Obtaining High Fidelity Triangular Regular Network from Only DEM Points

Abstract

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When the source data for the digital elevation model (DEM) are not known and any additional information or features such as skeleton lines of terrain is not available, a triangular regular network (TRN) is constructed with simple subdivision using one or two diagonals uniformly. Such a model gives inaccurate directions for interpolation because of the inaccurate diagonals used in triangulation and thereby, results in inaccurate contours representing artificial terrain features. In this study, a new method is developed based on slope information computed at DEM points determining accurate diagonals in the subdivision process, which is beneficial not only through the skeleton lines of a terrain but also all over the DEM. Consequently, it is shown that the proposed method is able to build a high fidelity TRN from a DEM without any additional information or features.     

Study of spectral signatures for exploration of Bauxite ore deposits in Panchpatmali,India

Spectral analysis technique has been utilized to identify the Bauxite mineral occurrences in Panchpatmali, Orissa, India. Spectral processing of Landsat ETM+ data has been carried out by converting the digital data from quantized and calibrated values to reflectance values. Minimum noise fraction transformation is used to determine the inherent dimensionality of reflected Landsat ETM+ data, to segregate noise in the data, and to reduce the computational requirements for subsequent processing and interactively to locate pure pixels within the data-set, projecting n-dimensional scatterplots. Spectral processing results are displayed in the form of images corresponding to each group of pixels (endmembers). Mixed tune matched filtering method has been applied on Landsat ETM+ images which gave three score (abundance) images for three different classes (endmembers) such as Bauxite, vegetation and soil. Further, mineralized zones are identified using image fusion of ERS-2 SAR and Landsat ETM+ data using intensity-hue-saturation technique.     

Mapping salt diapirs and salt diapir-affected areas using MLP neural network model and ASTER data

Abstract

This study employs visible-near infrared and short wave infrared datasets of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) to map salt diapirs and salt diapir-affected areas using Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) in the Zagros Folded Belt, Iran, and introduces the role of earth observation technology and a type of digital earth processing in lithological mapping and geo-environmental impact assessment. MLP neural network model with several learning rates between 0.01 and 0.1 was carried out on ASTER L1B data, and the results were compared using confusion matrices. The most appropriate classification image for L1B input to MLP was produced by learning rate of 0.01 with Kappa coefficient of 0.90 and overall accuracy of 92.54%. The MLP result of input data set mapped lithological units of salt diapirs and demonstrated affected areas at the southern and western parts of the Konarsiah and Jahani diapirs, respectively. Field observations and X-ray diffraction analyses of field samples confirmed the dominant mineral phases identified remotely. It is concluded that MLP is an efficient approach for mapping salt diapirs and salt-affected areas.     

Application of Landsat-8 and ASTER satellite remote sensing data for porphyry copper exploration: a case study from Shahr-e-Babak,Kerman, south of Iran

Abstract

The Shahr-e-Babak region located in the Kerman metallogenic belt is one of the high potential segments of Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic arc for porphyry copper and epithermal gold mineralization in the south of Iran. This high potential zone encompasses several porphyry copper deposits under exploitation, development and exploration stages. The aim of this study is to evaluate Landsat-8 data and comparison with the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer data-sets for mapping hydrothermal alteration zones related to Cenozoic magmatic intrusions in Shahr-e-Babak region. Previous studies have proven the robust application of ASTER in lithological mapping and mineral exploration; nonetheless, the Landsat-8 data have high capability to map and detect hydrothermal alteration zones associated with porphyry copper and epithermal gold mineralization. In this investigation, several band combinations and multiplications, developed selective principal component analysis and image transformations were developed for discriminating hydrothermal alteration zones associated with porphyry copper mineralization using Landsat-8 data.     

Monitoring the regional and temporal variability of winter snowfall in the arid Andes using digital NOAA/AVHRR data

Abstract

This paper deals with the spatial distribution and the temporal variability of snowfall in the most arid part of the Andes (18°‐ 28°S) during southern hemisphere winter (May‐September). As the official precipitation data is of poor quality, analyses were carried out by means of digital image processing techniques, using NOAA/AVHRR satellite‐data. Through analysis of 24 different snowfall events from six winters, a previously unknown spatial and temporal precipitation pattern in this remote and unexplored area was revealed. Snowfall is most abundant in the southernmost part of the research area and on the western side of the Andes, indicating the Pacific origin of the snowfall.

Nevertheless, the typical snowfall pattern is modified during different periods of the winter. Three typical time periods could be defined and distinguished from one another. Each of these three periods is characterized by typical weather conditions (cold fronts and “cut‐offs “) leading to a distinct snowfall pattern.

As this study is part of a broader paleoclimatic project, the results will serve as a basis for paleoclimatic reconstruction of past climate. Only by knowing the modern circulation and precipitation patterns is it possible to interpret paleoclimatic signals and archives found in the study area (e.g. paleosol, moraines) correctly.     

Geospatial predictive modelling of the Neolithic archaeological sites of Magnesia in Greece

Abstract

Sources of heterogeneous geospatial data such as the elevation, the slope, the aspect, the water network and the current settlements related to the known Neolithic archaeological sites of Magnesia, are used in an attempt to confirm the existence and allow for the prediction of other archaeological sites using predictive modelling theory. Predictive modelling allows the update of the problem solving strategy as soon as new data layers are available. The Dempster–Shafer Theory also commonly referred to as evidential reasoning (ER) is used to compose probability maps of areas of archaeological interest from physiographical and historical data. The advantage of this theory is that the ignorance is quantified and used to compose the probability maps named as belief, plausibility and belief interval for the archaeological sites. The final digital probability maps show that the Neolithic archaeological sites can be detected in the prefecture of Magnesia. This research study forms a methodological tool for the prediction of new archaeological sites in other areas of archaeological interest according to the physiographical and historical characteristics of the archaeological period being examined. It also contributes to the digital earth modelling and archaeological site protection, one of the most critical and challenging global initiatives.     

遥感技术在西藏砂金资源潜力评价中的应用

西藏自治区砂金开采历史悠久,已查明的砂金矿点数量众多、分布广泛,砂金矿资源丰富,但是大部分区域地质工作程度较低。遥感技术为短期内有效地开展砂金的资源潜力评价工作起到了重要作用。以崩纳藏布砂金预测工作区为例,介绍了遥感技术在西藏砂金矿成矿预测中的工作内容、方法和成果。     

Spatio-temporal variation in childhood growth in Nigeria: a comparison of aggregation and interpolation

ABSTRACT

The mean height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) of children under five is an important indicator of the health status of a population. HAZ values are frequently aggregated and reported at the national level, potentially obscuring important within-country variation. We evaluated aggregation and interpolation methods to provide sub-national estimates over space and time, using survey data from Nigeria in 1990, 2003, 2008, and 2013. We aggregated HAZ values by region and by state, and interpolated the values spatially and spatio-temporally using thin plate splines. The results were evaluated with cross-validation using the root mean squared error (RMSE) as a measure of goodness of fit. Mean HAZ values increased from 1990 to 2013, but values rose more sharply in southern Nigeria than in the North. All methods performed better than assuming a constant national average. The state-level aggregation, and the spatial and spatio-temporal interpolations had similar RMSE values, but the interpolation methods showed more detailed spatial variation. Spatio-temporal interpolation produced good results in all conditions, including in years with sparse sampling and when extrapolating to years for which there were no observations.     

Arno Peters changed the World! Development Education and the Peters' Projection

Abstract

This paper describes, from a map librarian's perspective, an investigation into the feasibility of the provision of digital mapping for use by students in a British academic library. Establishing the funding has been a significant part of the project. This has included consideration of hardware as well as the pricing structures for the supply of digital cartographic data.     

基于LROC NAC影像的高分辨率连续DEM数据制作

具有高分辨率和连续表面的DEM数据是获取月球形貌特征并进行数字地形分析的主要数据源。本文选择嫦娥五号候选着陆区中的一个区域作为试验区,首先,基于LROC NAC立体影像、ISIS3和Stereo Pipeline软件生成高分辨率DOM影像及对应DEM数据,并将其与日本SELENE数据进行对比;然后,利用反距离权重、径向基函数和经验贝叶斯克里金3种插值方法对DEM数据的空洞区域进行修复,并对不同修复方法进行交叉验证分析。结果表明：生成的DOM和DEM分辨率约3.5 m,明显比7.4 m分辨率的日本SELENE数据清晰,并具有更强的地形表达能力;径向基函数插值法的空洞修复效果最好,交叉验证均方根误差为0.26 m。本文对准确获取月球形貌特征、探测器选址等具有一定作用,并能够为其他区域的高分辨率连续DEM数据生成提供参考。     

Fifty Years of Cartography at the University of Glasgow

Abstract

This paper documents ongoing glacier retreat in the eastern part of the Granatspitz Mountains (Hohe Tauern Range, Austrian Alps) for the time period 2003–2009 using aerial photogrammetry. Aerial photographs of 2003, 2006, and 2009 were made available by the Hydrological Service of the Regional Government of Salzburg, the Federal Office of Metrology, Surveying and Mapping, Vienna, and the Regional Government of the Tyrol, respectively. High resolution multi-temporal digital elevation models and digital orthophotos of the area of interest were derived using digital photogrammetric methods to provide a sound basis for glaciological research. Glacier outlines of the three glacial stages were mapped interactively. Temporal change in area and surface height of the glaciers mapped clearly document glacier retreat. Glacier mass balance based on the geodetic method was calculated for Stubacher Sonnblickkees (Glacier). Mean annual specific net balance amounts to ?656 mm w.e. for the time period 2003–2009, with a mass balance gradient of 324 mm w.e. (100 m)^?1 and an equilibrium-line altitude of 2995 m a.s.l. Digital orthophoto maps and other thematic maps, e.g. showing surface height change, were prepared to support further data interpretation. Both the study area and its spatio-temporal change were visualized with special emphasis on the glaciers in a computer generated video film. Another film (exposure 29 August 2011) shows the lower part of Stubacher Sonnblickkees and its surroundings for reasons of comparison.     

遥感线性体场的数量化分析

遥感线性体场是地质构造场和成矿地质场在地球表面和光谱特征上的反映。本文从地质异常场和线性体场的概念出发,利用图像处理技术,较系统地研究了线性体的数据处理方法,建立了线性体场的数量化分析模式:（1）线性体场总体统计特征的计算和图示;（2）线性体场的数字表征;（3）线性体场的数学分析。并以铜陵地区为例,介绍了线性体场的数量化分析方法在地质构造分析和成矿预测中的应用。     

SRTM DEM数据空洞插值填补方法对比分析

SRTM全球数字高程模型数据目前已被广泛应用于多个领域。最新版本的SRTM DEM仍然存在较小的高程空值区域（数据空洞）和模糊区域。文章在模拟某试验区域SRTM DEM数据空洞的基础上,利用线性插值、反距离权插值、二次多项式插值、三次样条插值等DEM插值方法进行了数据空洞的插值填补试验和对比分析,结果表明在丘陵地区和空...     

THE CONFORMAL TRANSFORMATION OF A NETWORK OF TRIANGULATION

Abstract

In a recent issue of this Review, an example is given of the conformal transformation of a network of triangulation using Newton's interpolation formula with divided differences. While the application of the method appears to be new, attention should be drawn to the fact that Kruger employed Lagrange's interpolation formula in a discussion and extension of the Schols method in a paper which was published in the Zeitschrift für Vermessungswesen in 1896. A reference to this paper was given at the end of the paper, “Adjustment of the Secondary Triangulation of South Africa”, published in a previous issue of the E.S.R. (iv, 30, 480).     

Spatiotemporal mixed effects modeling for the estimation of PM2.5 from MODIS AOD over the Indian subcontinent

ABSTRACT

The physical processes associated with the constituents of the troposphere, such as aerosols have an immediate impact on human health. This study employs a novel method to calibrate Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) obtained from the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS – Terra satellite) for estimating surface PM_2.5 concentration. The Combined Deep Blue Deep Target daily product from the MODIS AOD data acquired across the Indian Subcontinent was used as input, and the daily averaged PM_2.5pollution level data obtained from 33 monitoring stations spread across the country was used for calibration. Mixed Effect Models (MEM) is a linear model to deal with non-independent data from multiple levels or hierarchy using fixed and random effects of dependent parameters. MEM was applied to the dataset obtained for the period from January to August 2017. The MEM considers a fixed and random component, where the random components model the daily variations of the AOD – PM_2.5 relationships, site-specific adjustment parameters, temporal (meteorological) variables such as temperature, and spatial variables such as the percentage of agricultural area, forest cover, barren land and road density with the resolution of 10 km × 10 km. Estimation accuracy was improved from an R² value of 0.66 from our earlier study (when PM_2.5 was modeled against only AOD and site-specific parameters) toR² value of 0.75 upon the inclusion of spatiotemporal (meteorological) variables with increased % within Expected Error from 18% to 35%, reduced Mean Bias Error from 3.22 to 0.11 and reduced RMSE from 29.11 to 20.09. We also found that spline interpolation performed better than IDW and Kriging inefficiently estimating the PM_2.5 concentrations wherever there were missing AOD data. The estimated minimum PM_2.5 is 93 ± 25μg/m³ which itself is in the upper limit of the hazardous level while the maximum is estimated as 170 ± 70μg/m³. The study has thus made it possible to determine the daily spatial variations of PM_2.5 concentrations across the Indian subcontinent utilizing satellite-based AOD data.     

LARGE-SCALE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL MAPPING

This paper, presented at a scientific conference convened on the 100th birthday of Professor I. S. Shchukin, founder and former head of the Geomorphology Department at Moscow University, traces the development of large-scale geomorphological mapping there. Contributions of scholars in the Department in establishing the theoretical foundations and applications of geomorphological mapping are described, and include development and standardization of map legends and elaboration of new methods of portraying relief according to the specific purposes of a map (oil and gas exploration, exposition of tectonic structure, coastal analysis, provision of multi-purpose information about the continental shelf, placer mineral exploration, and prediction of the location of potential deposits of ore minerals). Translated from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1986, No. 4, pp. 58–64.     

Detecting coastline change from satellite images based on beach slope estimation in a tidal flat

Beach heights and tidal variation have large impacts on the accuracy of estimates of coastline position and its historical changes of a wider and flatter beach based on remote sensing data. This study presents an approach to analysis of waterline movement based on the beach slope, estimated from two effective images with Landsat images data. Two images acquired at different stages of the tide were processed to delineate accurately the position of the waterline. Then waterlines were assigned heights using elevations predicted by a two-dimensional non-linear tidal assimilation model. Beach slope can be calculated piecewise using the heighted shorelines based on the equiangular triangle theory. The positions of the national tidal height datum coastline can be obtained by the beach slope calculation method to accurately monitor the changing of coastline. A change in the coastline of the southwest tidal flat of the Yellow River delta, from Tianshuigou to the Xiaoqing River mouth, was detected by combining field measurements of profiles and bathymetric data. The root mean squared error (RMSE) of the calculated slope of the intertidal zone was one order of magnitude less than the measured slope. The minimum error of self-consistency check is 0.2%. The RMSE between the coastlines estimated by the proposed method and those surveyed data varies from 53.98 m to 217.72 m. It is shown that this method is more suitable for the two years and over the time scales of shoreline change monitoring. To assess erosion/accretion patterns in the tidal flat, and the controlling factors, the volume of the beach was investigated as a possible indicator. The accepted coastline position and changes in the beach volume were used to monitor the changing pattern of accretion and erosion along the coast southwest of the recent Yellow River mouth.     

Paleoart: Visions of the Prehistoric Past

Abstract

Cartography in general, and building solid landscape models in particular, requires an interdisciplinary set of skills in order to be done well. Traditional handcrafted construction methods provide quality results, but are extremely labour-intensive and therefore costly. Modern methods using digital terrain models (DTMs) and computer numerical control (CNC) milling are fast and accurate, but the finished models are visually less than optimal. Solutions are proposed using DTMs and CNC milling to create landscape models in which the initial shaping is done mechanically and the fine details are carved by hand. This ‘balanced approach’ to landscape modelling combines the time- and cost-advantages of modern digital technology with the quality of traditional handcrafted techniques resulting in highly accurate landscape models which still retain the artistic ‘feel’ of the human touch.     

Improvement of spatial interpolation accuracy of daily maximum air temperature in urban areas using a stacking ensemble technique

ABSTRACT

The reliable and robust monitoring of air temperature distribution is essential for urban thermal environmental analysis. In this study, a stacking ensemble model consisting of multi-linear regression (MLR), support vector regression (SVR), and random forest (RF) optimized by the SVR is proposed to interpolate the daily maximum air temperature (T_max) during summertime in a mega urban area. A total of 10 geographic variables, including the clear-sky averaged land surface temperature and the normalized difference vegetation index, were used as input variables. The stacking model was compared to Cokriging, three individual data-driven methods, and a simple average ensemble model, all through leave-one-station-out cross validation. The stacking model showed the best performance by improving the generalizability of the individual models and mitigating the sensitivity to the extreme daily T_max. This study demonstrates that the stacking ensemble method can improve the accuracy of spatial interpolation of environmental variables in various research fields.     

A Structure Recognition Technique in Contextual Generalisation of Buildings and Built-up Areas

Abstract

A structure recognition technique is presented that can be employed for contextual building and built-up area generalisation in medium-scale topographic maps. Owing to various spatial configurations, a contextual mechanism is necessary to achieve acceptable results in cartographic generalisation. Spatial structures are usually implicit in data, and advanced analysis and processing methods are required to detect them. This technique is based on auxiliary geometric data structures and spatial analysis methods. A case study is performed with a topographic data set, using an interface developed in an object-oriented geographic information system (O-O GIS). The proposed approach was found to assist and improve automation.