Planar and non-planar topologically consistent vector map simplification

This article contains a mathematical analysis of strategies for determining topological consistency of vector map simplifications. Such techniques exploit assumptions that can be made regarding the similarity of corresponding objects in successive simplifications. We propose that all topological relationships may be classified as planar or non-planar. A formal analysis of techniques for determining topological consistency of a simplification in terms of such relationships is presented. For each technique we analyse any corresponding constraints that are imposed. This provides a unified understanding of the benefits and limitations of individual techniques and the relationships that exist between techniques. Subsequently, a new strategy for determining the topological consistency of a simplification is proposed. This technique integrates the benefits all methods studied to provide a solution which is subject to less constraints. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through fusion with an existing simplification technique resulting in simplifications that have equal topology and similar shaped features to the original map.     

Envelope generation and simplification of polylines using Delaunay triangulation

As a basic and significant operator in map generalization, polyline simplification needs to work across scales. Perkal’s ε-circle rolling approach, in which a circle with diameter ε is rolled on both sides of the polyline so that the small bend features can be detected and removed, is considered as one of the few scale-driven solutions. However, the envelope computation, which is a key part of this method, has been difficult to implement. Here, we present a computational method that implements Perkal’s proposal. To simulate the effects of a rolling circle, Delaunay triangulation is used to detect bend features and further to construct the envelope structure around a polyline. Then, different connection methods within the enveloping area are provided to output the abstracted result, and a strategy to determine the best connection method is explored. Experiments with real land-use polygon data are implemented, and comparison with other algorithms is discussed. In addition to the scale-specificity inherited from Perkal’s proposal, the results show that the proposed algorithm can preserve the main shape of the polyline and meet the area-maintaining constraint during large-scale change. This algorithm is also free from self-intersection.     

A framework of spatio-temporal trajectory simplification methods

We present an extensible, generic, spatio-temporal trajectory simplification framework that modularises trajectory simplification into the stages of normalising, ranking, and reduction. We combine a range of ranking strategies and scoring heuristics – some from the literature and some new – into our framework modules and create a variety of spatio-temporal trajectory simplification methods. These trajectory simplification methods are experimented upon using real world and synthetic datasets, measuring running time, geometric displacement, and region-of-interest visitation. The results indicate that our proposed framework creates a number of efficient and effective spatio-temporal trajectory simplification methods.     

Developing parallel procedures for line simplification

Abstract

This paper explores parallel programming issues that are relevant to the efficient implementation of spatial data handling procedures on current parallel computers through sample implementations of the Douglas line simplification procedure. Using source code-equivalent implementations of the Douglas procedure, this paper analyses the performance characteristics of two parallel implementations, compares their performance characteristics to those of a sequential implementation, and identifies critical components of the parallel implementations that enhance or inhibit their overall performance values. The results of this work show that the selection of appropriate interprocessor communication and load balancing strategies are crucial to obtaining large speedup values over comparable sequential implementations.     

A three-step approach of simplifying 3D buildings modeled by CityGML

CityGML (City Geography Markup Language), the OGC (Open Open Geospatial Consortium) standard on three-dimensional (3D) city modeling, is widely used in an increasing number of applications, because it models a city with rich geometrical and semantic information. The underlying building model differentiates four consecutive levels of detail (LoDs). Nowadays, most city buildings are reconstructed in LoD3, while few landmarks in LoD4. For visualization or other purposes, buildings in LoD2 or LoD1 need to be derived from LoD3 models. But CityGML does not indicate methods for the automatic derivation of the different LoDs. This article presents an approach for deriving LoD2 buildings from LoD3 models which are essentially the exterior shells of buildings without opening objects. This approach treats different semantic components of a building separately with the aim to preserve the characteristics of ground plan, roof, and wall structures as far as possible. The process is composed of three steps: simplifying wall elements, generalizing roof structures, and then reconstructing the 3D building by intersecting the wall and roof polygons. The first step simplifies ground plan with wall elements projected onto the ground. A new algorithm is developed to handle not only simple structures like parallel and rectangle shapes but also complicated structures such as non-parallel, non-rectangular shapes and long narrow angles. The algorithm for generalizing roof structure is based on the same principles; however, the calculation has to be conducted in 3D space. Moreover, the simplified polygons of roof structure are further merged and typified depending on the spatial relations between two neighboring polygons. In the third step, generalized 3D buildings are reconstructed by increasing walls in height and intersecting with roof structures. The approach has been implemented and tested on a number of 3D buildings. The experiments have verified that the 3D building can be efficiently generalized, while the characteristics of wall and roof structure can be well preserved after the simplification.     

Empirical determination of geometric parameters for selective omission in a road network

Selective omission in a road network is a necessary operation for road network generalization. Most existing selective omission approaches involve one or two geometric parameters at a specific scale to determine which roads should be retained or eliminated. This study proposes an approach for determining the empirical threshold for such a parameter. The idea of the proposed approach is to first subdivide a large road network, and then to use appropriate threshold(s) obtained from one or several subdivisions to infer an appropriate threshold for the large one. A series of experiments was carried out to validate the proposed approach. Specifically, the road network data for New Zealand and Hong Kong at different scales (ranging from 1:50,000 to 1:250,000) were used as the experimental data, and subdivided according to different modes (i.e. administrative boundary data, a regular grid of different sizes, different update years, and different road network patterns). Not only geometric parameters, but also structural and hybrid parameters of existing selective omission approaches were involved in the testing. The experimental results show that although the most appropriate thresholds obtained from different subdivisions are not always the same, in most cases, the appropriate threshold ranges often overlap, especially for geometric parameters, and they also overlap with those obtained from the large road network data. This finding is consistent with the use of different subdivision modes, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Several issues involving the use of the proposed approach are also addressed.     

The Bo-Tai Line: Establishing the concepts of a balanced regional development line and a national development backbone

Promoting regional coordinated development strategy is one of the important strategies in the new period of China.Faced with the reality of unbalanced and insufficient regional development in China,it is objectively necessary to construct one or more main axes supporting the coordinated and balanced development of regions to become the identification line representing the pattern of coordinated regional development.The results show that the Bo-Tai line,the northwest-southeast axis connecting Bole of Xinjiang and Taipei of Taiwan,can be built into national development backbone line and regional balanced development line,just perpendicular to Hu Line.In 2016,the area of southwest half and northeast half of Bo-Tai Line accounts for 60％:40％,while the population accounts for 45％:55％,the economic ag-gregate accounts for 40％:60％,the per capita GDP ratio accounts for 44％:56％,the popu-lation density ratio accounts for 38％:62％,the economic density ratio accounts for 32％:68％,and the urbanization level ratio accounts for 48％:52％.The main average indicators are gradually tending to balanced development pattern.Further analysis shows that Bo-Tai Line is a strategic shoulder pole connecting two core zones of"the Belt and Road",and is the peaceful reunification line of China's national tranquility and Taiwan's return.Bo-Tai Line is also a solid line supported and connected by comprehensive transportation channels and a Pipa type symmetrical line for the development of cities and urban agglomerations.It is the backbone of the two-way opening up and the linkage development line between land and sea.It is also an important dividing line that promotes the coordinated development of the eastern,central and western regions,and addresses the imbalance and inadequacy of regional de-velopment.Bo-Tai Line plays an irreplaceable strategic role in promoting the coordinated and balanced regional development.It is suggested that the construction of Bo-Tai Line should be included in the national development strategy,and the development strategic plan of Bo-Tai Line should be formulated to fully release the multiple potential functions.We should build three strategic support points:the northwest endpoint,the central strategic node and the southeast endpoint;carry out a comprehensive scientific investigation of the Bo-Tai Line,and strengthen the scientific cognition and publicity;promote China's development in a higher-level,higher-quality,more coordinated,safer and more civilized direction.Let Chinese know about the Bo-Tai Line,let the world know about the Bo-Tai Line,and let the Bo-Tai Line truly become the backbone of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.     

多分辨率小波分析在线状要素简化中的应用

空间数据的多尺度表达问题已成为GIS研究的重点,也是地图自动综合的瓶颈。智能化的多尺度表达是亟须解决的问题。利用小波分析中的多分辨率分析原理,建立微分角度的线状要素简化模型,结合空间要素多尺度表达的特征,研究空间线状要素的简化方法,并对简化后的图形拓扑一致性做简单分析,实现线状要素的简化。     

Spatial analysis of geometric design consistency and road sight distance

Because of the high number of crashes occurring on highways, it is necessary to intensify the search for new tools that help in understanding their causes. This research explores the use of a geographic information system (GIS) for an integrated analysis, taking into account two accident-related factors: design consistency (DC) (based on vehicle speed) and available sight distance (ASD) (based on visibility). Both factors require specific GIS software add-ins, which are explained. Digital terrain models (DTMs), vehicle paths, road centerlines, a speed prediction model, and crash data are integrated in the GIS. The usefulness of this approach has been assessed through a study of more than 500 crashes. From a regularly spaced grid, the terrain (bare ground) has been modeled through a triangulated irregular network (TIN). The length of the roads analyzed is greater than 100 km. Results have shown that DC and ASD could be related to crashes in approximately 4% of cases. In order to illustrate the potential of GIS, two crashes are fully analyzed: a car rollover after running off road on the right side and a rear-end collision of two moving vehicles. Although this procedure uses two software add-ins that are available only for ArcGIS, the study gives a practical demonstration of the suitability of GIS for conducting integrated studies of road safety.     

A stroke-based method for automated generation of schematic network maps

This article deals with the graphic simplification of a network by schematization. A new method employing a stroke-based and progressive strategy is proposed to generate schematic network maps. This method treats a stroke (which is a long line with segments concatenated together) as a basic unit for the implementation. The procedure is as follows: (a) strokes are formed from line segments, (b) the strokes are re-orientated along grid lines and/or diagonals, and (c) two endpoints and all intersection points on (sub-)strokes are projected onto re-oriented straight lines, and (d) spatial inconsistency is detected and resolved. A methodology for each of these steps is described. This new method has been tested with a set of real-life road network data and evaluated by fractal analysis and empirical study. Experimental results show that this new method is more effective than segment-based methods and is able to produce graphics with great simplicity and clarity. Based on the results obtained, the stroke-based schematization with four primary directions is recommended.     

Leveraging parallel spatio-temporal computing for crime analysis in large datasets: analyzing trends in near-repeat phenomenon of crime in cities

ABSTRACT

Crime often clusters in space and time. Near-repeat patterns improve understanding of crime communicability and their space–time interactions. Near-repeat analysis requires extensive computing resources for the assessment of statistical significance of space–time interactions. A computationally intensive Monte Carlo simulation-based approach is used to evaluate the statistical significance of the space-time patterns underlying near-repeat events. Currently available software for identifying near-repeat patterns is not scalable for large crime datasets. In this paper, we show how parallel spatial programming can help to leverage spatio-temporal simulation-based analysis in large datasets. A parallel near-repeat calculator was developed and a set of experiments were conducted to compare the newly developed software with an existing implementation, assess the performance gain due to parallel computation, test the scalability of the software to handle large crime datasets and assess the utility of the new software for real-world crime data analysis. Our experimental results suggest that, efficiently designed parallel algorithms that leverage high-performance computing along with performance optimization techniques could be used to develop software that are scalable with large datasets and could provide solutions for computationally intensive statistical simulation-based approaches in crime analysis.     

Quantitative characterization and comprehensive evaluation of regional water resources using the Three Red Lines method

Based on the synergetic development of new industrialization, rapid urbanization and agricultural modernization (IUAM), and from the viewpoint of interactive relationships between water resources and regional population, eco-environment, economy and society, the concepts of water resources intensity (WRI), water environment intensity (WEI), water resources relative efficiency (WRRE) and water environment relative efficiency (WERE) are defined with reference to energy intensity, resources efficiency and environment efficiency theory. On the basis of benchmarking theory, the quantitative characterization and evaluation method of “Three Red Lines” (the upper limit of water resources allocation, the baseline of utilization efficiency of water resources and the upper limit of sewage discharge) is proposed. According to these concepts and models, an empirical analysis of the Three Red Lines of water resources on the Chinese mainland between 2003 and 2012 was carried out. The results showed that total water consumption in eastern, central and western parts of China possesses “club convergence” characteristics, which means these areas have similar internal conditions appeared convergence in the development. Inter-provincial differences in water consumption continue to decrease, but the north–south differentiation characteristics in the eastern and central regions were still relatively obvious, while provincial differences in the eastern part were at a minimum and the central region had the largest. Water Resources Efficiency (WRE) of all four sectors in the Southwest rivers and Huaihe River basins were generally high. Industrial WRRE in the Songhua River, Yangtze River and Pearl River basins, agricultural WRRE in the Songhua River, Yellow River and northwestern river basins and domestic WRRE in the Liaohe River, Yangtze River and Pearl River basins were all low. Eco-environmental WRRE in the southeastern rivers and Yangtze River basins were low but showed an upward trend. Other river basins, except for the Northwestern rivers basin, had high eco-environmental WRRE with a downward trend. Western China, especially the northwestern part, had a low relative intensity of the water environment (WERI) and high integrated water environment management (IWEM) performance, but the relative intensities of the water resources (WRRI) were fairly high, and the comprehensive performance of integrated water resources management (IWRM) in these regions was low. In southern China, especially the southeastern part, the IWEM was fairly high, but the overall IWRM was lower.     

Measuring urban activities using Foursquare data and network analysis: a case study of Murcia (Spain)

Among social networks, Foursquare is a useful reference for identifying recommendations about local stores, restaurants, malls or other activities in the city. In this article, we consider the question of whether there is a relationship between the data provided by Foursquare regarding users’ tastes and preferences and fieldwork carried out in cities, especially those connected with business and leisure. Murcia was chosen for case study for two reasons: its particular characteristics and the prior knowledge resulting from the fieldwork. Since users of this network establish, what may be called, a ranking of places through their recommendations, we can plot these data with the objective of displaying the characteristics and peculiarities of the network in this city. Fieldwork from the city itself gives us a set of facilities and services observed in the city, which is a physical reality. An analysis of these data using a model based on a network centrality algorithm establishes a classification or ranking of the nodes that form the urban network. We compare the data extracted from the social network with the data collected from the fieldwork, in order to establish the appropriateness in terms of understanding the activity that takes place in this city. Moreover, this comparison allows us to draw conclusions about the degree of similarity between the preferences of Foursquare users and what was obtained through the fieldwork in the city.     

市场分割与中国城市出口差异

出口贸易是中国经济增长的引擎,也是影响城市经济发展的重要因素。中国城市出口活动强度呈现由东向西逐渐递减的趋势,东部沿海地区的城市群表现最为优异。经济转型背景下地方政府采取的市场分割政策对中国城市出口差异有显著影响。基于新经济地理理论,在企业微观层面使用Heckman选择模型分析的结果表明：① 短期内,国内市场分割程度加剧导致企业因国内市场受限而替代性地进入国际市场以追求规模经济效益,从而通过增加出口企业数量提升城市出口表现;长期来看,市场分割限制了企业的规模经济效益和专业化分工能力,降低了出口企业的生产率和国际竞争力,从而损害城市出口贸易的可持续发展;这一机制还受到企业所有制及地理区位的影响。② 市场分割对企业出口行为的扭曲程度依外资企业、国有企业、私营企业的顺序递增。③ 在中国中部地区,改善省际交通条件有助于缓解国内市场分割对企业出口行为的扭曲作用,在东部和西部地区则不明显。     

Quantifying the Shapes of U.S. Landfalling Tropical Cyclone Rain Shields*

Tropical cyclones (TCs) produce complex rainfall patterns that are difficult to predict due to atmospheric and land surface forcings. This study utilizes geographic information systems to spatially analyze radar returns and calculate several metrics that quantify the shapes of TC rain shields. Three stepwise discriminant analyses are performed to determine which of the shape metrics distinguish among TCs categorized by: intensity, distance traveled inland, and orientation of terrain encountered. Results confirm that TC rain shields often assume noncircular shapes. Utilizing shape indices to model rain shields could help produce TC rainfall forecasts that are more spatially accurate.     

Problems and countermeasures in construction of transmission line projects in permafrost regions

Construction of power transmission lines is becoming an important part of permafrost engineering in China.This paper reviews the construction status and problems of transmission lines in different countries,as well as corresponding solutions that would be of practical significance for sustainable engineering practices.Russia has the longest history of transmission line construction in permafrost areas,with transmission lines（mainly 220 kV and 500 kV） spanning approximately 100,000 km.However,all countries suffer from permafrost-related tower foundation stability problems caused by freezing-thawing hazards such as frost heave and thaw settlement,frost lifting,and harmful cryogenic phenomena.As point-line transmission line constructions,the lines,poles and towers should be reasonably selected and installed with a comprehensive consideration of frozen soil characteristics to effectively reduce the occurrence of freezing-thawing disasters.Reinforced concrete pile foundations are widely used in the permafrost regions,and construction in winter is also a universal practice.Moreover,facilitating engineering measures like thermosyphons are an effective way to reduce freezing-thawing hazards and to maintain the stability of tower foundations.     

Enhanced multi-objective optimization algorithm for renewable energy sources: optimal spatial development of wind farms

A new approach for treating multi-objective spatial optimization problems is introduced in this study, aiming at deriving the optimal spatial allocation of Wind Farms on a Greek Island (Lesvos). This work builds on the knowledge gained from numerous applications of multi-objective genetic algorithms, either for spatial planning purposes or for other engineering-related topics, by incorporating modified genetic operators and sophisticated planning criteria. Hence, a stand-alone genetic optimizer was developed that incorporates the controlled non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (CNSGA-II), in which the user can model all planning criteria and constraints for every spatial entity to be allocated, and handle the genetic solver via a built-in computational framework that permits the analysis of large terrains. The presented paradigm provides interesting findings for the optimal development of renewable energy sources projects whose spatial allocation is governed by conflicting criteria and strict constraints.