Automatic determination of stream networks from DEMs by using road network data to locate culverts

Determining stream networks automatically from digital elevation models is an issue that is actively being studied. The quality of elevation models has increased over time, but many hydrologically critical features, such as culverts, are often missing from the elevation data. To analyze the surficial water flow, one must either prepare a special elevation model or post-process an already-existing model.

This study builds on the traditional, well-established method of determining the stream network from digital elevation models. We have extended the traditional method by locating culverts automatically, using road network data as an input. We show, by comparison to the reference data, that the culverts being most relevant for the stream network can be found with good accuracy. We demonstrate that by including the automatically located culverts in the automatic stream network determination, the quality of the generated network can be noticeably improved.     

Automatic alignment of contemporary vector data and georeferenced historical maps using reinforcement learning

ABSTRACT

With large amounts of digital map archives becoming available, automatically extracting information from scanned historical maps is needed for many domains that require long-term historical geographic data. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) are powerful techniques that can be used for extracting locations of geographic features from scanned maps if sufficient representative training data are available. Existing spatial data can provide the approximate locations of corresponding geographic features in historical maps and thus be useful to annotate training data automatically. However, the feature representations, publication date, production scales, and spatial reference systems of contemporary vector data are typically very different from those of historical maps. Hence, such auxiliary data cannot be directly used for annotation of the precise locations of the features of interest in the scanned historical maps. This research introduces an automatic vector-to-raster alignment algorithm based on reinforcement learning to annotate precise locations of geographic features on scanned maps. This paper models the alignment problem using the reinforcement learning framework, which enables informed, efficient searches for matching features without pre-processing steps, such as extracting specific feature signatures (e.g. road intersections). The experimental results show that our algorithm can be applied to various features (roads, water lines, and railroads) and achieve high accuracy.     

The development of a historical digital cadastral database†

With an ever-increasing number of land information systems being developed, there is a growing demand by users for systems which support the use of temporal data for time-based studies. System managers, however, may have difficulty responding to these calls because of the lack of available research to guide them in their task. This paper examines the simple method of storing and processing temporal graphical data by the addition of time-encoding attributes to data elements as required. To illustrate the technique, a historical digital cadastral database has been created which al lows users to display and report on the cadastral parcellation of a region at any time in the past. The method can also be widely applied to other data to assist a broad range of space/time-related studies.     

Automatically derived catchment boundaries and channel networks and their hydrological applications

A method of generating drainage networks and catchment boundaries from gridded ground elevation data (a digital terrain model) is presented. The method includes an algorithm for coping with localised low points in the data. The paper suggests two objective ways of comparing the conventionally mapped with the automatically generated drainage network. Emphasis is placed on the way that this approach is capable of benefiting a variety of hydrological applications, in particular the automatic estimation of flow statistics from catchment characteristics.     

Conflation Automated map compilation

Abstract

Map compilation, or conflation, is now being accomplished by computer. Interactive routines manipulate the graphic images of two different digital maps of the same region in order to permit map similarities and differences to be recognized more easily. Rubber-sheeting one or both of the maps permits an operator or the computer to align the maps in stages through methods of successive approximation and to review each new alignment. The computer recognizes matches using mathematical relations of geometric position and graph network configuration to test for feature matches and, when the tests are satisfied, corresponding features can be flagged automatically as matches or highlighted for review by the operator. Techniques and methods developed for conflation systems have important applications in other areas of automated cartography and in image processing and computer graphics     

Morphometric Analysis on the Size, Shape and Areal Distribution of Glacial Cirques in the Maritime Alps (Western French-Italian Alps)

The morphometry of 432 glacial cirques in the Maritime Alps (Western French‐Italian Alps), studied over several years of fieldwork, was analysed with the use of a geographical information system. Some of the parameters automatically evaluated from digital elevation models required an objective and relatively new definition. In particular, cirque length was measured along a line that, from the threshold midpoint, splits the cirque into two equivalent surfaces; cirque width was automatically drawn as the longest line inscribed in the cirque and perpendicular to the length line. Significant correlations were found among the different factors and parameters analysed. In particular, cirque shape analysis showed that cirques develop allometrically in the three dimensions, i.e. more in length and width than in altitudinal range. Nevertheless cirques of the Maritime Alps have a regular, almost circular shape (mean L/W value = 1.07). The correlations among length, width and area are all very high (r²= 0.8–0.9). In terms of size, cirques show a wide range in area from 0.06 to 5.2 km² with a mean value of 0.4 km². The largest cirques are found on SSW‐facing slopes and at high elevations. Small cirques can be found at all altitudes but all those at high elevation are part of compound cirques at the main head valleys. Most cirques (37%) are characterized by a northern aspect; NE and SW are also frequent directions.     

基于DEM的黄土高原丘陵沟壑区沟谷网络节点研究

选择黄土高原3个典型地貌类型区为试验样区,基于数字高程模型(DEM)沟谷网络与沟谷网络节点自动提取技术,得到了各样区沟谷网络节点,并从地貌形态学、沟谷成因学以及水文学原理出发,对不同级别沟谷网络节点水流累积属性进行了深入分析,结合数理统计方法获得了：(1)同一沟谷系统不同分辨率沟谷网络节点水流累积量均值分级统计规律;(2)不同地貌类型样区相同分辨率沟谷网络节点水流累积量均值分级统计规律。该结论能够有效解释黄土高原丘陵沟壑区各级沟谷系统的形成机理及其空间分异规律,同时能够合理地说明沟谷系统发育与地表侵蚀、切割强度之间的相互关系。     

Optimization of simulation and visualization analysis of dam-failure flood disaster for diverse computing systems

Simulation and subsequent visualization in a network environment are important to glean insights into spatiotemporal processes. As computing systems become increasingly diverse in hardware architectures, operating systems, screen sizes, human–computer interactions and network capabilities, effective simulation and visualization must become adaptive to a wide range of diverse devices. This paper focuses on the optimization of simulation and visualization analysis of the dam-failure flood spatiotemporal process for diverse computing systems. First, an adaptive browser/server architecture of the dam-failure simulation application was designed to fill the hardware performance and visualization context gap that exists within diverse computing systems. Second, a data flow and an optimization method for multilevel time-series flood data were given to provide more support to network simulation, visualization and analysis on diversified terminals. Finally, a user interaction friendly and plugin-free prototype system was developed. The experiment results demonstrate that the methods addressed in this paper can cope with the challenge in simulation, visualization and interaction of a dam-failure simulation application on diversified terminals.     

基于DEM的水文物理过程模拟

基于数字高程模型,考虑流域空间的变异性,建立数字高程流域水系模型。产流子单元的划分、河网水系的生成及其空间拓扑关系的建立,是由计算机自动完成。计算TOPMODEL地形指数ln(a/tgβ)_i的空间累积分布曲线,并对其作无量纲化处理,推求各产流子单元的土壤蓄水容量分布抛物线参数B,构建数字水文模型。全球能量与水循环亚洲季风试验强化观测区—淮河史灌河流域实例研究表明:数字模型不仅可以很好地模拟流域出口断面的径流过程,而且能够模拟土壤水分的变化过程,还可十分方便地输出水文要素和状态变量的空间分布。这对充分利用现有观测信息进行水文数据的深层次挖掘奠定了基础。     

Improvement of GIS graphics for analysis and decision-making

Abstract

Current geographical information systems (GIS) include functions to create cartographic output interactively or automatically. However, none of the systems presently incorporates mechanisms to ensure correct application of graphic functions. Many of today's users of GIS are not trained in the design and production of graphics and may create maps that confuse or mislead map users. Poorly-designed maps may obliterate the patterns in displayed information.

This article investigates ways to improve the quality of GIS graphical displays and increase their effectiveness for decision-making. Alternatives are presented for improving map design in GIS, ranging from non-technical efforts to enhancement of software functionality. Suggestions propose augmenting users' abilities to create maps in an automated environment, using an approach termed amplified intelligence: key decisions default explicitly to users, whose knowledge is amplified by a range of high-level tools to carry out map design operations automatically.     

Automated classifications of topography from DEMs by an unsupervised nested-means algorithm and a three-part geometric signature

An iterative procedure that implements the classification of continuous topography as a problem in digital image-processing automatically divides an area into categories of surface form; three taxonomic criteria–slope gradient, local convexity, and surface texture–are calculated from a square-grid digital elevation model (DEM). The sequence of programmed operations combines twofold-partitioned maps of the three variables converted to greyscale images, using the mean of each variable as the dividing threshold. To subdivide increasingly subtle topography, grid cells sloping at less than mean gradient of the input DEM are classified by designating mean values of successively lower-sloping subsets of the study area (nested means) as taxonomic thresholds, thereby increasing the number of output categories from the minimum 8 to 12 or 16. Program output is exemplified by 16 topographic types for the world at 1-km spatial resolution (SRTM30 data), the Japanese Islands at 270 m, and part of Hokkaido at 55 m. Because the procedure is unsupervised and reflects frequency distributions of the input variables rather than pre-set criteria, the resulting classes are undefined and must be calibrated empirically by subsequent analysis. Maps of the example classifications reflect physiographic regions, geological structure, and landform as well as slope materials and processes; fine-textured terrain categories tend to correlate with erosional topography or older surfaces, coarse-textured classes with areas of little dissection. In Japan the resulting classes approximate landform types mapped from airphoto analysis, while in the Americas they create map patterns resembling Hammond's terrain types or surface-form classes; SRTM30 output for the United States compares favorably with Fenneman's physical divisions. Experiments are suggested for further developing the method; the Arc/Info AML and the map of terrain classes for the world are available as online downloads.     

基于三维激光点云的复杂道路场景杆状交通设施语义分类

文章提出一种完整的全自动化处理框架,基于三维激光点云数据对高速公路和城市道路场景的杆状目标进行了检测和分类,主要包括3个步骤：数据预处理、杆状目标检测和分类。其中,在数据预处理阶段,采用基于布料模拟滤波算法自动分离地面点和非地面点,然后基于欧氏距离聚类方法对非地面点进行快速聚类,以及采用迭代图割算法进一步分割目标对象;在目标检测阶段,集成先验信息、形状信息和位置导向搭建滤波器,对杆状目标进行检测;在对象分类过程中基于多属性特征,利用随机森林分类器对目标的特征进行计算和分类。并使用3个道路场景数据集进行测试,结果显示,3个数据集的整体MCC系数为95.6%,分类准确率为96.1%。这说明文章所构建方法具有较高性能。另外,该方法还可以鲁棒地检测杆状目标的重叠区域,较为适应复杂程度不同的道路场景。     

Polarization analysis in the wavelet domain based on the adaptive covariance method

We present an improved method for computing polarization attributes of particle motion from multicomponent seismic recordings in the time–frequency domain by using the continuous wavelet transform. This method is based on the analysis of the covariance matrix. We use an approximate analytical formula to compute the elements of the covariance matrix for a time window which is derived from an averaged instantaneous frequency of the multicomponent record. The length of the time-window is automatically and adaptively set to match the dominant period of the analysing wavelet at each time–frequency point. Then the eigenparameters are estimated for each time–frequency point without interpolation. With these key features, our method provides a suitable approach for polarization analysis of dispersive signals or overlapping seismic arrivals in multicomponent seismic data. For polarization analysis in the time domain, we show that the proposed method is consistent with existing polarization analysis methods. We apply the method to real data sets from exploration and earthquake seismology to illustrate some filtering applications and wave type characterizations.     

Spatial video and GIS

GIS elemental unit representations of spatial data are often defined in terms of points, lines and areas. However, another type of spatial data that is becoming frequently captured, but as yet is largely ignored in GIS, is that of video. While digital video recording is a commonly encountered medium in modern society and encompasses many forms, from simple personal camcorders through to sophisticated survey and surveillance systems, its geographical representation in a GIS has not been fully examined or realised. In the majority of cases the video footage is usually captured while the device and/or the objects being viewed are in motion. What is of particular interest is when video streams can be, or have been, associated with spatial data such as location and orientation to create geographically referenced videographic data, which, for simplicity, will be defined as spatial video. Fundamentally, the nature of video is to record space, so when spatial properties can be accurately acquired and associated with this footage, an important geographical element can be considered for integration and analysis within a GIS.

Existing spatial video systems, both commercial and research, are predominantly used in survey or LBS roles and are usually bespoke and application specific. These systems do not model spatial video to any recognised standards that is generalised to be both data and platform independent. They do not support GIS integration and/or analysis from a purely spatial content perspective. A video-image/remote-sensing centric approach prevails where usage options range from simple visualisation interfaces to interactive computer vision systems. What has been largely overlooked is a spatial approach where the inherent geographical extent recorded in each video frame can be modelled and used in a geo-spatial analysis context. While this modelling approach has not been fully realised, it does exist in a GIS form based on Open Geospatial Consortium standards, where the spatial context of video is defined in a structure called a ViewCone. However, a ViewCone only defines a 2D model of the geographical extent of each frame and is restricted to a three-or-five sided polygon representation.

Thus, this article examines the potential of modelling spatial video through the use of elemental data types within GIS; gives some examples of using this approach; describes some problems in using spatial video within GIS; and then demonstrates how these problems are being solved. This is done in three stages: Firstly, a detailed overview of spatial video in its current GIS role is provided – this is achieved through a complete introduction to the distinct elements of spatial video followed by a review of its use in both commercial and academic application areas. Secondly, a brief theoretical overview of an alternative GIS-constrained ViewCone data structure is given that defines a more flexible spatial video model for both 2D and 3D GIS analysis and visualisation. Thirdly, a selective sample of results is presented based on an implementation of this approach being applied to a constrained spatial video data source in a specific study area.     

基于XML Schema的多源地名词典集成方法

目前,我国已经构建大量不同级别、面向不同应用的地名词典,网络大众化地名服务成为地名词典的必然发展趋势。该文提出一种基于XML Schema的多源异构地名词典集成方法,以XML Schema对地名词典进行数据描述,采用XSLT数据转换方法,运用MapForce软件,快速进行地名词典的数据结构映射,能够有效解决地名词典的跨平台及数据类型不统一问题。     

COMPUTER-ASSISTED TERRAIN STRATIFICATION

Terrain influences many ecological processes. Therefore, ecologists must consider terrain effects in sampling designs. Incomplete information on the ecological role of terrain, however, makes it difficult to account for terrain variability in sample designs. As a partial solution, we introduce a protocol that automatically stratifies complex terrain. This stratification method uses image-processing techniques to cluster digital images of slope, elevation, and aspect into homogeneous groupings. The technique is demonstrated for a stratification of complex terrain disturbed by a large forest fire. By identifying terrain complexity at several spatial resolutions, we were able to place transects that sample terrain variability and fire severity representatively across a controlled range of scales. [Key words: terrain, stratification, image processing, sample design.]     

Deriving drainage networks and catchment boundaries: a new methodology combining digital elevation data and environmental characteristics

Digital data on the position and characteristics of river networks and catchments are important for the analysis of pressures and impacts on water resources. GIS tools allow for the combined analysis of digital elevation data and environmental parameters in order to derive this kind of information. This article presents a new approach making use of medium-resolution digital elevation data (250-m grid cell size) and information on climate, vegetation cover, terrain morphology, soils and lithology to derive river networks and catchments over extended areas.In general, methods to extract channel networks at small scale use a constant threshold for the critical contributing area, independent of widely varying landscape conditions. As a consequence, the resulting drainage network does not reflect the natural variability in drainage density. To overcome this limitation, a classification of the landscape is proposed. The various data available are analysed in an integrated approach in order to characterise the terrain with respect to its ability to develop lower or higher drainage densities, resulting in five landscape types. For each landscape type, the slope–area relationship is then derived and the critical contributing area is determined. In the subsequent channel extraction, a dedicated critical contributing area threshold is used for each landscape type.The described methodology has been developed and tested for the territory of Italy. Results have been validated comparing the derived data with river and catchment data sets from other sources and at varying scales. Good agreement both in terms of river superimposition and drainage density could be demonstrated.     

建立川中丘陵SOTER数据库的实践与问题讨论

SOTER数据库是指土壤、地形体数据库 ,它包含数字化的图形单元及它们的相关属性数据。通过描述川中丘陵的典型区域—南充地区SOTER数据库的建立过程 ,介绍一种利用计算机自动划分SOTER单元、建立SOTER数据库的技术与过程。最后 ,就SOTER数据库建立过程中存在的一些问题进行了讨论。     

Direct induction of compact rule-based classifiers for resource mapping

Abstract

Rule-based classifiers are used regularly with geographical information systems to map categorical attributes on the basis of a set of numeric or unordered categorical attributes. Although a variety of methods exist for inducing rule-based classifiers from training data, these tend to produce large numbers of rules when the data has noise. This paper describes a method for inducing compact rule-sets whose classification accuracy can, at least in some domains, compare favourably with that achieved by larger less succinct rule-sets produced by alternative methods. One rule is induced for each output class. The condition list for this rule represents a box in n-dimensional attribute space, formed by intersecting conditions which exclude other classes. Despite this simplicity, the classifier performed well in the test application prediction of soil classes in the Port Hills, New Zealand, on the basis of regolith type and topographic attributes obtained from a digital terrain model.     

The land use and land cover change database and its relative studies in China

In the mid-1990s, we established the national operative dynamic information serving systems on natural resources and environment. During building the land-use/land-cover change (LUCC) database for the mid-1990s, 520 scenes of remotely sensed images of Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) were interpreted into land-use/land-cover categories at scale of 1:100,000 under overall digital software environment after being geo-referenced and ortho-rectified. The vector map of land-use/land-cover in China at the scale of 1:100,000 was recently converted into a 1-km raster database that captures all of the high-resolution land-use information by calculating area percentage for each kind of land use category within every cell. Being designed as an operative dynamic information serving system, monitoring the change in land-use/land-cover at national level was executed. We have completed the updating of LUCC database by comparing the TM data in the mid-1990s with new data sources received during 1999–2000 and 1989–1990. The LUCC database has supported greatly the national LUCC research program in China and some relative studies are incompletely reviewed in this paper.