Ontologies and representation spaces for sketch map interpretation

In this paper, we present a systematic approach to sketch map interpretation. The method decomposes the elements of a sketch map into a hierarchy of categories, from the material sketch map level to the non-material representational sketch map level, and then interprets the sketch map using the five formal representation spaces that we develop. These spaces (set, graph, metric and Euclidean) provide a tiered formal representation based on standard mathematical structures. We take the view that a sketch map bears information about the physical world and systematises this using extensions of existing formal ontologies. The motivation for this work is the partially automatic extraction and integration of information from sketch maps. We propose a set of ontologies and methods as a first step in the direction of a formalisation of partially automatic extraction and integration of sketch map content. We also see this work as a contribution to spatial cognition, where researchers externalise spatial knowledge using sketch mapping. The paper concludes by working through an example that demonstrates the sketch map interpretation at different levels using the underlying method.     

地理空间中的空间关系表达和推理

针对地理空间中的应用,归纳了在空间关系的表达与推理中不同于人工智能领域研究的一些特点:在人工智能领域,更注重建立形式化的推理系统;而在地理信息科学中,则需更关注地理空间的特点以及地物的地理语义。该文基于地理空间和地理现象的本质且顾及地理空间认知,总结了地理空间中空间关系表达和推理的特点,具体包括空间的有限性、地球的球面特征、地物的地理语义、地物形状的复杂性、面状地物、特殊的空间关系、空间关系的层次性与尺度相应原则、不确定性、三维与时态特性九方面;进而介绍了地理空间关系表达的两个应用,即地理信息检索和基于对象的图像分析。该文的探讨可为地理信息科学中的相关研究提供方向性指导。     

Continuous surface representation and approximation: spatial analytical implications

Field-based continuous representation in a geographical information system (GIS) has long been important for describing complex spatially distributed phenomena, such as population, precipitation, air pollution, temperature elevation and land cover. Though theoretical knowledge and properties of continuous distributions can be employed, such surfaces are generally approximated or abstracted in practice due to a lack of complete information. That is, such surfaces are based on finite spatial samples, which is a practical necessity with regard to the infinite underlying attribute variability. These approximated surfaces are then used in various spatial analyses, yet impacts are not well understood. This article will examine theoretical properties and errors that result in practice when approximated continuous surfaces are relied on in spatial analysis.     

GIS作为新一代地理学语言的特征(英文)

Language plays a vital role in the communication, sharing and transmission of information among human beings. Geographical languages are essential for understanding, investigating, representing and propagating geo-spatial information. Geographical languages have developed and evolved gradually with improvements in science, technology and cognitive levels. Concerning the theoretical progress from geographical information ontology, epistemology and linguistic theory, this paper firstly puts forward the concept of a GIS language and discusses its basic characteristics according to changes in the structures, functions and characteristics of geographical languages. This GIS language can be regarded as a system of synthetic digital symbols. It is a comprehensive representation of geographical objects, phenomena and their spatial distributions and dynamic processes. This representation helps us generate a universal perception of geographical space using geographical scenarios or symbols with geometry, statuses, processes, spatio-temporal relationships, semantics and attributes. Furthermore, this paper states that the GIS language represents a new generation of geographical language due to its intrinsic characteristics, structures, functions and systematic content. Based on the aforementioned theoretical foundation, this paper illustrates the pivotal status and contributions of the GIS language from the perspective of geographical researchers. The language of GIS is a new geographical language designed for the current era, with features including spatio-temporal multi-dimension representation, interactive visualization, virtual geographical scenarios, multi-sensor perception and expedient broadcasting via the web. The GIS language is the highest-level geographical language developed to date, integrating semantic definitions, feature extraction, geographical dynamic representation and spatio-temporal factors and unifying the computation of geographical phenomena and objects. The GIS language possesses five important characteristics: abstraction, systematicness, strictness, precision and hierarchy. In summary, the GIS language provides a new means forpeople to recognize, understand and simulate entire geo-environments. Therefore, exploration of the GIS language’s functions in contemporary geographical developments is becoming increasingly important. Similarly, construction of the conceptual model and scientific systems of the GIS language will promote the development of the disciplines of geography and geographical information sciences. Therefore, this paper investigates the prospects of the GIS language from the perspectives of digital technology, geographical norms, geographical modeling and the disciplinary development of geography.     

A new geographical language：A perspective of GIS

Language plays a vital role in the communication, sharing and transmission of information among human beings. Geographical languages are essential for understanding, investigating, representing and propagating geo-spatial information. Geographical languages have developed and evolved gradually with improvements in science, technology and cognitive levels. Concerning the theoretical progress from geographical information ontology, epistemology and linguistic theory, this paper firstly puts forward the concept of a GIS language and discusses its basic characteristics according to changes in the structures, functions and characteristics of geographical languages. This GIS language can be regarded as a system of synthetic digital symbols. It is a comprehensive representation of geographical objects, phenomena and their spatial distributions and dynamic processes. This representation helps us generate a universal perception of geographical space using geographical scenarios or symbols with geometry, statuses, processes, spatio-temporal relationships, semantics and attributes. Furthermore, this paper states that the GIS language represents a new generation of geographical language due to its intrinsic characteristics, structures, functions and systematic content. Based on the aforementioned theoretical foundation, this paper illustrates the pivotal status and contributions of the GIS language from the perspective of geographical researchers. The language of GIS is a new geographical language designed for the current era, with features including spatio-temporal multi-dimension representation, interactive visualization, virtual geographical scenarios, multi-sensor perception and expedient broadcasting via the web. The GIS language is the highest-level geographical language developed to date, integrating semantic definitions, feature extraction, geographical dynamic representation and spatio-temporal factors and unifying the computation of geographical phenomena and objects. The GIS language possesses five important characteristics: abstraction, systematicness, strictness, precision and hierarchy. In summary, the GIS language provides a new means for people to recognize, understand and simulate entire geo-environments. Therefore, exploration of the GIS language’s functions in contemporary geographical developments is becoming increasingly important. Similarly, construction of the conceptual model and scientific systems of the GIS language will promote the development of the disciplines of geography and geographical information sciences. Therefore, this paper investigates the prospects of the GIS language from the perspectives of digital technology, geographical norms, geographical modeling and the disciplinary development of geography.     

黄土地貌本体的构建方法研究

由于人类认知差异和语义描述的模糊性,导致地理要素语义表达的不一致以及信息共享的极大困难.鉴于本体是解决基于语义知识表达的有效方法,该文以黄土地貌为例,使用本体的形式化定义形式,对黄土地貌概念进行语义形式化表达,提出了构建黄土地貌的五元组逻辑结构,进而建立了黄土地貌的本体模型.     

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.     

社会文化地理知识生产的表征与非表征维度

采用文献归纳和理论思辨法,对社会文化地理知识生产的表征和非表征表达、关系转换及权力政治等内容进行了系统分析。研究认为,表征的本质是作为替代品指代实物符号化的实践,非表征是动态性隐蔽对象显性化的实践。表征与非表征是社会文化地理知识生产的重要维度,两者具有同构性和互补性;出于差异化的逻辑抽象方式,两者又存在较大的表达区分。表征主要是对特殊意义“知识节点”的关注,具有共享性、社会性、说明性和稳定性;非表征主要是对非稳定性流动知识、活力性知识和关联性知识的关注,具有经验性和情境性、具身性和体验性、结构性和交互性;表征与非表征不仅具有内在关联性,也存在转换的必要性,这是人们积极应对社会文化地理知识认识论危机的一种可能方案,也是人们更加精确认识地理知识生产的前提和基础;随着后现代地理学语境的兴起,以及人们对话语、身份等要素的关注,社会文化地理知识生产的表征与非表征方式受到了权力政治因素的影响,这使表征和非表征实践具有了表达协商的意蕴,这一研究发现将创新并拓展对表征和非表征的传统理解。未来研究应多聚焦在表征和非表征的内涵解读、内容和方法呈现层面,这既有利于丰富社会文化地理知识生产的表达方式,也有利于人们科学指导地理实践。     

基于场所的GIS中的不确定性问题及分类框架

基于场所的GIS直接表达人类地理空间知识的管理和加工过程,而不确定性是人类智能的基本特点,因此GIS的智能化需要研究其中的不确定性问题。与传统的GIS相比,基于场所的GIS中的不确定性问题更为丰富,既包括随机性,也包括含糊性,而不确定性的主体既可以是地理要素、场所和空间关系,也包括命题和规则。该文介绍该领域相关的研究成果,基于不确定性主体、类型、表达手段及相关的活动4个视角,建立了基于场所的GIS中所涉及的不确定性框架,从而为相关的不确定性建模提供指导。     

An object-oriented knowledge representation structure for exploration data integration

Knowledge representation structure and reasoning processes are very important issues in the knowledge-based approach of integrating multiple spatial data sets for resource exploration. An object-oriented knowledge representation structure and corresponding reasoning processes are formulated and tested in this research on the knowledge-based approach of integrating spatial exploration data. The map-based prototype expert system developed in this study has self-contained knowledge representation structure and inference mechanisms. It is important to distinguish between lack of information and information providing negative evidence for a map-based system because the spatial distribution of data sets are uneven in most cases. Error and uncertainty estimation is also an important component of any production expert system. The uncertainty propagation mechanisms developed here work well for this type of integrated exploration problem. Evidential bellef function theory provides a natural theoretical basis for representing and integrating spatially uneven geophysical and geological information. The prototype system is tested using real mineral exploration data sets from the Snow Lake area, northern Manitoba, Canada. The test results outline the favorable exploration areas successfully and show the effectiveness of the knowledge representation structure and inference mechanisms for the knowledge-based approach.     

A formal framework for the representation of stack-based terrains

This paper presents a formal framework for the representation of three-dimensional geospatial data and the definition of common geographic information system (GIS) spatial operations. We use the compact stack-based representation of terrains (SBRT) in order to model geological volumetric data, both at the surface and subsurface levels, thus preventing the large storage requirements of regular voxel models. The main contribution of this paper is fitting the SBRT into the geo-atom theory in a seamless way, providing it with a sound formal geographic foundation. In addition we have defined a set of common spatial operations on this representation using the tools provided by map algebra. More complex geoprocessing operations or geophysical simulations using the SBRT as representation can be implemented as a composition of these fundamental operations. Finally a data model and an implementation extending the coverage concept provided by the Geography Markup Language standard are suggested. Geoscientists and GIS professionals can take advantage of this model to exchange and reuse geoinformation within a well-specified framework.     

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.     

Structuring image data within a multi-media information system

Abstract

This paper describes a generic structure model for large numbers of spatially-related images held within a multi-media information system. Applications vary from multi-scale map tilings underlying geographical information system user interfaces to sets of spatially-related visual data held in image form, such as ‘structured walks’ and sets of views with finder maps. The model enables an abstract structure to be soft-configured onto any indexed collection of images and related to standard databases of textual and graphical information at various levels. This is achieved by defining a number of customized ‘image structures’ and providing techniques for their manipulation. Key features of the model are defined in VDM-SL, a formal specification language being standardized by the International Organization for Standardization. The formal definitions are accompanied by explanations in English and by examples. Prototype implementations are described. A glossary of symbols, terms and expressions is given in the Appendix.     

地球空间数据集成研究概况

数字地球空间数据的集成研究及应用始于本世纪 60年代 ,地理信息系统的出现及应用、多元数据的使用推动了地球空间数据集成研究及其应用。本文首先对地球空间数据概念进行描述 ,然后对地球空间数据集成研究状况及存在的问题进行了详细的分析。结合数据集成需求及存在的问题 ,论文分析了数据集成的发展方向。     

中国主体功能区空间结构的多尺度解析

The spatial structures of China’s Major Function Zoning are important constraining indicators in all types of spatial planning and key parameters for accurately downscaling major functions.Taking the proportion of urbanization zones,agricultural development zones and ecological security zones as the basic parameter,this paper explores the spatial structures of major function zoning at different scales using spatial statistics,spatial modeling and landscape metrics methods.The results show:First,major function zones have spatial gradient structures,which are prominently represented by latitudinal and longitudinal gradients,a coastal distance gradient,and an eastern-central-western gradient.Second,the pole-axis system structure and core-periphery structure exist at provincial scales.The general principle of the pole-axis structure is that as one moves along the distance axis,the proportion of urbanization zones decreases and the proportion of ecological security zones increases.This also means that the proportion of different function zones has a ring-shaped spatial differentiation principle with distance from the core.Third,there is a spatial mosaic structure at the city and county scale.This spatial mosaic structure has features of both spatial heterogeneity,such as agglomeration and dispersion,as well as of mutual,adjacent topological correlation and spatial proximity.The results of this study contribute to scientific knowledge on major function zones and the principles of spatial organization,and it acts as an important reference for China’s integrated geographical zoning.     

Fuzzy information representation and processing in conventional GIS software: database design and application

Currently used methods for representing geographical information are inadequate because they do not tolerate imprecision. This leads to information loss and inaccuracy in analysis. Such expressive inadequacy is largely due to the underlying membership concept of classical set theory. To improve information processing in GIS research and application, an alternative membership concept is required. In this paper, we explore the inadequacy imposed upon geographical information representation by classical set theory and address the problems of information loss. A fuzzy relational data model is defined which is more representative for geographical information. A GIS database for agricultural land resource management is created by using the data model and a new technique for assessing land suitability is developed. The fuzzy representation largely facilitates data analysis in this GIS. The methods are tested with data from North Java, Indonesia using a vector-based GIS software package, Arc Info, and the analysis results are presented.     

Formal representation of qualitative direction

This paper reviews formal approaches to representing spatial knowledge about qualitative direction. Unlike geometric direction information, qualitative information does not employ numerical values but relies on comparison. The qualitative approach is often regarded as suitable for capturing commonsense concepts and thus is relevant to human-centered interfaces for spatial information systems. To establish a context for the work on qualitative direction, we preset a brief history of the development of qualitative temporal and spatial representations from different scientific perspectives. We identify main focal areas of these representations of spatial direction and propose a taxonomy. In the light of more than three decades of fruitful research, we obtain a map of formal representations that reveal interrelationships between different research strands in the field.     

GIS作为新一代地理学语言的特征

地理学语言是人类理解、研究、表达与传播地理信息的重要工具, 它随着人类科学技术的进步与认识水平的提高而不断演进。本文根据地理学语言在结构、功能及其特征方面所发生的变化, 结合地理信息本体论、认知论和语言学理论, 总结了GIS 语言的定义与基本属性, 阐述了GIS作为新一代地理学语言的本质特征、结构、功能以及内容体系, 明确了其在地理学研究中的地位与作用。GIS语言实现了地理对象的语义定义、特征抽象、行为表达和时空运算处理过程的高度统一, 是地理学语言的高级形态;通过分析GIS 语言所具有的抽象性、系统性、严密性、确切性、层次性等基本特征。认为GIS语言的概念与体系结构的形成, 将推动地理学及地理信息科学的发展。文中从数字技术的影响、学科范式的转变、发展导向和地理表达能力四个方面对GIS语言的研究作了展望。     

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。     

坡位渐变信息的模糊推理

坡位的空间变化通常是渐变的,定量的坡位空间渐变信息对于精细尺度上的坡面土壤侵蚀、预测性土壤制图等应用具有重要意义。现有基于栅格DEM的坡位模糊识别方法,或是仅在属性域内模糊聚类,忽略了空间信息;或是需要繁琐的规则进行模糊分类,实用性受限。本文建立了一种基于相似度的模糊推理方法,根据各类坡位在空间上的典型位置,计算其他位置与典型位置间的相似度,从而对坡位空间渐变信息进行系统、定量的描述。应用表明本方法能够合理地描述山脊、坡肩、背坡、坡脚、沟谷等重要坡位类型的渐变信息,所获得的坡位渐变信息也能够合理地解释土壤样点的A层土壤含砂量随坡位渐变的变化趋势。