A proposed base for a geographical information system for India

Abstract

Attempts have been made by different organizations in India to organize data in order to develop a suitable information system. These attempts were oriented towards specific uses, such as natural resources, data management, thematic mapping and the like. In some attempts software has been developed for some specific purpose. It is not an easy task to develop an information system for a country such as India. Its extent in latitude and longitude is well above average. There are federal and state agencies for the collection of data and the preparation of maps. The geographical information concerning India is available from the following sources: the administrative areas of states, union territories, districts, sub-districts and villages; survey sheets; remote sensing images; aerial photographs; and thematic base maps of the National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organisation. There are other map series available which have been used for socio-economic mapping. By the end of 1987 the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite will be launched and then remotely-sensed data will be readily available. Considering the geographical bases available in the country, five levels can be identified for developing an information system for India. Some of the thematic maps at 1:1000 000 scale can be used for initiating such a geographical information system.     

Geographical information systems and planning in the USA: selected municipal adoption trends and educational concerns

Abstract

Practitioners and academics from many fields of study are currently facing numerous issues involving the diffusion of technologies from geographical information systems within their respective professions. This paper has two aims. The first is to report the partial results of a postal survey of selected municipal planning departments in the U.S.A. In measuring trends related to the adoption of computer and geographical information system technologies, the survey focuses on the availability of trained geographical information system and computer literate staff and on alternative means of training existing staff, as well as on the adequacy of collegiate education. The presentation of survey results is used to establish a framework for the principal discussion of this paper. The second part examines the relationship between planning and education in geographical information systems. Parallels within other disciplines and professions are derived. Curricula and training considerations within academic programmes and professional practice are suggested.     

地理距离对互联网社会中网络信息传播的影响

随着互联网技术的高速发展,地理距离在信息化时代下是否仍然起作用引起了争议,地理距离是否已死成为关系到地理学科安身立命的重大命题。本文选取两档具有代表性的综艺节目为例,基于网络上的节目百度指数测度节目的信息关注度,分析节目关注度的时空变化,检验地理距离对信息关注的影响。结果表明,在控制其他因素后,地理距离在网络信息传播与接收中仍然起到不可忽视的作用,即离播出地区距离越远,节目关注度越低,尤其在信息传播初期更为明显;随着时间的向后推移,地理距离的作用也在逐渐变弱。研究认为,即使在即时信息传播的互联网时代,包括地理距离在内的地理因素仍然至关重要。     

网络空间的空间归属及其物质性构建的地理认知

以互联网技术为代表的新信息与通信技术已经重构了时空关系,其中网络空间对传统时空观的颠覆最为典型。网络空间的地理研究包括外部、内部与相互作用三个层面。在界定网络空间的空间归属前提下,提出了其物质性构建的体系框架,并在此基础上进一步分析了其外部物质层面所蕴含的地理内涵。研究表明：网络空间的本质是一个由信息组成的虚拟空间,其既属于社会空间,也在地理空间研究范畴内;信息基础设施、网民、建设与管理实体是构建网络空间的三大物质性组分,也是进行网络空间外部层面地理学研究的主要对象;网络空间构建的物质基础在地点与地理位置、距离与尺度、障碍与边界、区域与区域分异等传统地理关注领域仍具有重要地理意义;城市本身演变为了信息城市甚至是智慧城市,且其与信息基础设施一起成为城市网络分析的新要素;网络空间制图是帮助我们理解和认知网络空间地理涵义的关键环节。     

Geographical data handling and GIS in China

Abstract

Abstract Chinese governments have long paid a great deal of attention to the collection of geodata, and existing sources have been further enhanced by technological advances, notably in remote sensing. Progress has also been made with automated cartography. An expert working group has been examining GIS and it is recognized that a system combining both national and regional components is most appropriate for China. Three basic functions are envisaged for such GIS: comprehensive regional analysis, prediction of change and the sharing of data. Such systems must serve the needs of users and, in order to demonstrate potential applications, regional experiments are being undertaken, including examples of urban information systems, river basin information systems and specialized systems (e.g. for tourist and forest resources). In the next few years, the emphasis will be on research and on technological preparation for the adoption of GIS, including the use of an experimental set of geographical grid cells. Chinese scholars are also involved in international collaboration in the study of global problems and propose a cooperative programme for a global geographical information system.     

基于EMD的空间信息剖分一体化编目模型研究

针对目前空间信息编目多样、缺乏全球统一编目体系的现状,借鉴地理空间信息分类框架,结合地图分幅拓展球面剖分理论,提出了基于EMD的空间信息剖分一体化编目模型.在此基础上,设计了统一剖分编目中间件,搭建了全球空间信息统一剖分编目数据的管理框架.基于EMD的空间信息剖分一体化编目模型为实现空间数据的全球化、层次化和规范化管理奠定了理论基础.     

跨国公司全球研发网络投资的空间组织解构及过程

基于广义复杂系统观,建立研究跨国公司全球研发网络投资空间组织全过程+多系统的分析框架,对跨国公司全球研发网络投资的空间组织进行多系统的解构。基于多系统的解构分析结果,对多网络系统框架下的跨国公司全球研发网络投资的空间组织过程进行分析。研究发现：① 跨国公司全球研发网络投资的空间组织组成的是一个复杂的空间巨系统,由多系统组成;② 为达到整合世界各国的优势研发创新要素目的,跨国公司全球研发网络投资空间组织在多阶段形成的多系统协同治理关系,不是相互割裂的,它们前后交叉,交替演进,共同构成跨国公司搜寻、整合和利用世界各国优势研发创新要素的全过程。     

国家自然科学基金视角下地理科学融合发展路径探索

随着整体科学的进步和国家社会的发展,地理科学已迈入跨学科交叉融合发展的新阶段。通过学科间和领域间的深度融合寻求新发展路径,完善知识体系,充分发挥服务国家社会之功能,是当前地理科学发展的当务之急。本文基于自然科学基金视角,分析了中国地理科学融合发展的现状与问题,认为其与国际前沿未充分接轨,研究的全球政治、经济、文化影响力有待加强,认为地理科学融合国家重大需求进行理论与技术创新的能力有待提升,认为学科内部体系要根据知识融合需求进一步优化。在此基础上,提出了资助政策引导下地理科学面向世界科技前沿的学科交叉融合、面向国家重大战略的多领域交叉融合和面向申请代码优化布局的分支学科交叉三大融合发展路径与相应政策工具。未来国家自然科学基金委员会将立足于保持学科发展的持续性和稳定性,通过政策创新来激励地理科学与其它学科、领域的交叉融合,以建设更具有活力与创新性的学术生态系统。     

A GIS-based Spatial Pattern Analysis Model for eco-region mapping and characterization

Growing concerns about global climate change, biodiversity maintenance, natural resources conservation, and long-term ecosystem sustainability have been responsible for the transformation of traditional single resource management approaches into integrated ecosystem management models. Eco-regions are large ecosystems of regional extent that contain smaller ecosystems of similar response potential and resource production capabilities. They can be used as a geographical framework for organizing and reporting resource information, setting bioecological recovery criteria, extrapolating site-level management, and monitoring global change. The objective of this research is to develop a quantitative, multivariate regionalization model that is capable of delineating eco-regions at multiple levels from remotely sensed information and other environmental and natural resources spatial data. The Spatial Pattern Analysis Model developed in this study uses a region-growing algorithm to generate spatially contiguous regions from primitive polygonal land units. The algorithm merges the most similar pair of neighbouring units at each iteration, based on satisfying certain similarity criteria until all units are grouped into one. This model was utilized to develop an eco-region map of Nebraska with three hierarchical levels. In the mapping process, the STATSGO data set was used to build the primitive map units. Environmental parameters included in the model were multi-temporal AVHRR data, soil rooting depth, organic matter content, available water capacity, and long-term annual averages of water balance and growing degree day totals. Development of the model provides a new and useful approach to eco-region mapping for resource managers and researchers. The method is automated and efficient, reduces the judgement biases and uncertainty of manual analyses, and can be replicated for other regions or for the regionalization of other themes.     

Early applications of geographical information systems at the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology

Abstract

The Institute of Terrestrial Ecology (ITE) Digital Cartographic Service provides a range of services to the scientists of ITE (and others) including various techniques within the field of geographical information systems (GIS). This paper discusses work of this type as it is applied to specific ITE projects. The emphasis is very much on GIS applications to ‘real ecological science’ such as the ‘acid water’ problem and the change of forest areas into heathland. Some comments are made on fundamental GIS techniques, their use and limitations. At ITE, GIS applications are growing out of an existing use of digital mapping and remote sensing technologies; they have not purchased a GIS system ‘off the shelf.’     

Use of Geospatial Data and Technology for Wilderness Search and Rescue by Nonprofit Organizations

Geospatial data and tools are key in locating lost or missing persons in as short a time as possible. In this study, we used a geographic information system (GIS) to analyze four years of search and rescue (SAR) mission data from Colorado to determine the appropriate use of GIS for volunteer-based SAR organizations with limited resources and GIS expertise. GIS can provide more sophisticated analyses of geospatial data than simple mapping technologies, but our findings indicated that complex spatial analysis might not be required on all missions, because the majority of missions were completed within six to ten hours. Instead, new technologies such as tablets with mapping software and online GIS systems that provide quick and easy access to up-to-date geospatial data such as imagery offer capabilities that could improve mission planning. Here we provide a framework in which SAR missions can apply geospatial technologies to aid with missions, identify critical “hotspots,” and enhance postanalysis and training. The work here is highly applicable for nonprofit SAR groups when deciding on what GIS technologies to consider for their areas.     

对地球信息科学的思考

作为地球科学一个重要分支的地球信息科学,在近１０多年来已得到人们的广泛关注与高度重视。本文以信息科学为基础分析信息流的意义及其与物质流和能量流的关系,阐述地球信息科学在地球科学中的地位及其内涵,并从地球信息机理、地球信息技术以及地球信息科学的应用三方面论述地球信息科学研究的主要内容。     

A participatory framework for developing public participation GIS solutions to improve resource management systems

Participatory approaches elicit information from multiple stakeholders while planning and implementing resource management systems. Such elicited information is often associated with significant variability. Public participation geographical information science (GIS) (PP-GIS) solutions can reduce this variability by helping stakeholders to measure the factors involved and provide the elicited information. We propose a ‘Quality Function Deployment’-based participatory framework for developing such PP-GIS solutions. It is demonstrated using a case study to enhance an existing PP-GIS into a solution for rainwater harvesting systems in Indian villages. The novelty of the proposed framework is that it identifies metrics and carries out comparative analysis of three existing solutions: participatory rural appraisal, participatory mapping and PP-GIS. In the case study, PP-GIS scored less than participatory mapping as it scored less on usability and affordability. To improve PP-GIS in these aspects, an easy-to-use mobile and web based, free and open source PP-GIS solution, Watershed GIS, was developed. It scored better than the three existing solutions and its usage resulted in substantial reduction of variability in criteria values and thus better ranking of alternatives, with the average coefficient of variation decreasing from 0.12 to 0.05.     

今天的中国为什么比任何时候都需要世界地理学

世界地理作为中国地理学的重要分支学科,特指研究中国以外区域或国家的地理学科,是中国特有的学科分类现象。中国地理学的这种内外有别的思想对世界地理发展危害甚大,至今都难以消弭。忽视世界地理研究,就会有只见树木、不见森林之虞。为了贯彻落实党的“十九大”精神,繁荣探索新型科研组织机制,打造一流世界地理学科,服务国家重大国际战略需求,来自国内高校、科研院所的百余人齐聚一堂,探讨中国世界地理学科发展之路。与会专家一致认为：地理学是国家发展的法宝,是立国之本。当前世界政治经济格局加速重构,为中国地理学发展带来了前所未有的历史机遇,也赋予地理学特别是世界地理学学科新的重大历史使命。为此,须充分发挥地理学科的优势和特长,紧跟国家和世界发展大势,树立全球眼光,面向国家重大战略需求,把自然与人文结合起来,面向可持续发展,团结国内各相关单位,进行跨学科研究,提升世界地理学科为二级学科,构建具有中国特色的世界地理学理论体系、逻辑框架和学科范式,提升中国地理学科,特别是世界地理学科服务国家和地方发展的能力。     

空间信息技术在丝绸之路历史变迁中的应用及研究进展

丝绸之路作为一条沟通东西方文化交流的大动脉,已经有近2000的历史,是人类交往中的活化石。对其研究可以深入的了解古代人类变迁、自然演化等诸方面的进展,因此一直是学界研究的热点,在已有的研究成果基础上,采用空间技术为手段研究历史问题,为历史研究提供一种新的思路与方法。首先详细探讨了国内外迄今为止在丝绸之路领域中的已有研究进展,总结了目前该领域的研究成果;随后分析了遥感技术(RS)、空间定位导航技术(GPS)和地理信息技术(GIS)等新技术手段的优势,提出了如何在丝绸之路研究中应用这些新技术的思路,建立了中国丝绸之路空间信息系统。通过研究,可以在丝绸之路已有研究成果的基础上,以传统的研究方法为基础,充分采用空间信息技术为我国丝绸之路的研究提供新的技术支撑,同时也为我国历史与古地理研究提供有力的辅助手段。     

On the Issues of Scale,Resolution, and Fractal Analysis in the Mapping Sciences*

Scale and resolution have long been key issues in geography. The rapid development of analytical cartography, GIS, and remote sensing (the mapping sciences) in the last decade has forced the issues of scale and resolution to be treated formally and better defined. This paper addresses the problem of scale and resolution in geographical studies, with special reference to the mapping sciences. The fractal concept is introduced, and its use in identifying the scale and resolution problem is discussed. The implications of the scale and resolution problem on studies of global change and modeling are also explored.     

Making Sense of Claims across Institutional Divides: critical PGIS and mapping customary land in Timor-Leste

This article explores land-tenure issues faced by Timor-Leste, specifically with reference to customary land, and the significance of mapping in resolving those difficulties. A critical review is undertaken of the pitfalls of Indigenous mapping and applications of Participatory Geographic Information Systems (PGIS) to achieve sensitive and empowering outcomes for customary groups seeking land claims. A methodology for mapping customary land in Timor-Leste is described and an analysis of the author's on-the-ground research is presented. Although the importance of customary institutions for rural land management across Timor-Leste is ascertained, this article does not advance a definitive land rights framework for the country or prescribe national mapping of customary areas. Instead, it argues for a mapping methodology to support land-use decision-making that can make sense of Indigenous knowledge and appropriate cultural practices in rural land-use claims. Identified as crucial in the process is the equal value attributed to evidence presented in myriad forms that may act as key information bridges across epistemological divides and knowledges. PGIS is a potentially important tool for resolving land-use conflicts in rural Timor-Leste when resolution occurs within a formalised institutional framework.     

中国耕地面积变化信息系统设计

合理地利用耕地资源是未来社会经济可持续发展的重大问题。耕地面积变化的管理是为实现土地资源、社会经济可持续发展的重要举措。中国耕地面积变化信息系统是在地理信息系统的支持下,以耕地面积变化数据、基础地理数据和遥感数据为地理实体对象,集知识、分析、决策和服务为一体的系统。该系统从应用角度为空间数据管理提供了一种可行的解决方案。以中国耕地面积变化信息系统的建设为例,对系统的总体结构、功能、数据库和系统集成等方面进行了探讨。     

Mapping fine-scale population distributions at the building level by integrating multisource geospatial big data

Fine-scale population distribution data at the building level play an essential role in numerous fields, for example urban planning and disaster prevention. The rapid technological development of remote sensing (RS) and geographical information system (GIS) in recent decades has benefited numerous population distribution mapping studies. However, most of these studies focused on global population and environmental changes; few considered fine-scale population mapping at the local scale, largely because of a lack of reliable data and models. As geospatial big data booms, Internet-collected volunteered geographic information (VGI) can now be used to solve this problem. This article establishes a novel framework to map urban population distributions at the building scale by integrating multisource geospatial big data, which is essential for the fine-scale mapping of population distributions. First, Baidu points-of-interest (POIs) and real-time Tencent user densities (RTUD) are analyzed by using a random forest algorithm to down-scale the street-level population distribution to the grid level. Then, we design an effective iterative building-population gravity model to map population distributions at the building level. Meanwhile, we introduce a densely inhabited index (DII), generated by the proposed gravity model, which can be used to estimate the degree of residential crowding. According to a comparison with official community-level census data and the results of previous population mapping methods, our method exhibits the best accuracy (Pearson R = .8615, RMSE = 663.3250, p < .0001). The produced fine-scale population map can offer a more thorough understanding of inner city population distributions, which can thus help policy makers optimize the allocation of resources.