题地图"的高发区,可能造成严重的不良影响。本文总结了动画效果地图的常见类型、高发问题及成因,提出了动画效果地图表示方法建议,明确了地图底图和动画效果都要符合公开地图表示有关要求,对动画效果地图的制作和公开使用具有一定的指导性和启发性。     

Assessing uncertainty due to elevation error in a landslide susceptibility model

A landslide susceptibility model, employing a digital elevation model (DEM) and geological data, was used in a GIS to predict slope stability in a region of the H J Andrews Long-Term Research Forest, located in the Western Cascade Range in Oregon, USA. To evaluate the contribution of error in elevation to the uncertainty of the final output of the model, several different, but equally probable, versions of the input DEM were created through the addition of random, spatially autocorrelated noise (error) files. The realized DEMs were then processed to produce a family of slope stability maps from which the uncertainty effects of elevation error upon landslide susceptibility could be assessed. The ability to assess this uncertainty has the potential to help us better understand the inherent strengths and weaknesses of applying digital data and spatial information systems to this application, and to facilitate improved natural resource management decisions in relation to timber harvesting and slope stability problems.     

Accounting for Spatial Uncertainty in Optimization with Spatial Decision Support Systems

Spatial decision support systems (SDSS) are designed to make complex resource allocation problems more transparent and to support the design and evaluation of allocation plans. Recent developments in this field focus on the design of allocation plans using optimization techniques. In this paper we analyze how uncertainty in spatial (input) data propagates through, and affects the results of, an optimization model. The optimization model calculates the optimal location for a ski run based on a slope map, which is derived from a digital elevation model (DEM). The uncertainty propagation is a generic method following a Monte Carlo approach, whereby realizations of the spatially correlated DEM error are generated using 'sequential Gaussian simulation'. We successfully applied the methodology to a case study in the Austrian Alps, showing the influence of spatial uncertainty on the optimal location of a ski run and the associated development costs. We also discuss the feasibility of routine incorporation of uncertainty propagation methodologies in an SDSS.     

中国地区SRTM3 DEM高程精度质量评价

为揭示我国SRTM3DEM数据高程精度质量,结合已开展过SRTM3DEM高程精度质量评价工作的局部地区的研究,考虑空间分布情况,选取新疆、辽宁、山东、浙江、海南5个地区的平原、丘陵、盆地、山地等地形区域作为典型研究区,并以1∶5万DEM为假定真值、以1∶25万DEM为参照,通过DEM面误差可视化分析、DEM面误差信息熵模型、中误差模型等方法对SRTM3DEM数据高程精度质量做了分析。计算结果表明我国SRTM3DEM数据高程精度质量受地形影响并存在一定的空间差异性,同时我国范围内SRTM3DEM数据高程精度质量整体上要高于1∶25万DEM。     

位置地图的空间认知研究

作为信息时代实现位置服务的重要基础,位置地图交互性强、使用方便,并且能实时、应景地向用户提供位置关联信息,因而比传统的电子地图更能满足用户的位置服务需求。文中分析位置地图的特点和服务模式,并基于地图空间认知理论,提出位置地图的空间认知过程,最后探讨位置地图的认知设计原则,为基于位置地图的位置服务中空间信息的认知与表达提供理论依据。     

DEM Fusion using a modified k-means clustering algorithm

Digital elevation models (DEMs) are a necessary dataset for modelling the Earth’s surface; however, all DEMs contain error. Researchers can reduce this error using DEM fusion techniques since numerous DEMs can be available for a region. However, the use of a clustering algorithm in DEM fusion has not been previously reported. In this study a new DEM fusion algorithm based on a clustering approach that works on multiple DEMs to exploit consistency in the estimates as indicators of accuracy and precision is presented. The fusion approach includes slope and elevation thresholding, k-means clustering of the elevation estimates at each cell location, as well as filtering and smoothing of the fusion product. Corroboration of the input DEMs, and the products of each step of the fusion algorithm, with a higher accuracy reference DEM enabled a detailed analysis of the effectiveness of the DEM fusion algorithm. The main findings of the research were: the k-means clustering of the elevations reduced the precision which also impacted the overall accuracy of the estimates; the number of final cluster members and the standard deviation of elevations before clustering both had a strong relationship to the error in the k-means estimates.     

GIS中三维模型的设计

研究了三维GIS中的空间信息传输模式 ,探讨了平面地图符号与三维模型的区别与联系 ,阐述了三维模型的确立、定位、简化描述和逻辑性设计     

An Adaptive Method of Non‐stationary Variogram Modeling for DEM Error Surface Simulation

Geostatistical characterization of local DEM error is usually based on the assumption of a stationary variogram model which requires the mean and variance to be finite and constant in the area under investigation. However, in practice this assumption is appropriate only in a restricted spatial location, where the local experimental variograms vary slowly. Therefore, an adaptive method is developed in this article to model non‐stationary variograms, for which the estimator and the indicator for characterization of spatial variation are a Voronoi map and the standard deviation of mean values displayed in the Voronoi map, respectively. For the adaptive method, the global domain is divided into different meshes with various sizes according to the variability of local variograms. The adaptive method of non‐stationary variogram modeling is applied to simulating error surfaces of a LiDAR derived DEM located in Sichuan province, China. Results indicate that the locally adaptive variogram model is more accurate than the global one for capturing the characterization of spatial variation in DEM errors. The adaptive model can be considered as an alternative approach to modeling non‐stationary variograms for DEM error surface simulation.     

A Cartographic Animation of Average Yearly Surface Temperatures for the 48 Contiguous United States: 1897–1986

Animation is an important method of communicating information that lends itself to cartographic display. Cartographers may be delinquent in their utilization of this technique. Meteorologists, medical researchers, and physical scientists, employing mini-, mainframe, and supercomputers, are creating today's most sophisticated animated maps and continue to develop high-quality systems for data display. Though today's cartographers are concerned with the geometric accuracy and computer automation of their map products, they may be overlooking current developments in spatiotemporal display within other disciplines. Creating a method to bridge the current animation gap between cartography and these disciplines has been the primary goal of this research. Since personal computers are the platforms most commonly available to cartographers, development of animated cartographic displays is feasible with this technology. As a result of this research, an interactive microcomputer-based animated map of U.S. surface temperatures was designed to help understand the rapid climatic change occurring during the 20th century.     

Complexity reduction in choropleth map animations by autocorrelation weighted generalization of time-series data

Choropleth map animation is widely used to show the development of spatial processes over time. Although animation congruently depicts change, the rapid succession of complex map scenes easily exceeds the human cognitive capacity, causing map users to miss important information. Hence, a reduction of the visual complexity of map animations is desirable. This article builds on research related to complexity reduction of static choropleth maps. It proposes value generalization of choropleth time-series data in space and time, by using a method that adapts to the degree of global spatiotemporal autocorrelation within the dataset. A combination with upstream algorithms for local outlier detection results in less complex map animations focusing on large-scale patterns while still preserving significant local deviations in space and time. An according software application allows for in-depth exploration of the spatial and temporal autocorrelation structures in time-series data and provides control over the whole process of generalization.     

BinSq: visualizing geographic dot density patterns with gridded maps

ABSTRACT

Dot maps have become a popular way to visualize discrete geographic data. Yet, beyond showing how the data are spatially distributed, dot maps are often visually cluttered in terms of consistency, overlap, and representativeness. Existing clutter reduction techniques like jittering, refinement, distortion, and aggregation also address this issue, but do so by arbitrarily displacing dots from their exact location, removing dots from the map, changing the spatial reference of the map, or reducing its level of detail, respectively. We present BinSq, a novel visualization technique to compare variations in dot density patterns without visual clutter. Based on a careful synthesis of existing clutter reduction techniques, BinSq reduces the wide variety of dot density variations on the map to a representative subset of density intervals that are more distinguishable. The subset is derived from a nested binning operation that introduces order and regularity to the map. Thereafter, a dot prioritization operation improves the representativeness of the map by equalizing visible data values to correspond with the actual data. In this paper, we describe the algorithmic implementation of BinSq, explore its parametric design space, and discuss its capabilities in comparison to six existing clutter reduction techniques for dot maps.     

Contour line simplification method based on the two‐level Bellman–Ford algorithm

The contour line is one of the basic elements of a topographic map. Existing contour line simplification methods are generally applied to maps without topological errors. However, contour lines acquired from a digital elevation model (DEM) may contain topological errors before simplification. Targeted at contour lines with topological errors, a progressive simplification method based on the two‐level Bellman–Ford algorithm is proposed in this study. Simplified contour lines and elevation error bands were extracted from the DEM. The contour lines of the elevation error bands were initially simplified with the Bellman–Ford (BF) algorithm. The contour lines were then segmented using the vertices of the initial simplification result and connected curves with the same bending direction were merged into a new curve. Subsequently, various directed graphs of the merged curves were constructed and a second simplification was made using the BF algorithm. Finally, the simplification result was selected based on the similarity between several simplification results and adjacent contour lines. The experimental results indicate that the main shapes of the contour groups can be maintained with this method and original topological errors are resolved.     

复杂地形景区三维导览图的设计与实现

为满足复杂地形景区对三维地图导览的需求,构建更为清晰的三维地图模型,提供良好的三维导览地图设计方案显得尤为重要。为了更好地与卫星影像进行贴合,DEM数据的采样密度要与卫星影像的分辨率一致。本文通过对比当下常用的四种空间插值方法的适用范围与运用特点,设置相关阈值及权重,直观比较了四种插值方法产生的插值结果,选择更适合复杂景区DEM插值的插值方法并对其进行精度提升,以此得到符合精度要求的DEM数据。最后利用相应地区的卫星影像进行地图投影及影像贴图,两种数据结合构建复杂景区的三维地图模型,给游客带来更为精确直观的定位信息和空间要素信息。     

Evaluation of digital elevation models for delineation of hydrological response units in a Himalayan watershed

This study reports results from evaluation of the quality of digital elevation model (DEM) from four sources viz. topographic map (1:50,000), Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) (90 m), optical stereo pair from ASTER (15 m) and CARTOSAT (2.5 m) and their use in derivation of hydrological response units (HRUs) in Sitla Rao watershed (North India). The HRUs were derived using water storage capacity and slope to produce surface runoff zones. The DEMs were evaluated on elevation accuracy and representation of morphometric features. The DEM derived from optical stereo pairs (ASTER and CARTOSAT) provided higher vertical accuracies than the SRTM and topographic map-based DEM. The SRTM with a coarse resolution of 90 m provided vertical accuracy but better morphometry compared to topographic map. The HRU maps derived from the fine resolution DEM (ASTER and CARTOSAT) were more detailed but did not provide much advantage for hydrological studies at the scale of Sitla Rao watershed (5800 ha).     

DEM Extraction in Urban Areas Using High-Resolution TerraSAR-X Imagery

Three-dimensional (3D) spatial information is crucial for improving the quality of human life through urban planning and management, and it is widely utilized due to its rapid, periodic and inexpensive acquisition. In this context, extraction of digital surface and elevation models (DSM and DEM) is a significant research topic for space-borne optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) remote sensing. The DSMs include visible features on the earth’s surface such as vegetation, forest and elevated man-made objects, while DEMs contain only the bare ground. In this paper, using TerraSAR-X (TSX) high resolution Spotlight (HS) images, high-resolution interferometric DEM generation in a part of Istanbul urban area is aimed. This is not an easy task because of SAR imaging problems in complex geometry of urban settlements. The interferometric processing steps for DSM generation were discussed including critical parameters and thresholds to improve the quality of the final product and a 3 m gridded DSM was generated. The DSM-DEM conversion was performed by filtering and the quality of generated DEM was verified against a reference DEM from stereo photogrammetry with 3 m original grid spacing. The achieved root mean square error of height differences (RMSZ) varies from 7.09 to 8.11 m, depending on the terrain slope. The differential DEM, illustrates the height differences between generated DEM and the reference DEM, was generated to show the correlation between height differences and the coherence map. Finally, a perspective view of test area was created draping extracted DEM and a high-resolution IKONOS panchromatic image.     

基于空间插值彩色扫描地形图等高线的自动矢量化

本文主要描述了一种基于彩色扫描地形图等高线的自动提取以及自动矢量化的方法,提出了通过空间插值解决等高线不连通问题的新方法。首先利用图像分割方法分色提取出栅格等高线,自动矢量化等高线(CLs1),然后对这些不连续的等高线赋值,结合其他地形要素(高程点、山脊线、山谷线等)创建DEM,从DEM中提取等高线(CLs2),最后利用提取出的等高线(CLs2)修正从地形图中自动矢量化得到的等高线(CLs1),得到连通的矢量化等高线。通过实验证明此方法是有效的,提高了等高线自动化程度。     

MAPPING THE AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR MOUNTAINOUS AREAS OF AFGHANISTAN

The authors describe a procedure for the compilation of maps of the avalanche hazard in high-mountain regions of Afghanistan. The basic sources of information include space imagery (photographs and scanner imagery), weather station data, and other geographic information on relief, elevation, location of moisture sources, etc. The methodology features the compilation of series of increasingly more specific and informative maps and graphs regarding the avalanche hazard: terrain types, snow cover depth and seasonal extent, duration of snow cover and its elevational zonation, snow as a factor in avalanche formation, and summary map of avalanche hazard. Translated by Elliott B. Urdang, Providence, RI 02906 from: Materialy glyatsiologicheskikh issledovaniy, 1991, No. 71, pp. 86–93.