Crime on the edges: patterns of crime and land use change

ABSTRACT

Criminologists have long-known that different locations have varying levels of risk for criminal victimization. Based on the geometry of crime and its corresponding crime generators and crime attractors, edges (boundaries between relatively homogeneous neighborhoods) are locations with an elevated risk of criminal victimization. In this article, we investigate the importance of edges. We find that criminal victimization rates are 2–3 times on an edge compared to elsewhere. However, this effect decreases very quickly moving away from these locations, with the effect gone at 40 meters. This general effect is identified in a number of contexts and locations.     

Further Thoughts on the Representation of Vegetation on Topographic and Planimetric Maps

Abstract

The content of topographic and planimetric maps in relation to vegetation is examined with reference to the evaluation of contouring, the degree to which vegetation impedes movement, forestry, recreation, the planning of development projects, route planning, vegetation as base map information, and land use. This is an extension of the paper published in the Cartographic Journal, vol. 2, no. 2, and refers in particular to Africa South of the Sahara.     

A generalisation of the least-squares method for the adjustment of free networks

Summary The system of normal equations for the adjustment of a free network is a singular one. Therefore, a number of coordinates has to be fixed according to the matrix. The mean square errors and the error ellipses of such an adjustment are dependent on this choice. This paper gives a simple, direct method for the adjustment of free networks, where no coordinates need to be fixed. This is done by minimizing not only the sum of the squares of the weighted errorsV ^T PV=minimun but also the Euclidean norm of the vectorX and of the covariance matrixQ X ^T X=minimum trace (Q)=minimum This last condition is crucial for geodetic problems of this type.     

A Place to Howl: A GIS Instructional Module on the Mexican Gray Wolf

Abstract

This paper covers the development of a GIS instructional module centered on the reintroduction of the Mexican Gray Wolf in the Southwest, United States. This module is used in an undergraduate geography course on the United States. The paper also reports on how forty‐one students applied the module in trying to find an appropriate location to reintroduce the wolf.     

TRIGONOMETRICAL HEIGHTS AND THE COEFFICIENT OF TERRESTRIAL REFRACTION

Abstract

Mr. A. J. Morley has contributed a series of articles in the Review (E.S.R., iv, 23, 16; iv, 25, 136 and vi, 40, 76) on the adjustment of trigonometrical levels and the evaluation of the coefficient of terrestrial refraction with a view to ascertaining how other Colonies and Dominions deal with these problems. This object is very commendable as several problems concerning both the observational and theoretical sides arise in height determinations, regarding which there is not much guidance in the usual treatises on the subject.     

Cartography in the Context of Sciences: Theoretical and Technological Considerations

Abstract

In an introductory theoretical way, the authors attempt to place cartography into the general context of sciences. Based on the traditional definition describing cartography as a science, technique and art, its defined scientific role in the development of geographic thinking is analysed. This approach corresponds to the procedural method in epistemology. Cartography is, according to a general model in science, classified considering the fact whether its sources of origin of the concepts, its principles and postulates are genuine or derivatives from other disciplines. After comparative statements between Cartography and Geography, an analysis of all environmental sciences with reference to the use of technologies is carried out.     

THE ADJUSTMENT OF A FIRST-ORDER LEVELLING NETWORK

Abstract

In the E.S.R. January and April numbers of 1955, Vol. xiii, Nos. 95 and 96, Mr. Hsuan-Loh Su described the “Adjustment of a Level Net by Successive Approximations and by Electrical Analogy”. It does not seem to be as generally known as it should be that the rigid least square solution can be greatly simplified by utilizing the electrical analogy and solving by Kirchhoff's method. The method as detailed below has been in use for over 40 years.     

The Map of the Future May Not Be a Map!

Abstract

Although studies concerned with the communication of information and of power-relations have been central to the development of cartographic theory, as hermeneutics they do not seem to have fully explored the relationship between maps and aesthetics. In this short paper, I will briefly discuss the reasons why aesthetics belongs in the development of cartographic theory and suggest possible avenues for further research.     

On the multivariate total least-squares approach to empirical coordinate transformations. Three algorithms

The multivariate total least-squares (MTLS) approach aims at estimating a matrix of parameters, Ξ, from a linear model (Y−E _Y = (X−E _X ) · Ξ) that includes an observation matrix, Y, another observation matrix, X, and matrices of randomly distributed errors, E _Y and E _X . Two special cases of the MTLS approach include the standard multivariate least-squares approach where only the observation matrix, Y, is perturbed by random errors and, on the other hand, the data least-squares approach where only the coefficient matrix X is affected by random errors. In a previous contribution, the authors derived an iterative algorithm to solve the MTLS problem by using the nonlinear Euler–Lagrange conditions. In this contribution, new lemmas are developed to analyze the iterative algorithm, modify it, and compare it with a new ‘closed form’ solution that is based on the singular-value decomposition. For an application, the total least-squares approach is used to estimate the affine transformation parameters that convert cadastral data from the old to the new Israeli datum. Technical aspects of this approach, such as scaling the data and fixing the columns in the coefficient matrix are investigated. This case study illuminates the issue of “symmetry” in the treatment of two sets of coordinates for identical point fields, a topic that had already been emphasized by Teunissen (1989, Festschrift to Torben Krarup, Geodetic Institute Bull no. 58, Copenhagen, Denmark, pp 335–342). The differences between the standard least-squares and the TLS approach are analyzed in terms of the estimated variance component and a first-order approximation of the dispersion matrix of the estimated parameters.     

Topographic Science at the University of Glasgow

Abstract

The problems of devising university courses in topographic science subjects, culminating in the institution of a full B.Sc. degree, are examined in relation to parallel developments elsewhere. Details of course content and structure are given, in the expectation that specific examples will provide discussion points for those concerned with the development of education in cartography.     

Typography and the alphabet

Abstract

The alphabet is the best tool that humankind has for storing thoughts, ideas and instructions until they can be employed, acted upon or communicated to others. This paper presents a necessarily brief and selective summary of the development of the alphabet in Europe from pre-Christian days to the digital/laser technology in use today.     

The geopotential to (14, 14) from a combination of satellite and gravimetric data

A set of2261 5°×5° mean anomalies were used alone and with satellite determined harmonic coefficients of the Smithsonian' Institution to determine the geopotential expansion to various degrees. The basic adjustment was carried out by comparing a terrestrial anomaly to an anomaly determined from an assumed set of coefficients. The (14, 14) solution was found to agree within ±3 m of a detailed geoid in the United States computed using1°×1° anomalies for an inner area and satellite determined anomalies in an outer area. Additional comparisons were made to the input anomaly field to consider the accuracy of various harmonic coefficient solutions. A by-product of this investigation was a new γ_E=978.0463 gals in the Potsdam system or978.0326 gals in an absolute system if −13.7 mgals is taken as the Potsdam correction. Combining this value of γ_E withf=1/298.25, KM=3.9860122·10 ²² cm ³ /sec ² , the consistent equatorial radius was found to be6378143 m.     

A knowledge based system for cartographic symbol design

Abstract

The work of the Ordnance Survey in Scotland has been rarely considered at a local level. Several bodies in Glasgow contributed to an extensive correspondence regarding the plan of the city and the appropriate scales of survey. This paper discusses the representation as an insight onto a wider perspective of the development of Ordnance Survey policy in the mid-Victorian era.     

Preliminary results of the establishment of a marine geodetic point in the Pacific Ocean

In November 1968, a marine geodetic control point was established in the Pacific Ocean at a water depth of6,200 feet. The control point (reference point) consists of three underwater acoustic transponders, two of which are powered with lead-acid batteries and the third with an underwater radioisotope power source “URIPS” with a10- to20- year life expectancy. Four independent measuring techniques (LORAC airborne line-crossing, satellite, ship inertial, and acoustic techniques) were used to measure and determine the coordinates of the control point. Preliminary analysis of the acoustic and airborne data indicates that high accuracies can be achieved in the establishment of geodetic reference points at sea. Geodetic adjustment by the method of variation of coordinates yielded a standard point error of±50 to±66 feet in determining the unknown ship station. The original location of the ship station as determined by shipboard navigation equipment was off by about1,600 feet. Paper previously published in the Proceedings of the Second Marine Geodesy Symposium of the Marine Technology Society.     

Tactile Mapping: Yesterday,Today and Tomorrow

Abstract

The paper presents an overview the development of techniques in and uses of tactile mapping² through the last fifty or so years. It provides both a background for the other papers in this issue,³ and an account of the current state of the art. It notes that cartography has almost as much to learn from tactile cartography as vice versa, and suggests possible routes and areas for future developments in tactile mapping and the education and care of blind and visually impaired people.     

Mapping in the cloud

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the development of a crowdsourced indoor navigation system named SoleWay. Because the input of volunteers is crucial, special attention was paid to the usability of the system at different stages throughout its development. Besides a user-friendly system, this has resulted in a number of important insights that can facilitate the development of future systems: the importance social motivation of potential users, integration of a stepwise approach (with a gradual release and subsequent user evaluations), and adaptation to user requirements. These elements combined are also crucial to be able to obtain a critical crowd that can sustain a viable content.     

Geomorphological monitoring of a highly dynamic estuary using oblique aerial photographs

Abstract

Bad weather in many countries limits the use of optical satellite imageries in spatial and temporal monitoring of the environment. In this paper, a series of low-altitude oblique aerial photos taken on daily, weekly and monthly intervals were used to monitor the geomorphological changes in the upper part of the Mersey Estuary, northwestern England. This low-altitude aerial photo methodology reveals itself to be a satisfying compromise between cost, accuracy and difficulty of implementation. It offered a large amount of information on a spatial and temporal scale aiding in the understanding of channel mobility. This was an important consideration in the sitting and installation of new bridge pier foundations. This series of oblique aerial photos was used in a dynamic model to determine the migration of the ebb channel and was effective in identifying the main route of flow. Few uncertainties were encountered and the level of accuracy achieved in resolving these uncertainties in the images was in the range from 40 cm to a maximum of 1.7 m. This was compared with historical navigation charts and showed good correlation. Further applications are required to improve the quality of the data output from these images and the development of the technique.     

The use of atmospheric dispersion in optical distance measurement

The development of lasers, new electro-optic light modulation methods, and improved electronic techniques have made possible significant improvements in the range and accuracy of optical distance measurements, thus providing not only improved geodetic tools but also useful techniques for the study of other geophysical, meteorological, and astronomical problems. One of the main limitations, at present, to the accuracy of geodetic measurements is the uncertainty in the average propagation velocity of the radiation due to inhomogeneity of the atmosphere. Accuracies of a few parts in ten million or even better now appear feasible, however, through the use of the dispersion method, in which simultaneous measurements of optical path length at two widely separated wavelengths are used to determine the average refractive index over the path and hence the true geodetic distance. The design of a new instrument based on this method, which utilizes wavelengths of6328 ? and3681 ? and3 GHz polarization modulation of the light, is summarized. Preliminary measurements over a5.3 km path with this instrument have demonstrated a sensitivity of3×10 ⁻⁹ in detecting changes in optical path length for either wavelength using1-second averaging, and a standard deviation of3×10 ⁻⁷ in corrected length. The principal remaining sources of error are summarized, as is progress in other laboratories using the dispersion method or other approaches to the problem of refractivity correction.     

Impact of aerosols on terrestrial gross primary productivity in North China using an improved boreal ecosystem productivity simulator with satellite-based aerosol optical depth

ABSTRACT

Atmospheric aerosols can alter the direct and diffuse components of global solar radiation, which further influences terrestrial gross primary productivity (GPP) via photosynthesis. To investigate the impact of aerosols on GPP, GPP is modeled using the Boreal Ecosystem Productivity Simulator (BEPS) under two aerosol scenarios (S1& S2) over cropland and grassland ecosystems in the highly polluted North China. In S1, the aerosol-effect is not considered and an original empirical method is used when estimating direct and diffuse solar radiation in BEPS. In S2, BEPS is improved by a new empirical method which incorporates the impact of aerosols using the remote sensing-based aerosol optical depth (AOD). Results suggest that aerosols can reduce GPP of the sunlit leaves by decreasing direct solar radiation, but increase GPP of the shaded leaves by increasing diffuse solar radiation. The impact of aerosols on GPP is more significant over the cropland ecosystem (p < 0.05) with a more complex canopy structure during the peak period of the growing season. Furthermore, an AOD value of 0.3–0.6 with a diffuse fraction (the fraction of diffuse solar radiation in global solar radiation) around 30-40% can largely increase total GPP over the cropland ecosystem. The study improves the accuracy of GPP modeling using BEPS by highlighting the aerosol-effect on GPP via solar radiation over highly polluted regions.

Abbreviations: gross primary productivity (GPP); aerosol optical depth (AOD); boreal ecosystem productivity simulator (BEPS)     

Ptolemy and the Early Image of the Old World

Abstract

A cartographic symposium held at Ulm in November 1982 was stimulated by the 500th anniversary of the printing of Ptolemy's 'Geographica' in that city, and was attended by an international gathering of historical cartographers.