Integration of Geospatial Science in Teacher Education

Abstract

One of the primary missions of our university is to train future primary and secondary teachers. Geospatial sciences, including GIS, have long been excluded from teacher education curriculum. This article explains the curriculum revisions undertaken to increase the geospatial technology education of future teachers. A general education class introducing geospatial technology to the general student body has been developed, a cartography class has been modified to provide applied geospatial experience explicitly for future teachers, and a service learning partnership with local K–12 schools has been established where students are working with teachers to integrate geospatial sciences in their academic programs.     

Typhoon insurance pricing with spatial decision support tools

In disaster insurance and reinsurance, GIS has been used to visualize and manage geospatial data and to help vulnerability and risk analysis for years. However, hazard insurance is a multidisciplinary issue that involves complex factors and uncertainty. GIS, if used alone, has limited functionality due to poor incorporation of intelligence and spatial statistics. The Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) presented in this paper, addresses some of the deficiencies of traditional GIS, by providing powerful tools to support disaster insurance pricing that involves procedural and declarative knowledge. In the SDSS, the knowledge‐based system shell, using the open‐source CLIPS and supporting fuzziness and uncertainty, can be applied in at least three phases: hazard simulation, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of risk, and query for insurance pricing. The libraries of statistics and spatial statistics provide a robust support for analysis of spatial factors, including spatial correlation between zones vulnerable to hazard and spatial variation of exposures. The GIS components provide sophisticated visualization and database management support for geospatial data, helping easily locate the insured points and risk zones as well as exploratory analysis of spatial data. Standard database management interfaces are used to manage other aspatial data. COM, an industry‐wide interface protocol, tightly integrates these technologies (the expert shell, GIS, spatial statistics and DBM within an integral system), and can be used to develop mixed complex algorithms in support of other COM objects. An application of typhoon insurance pricing is demonstrated with a case study in Guangdong, China. Developed as a suite of generic tools with abilities to deal with the complex problem of disaster insurance involving spatial factors and field knowledge, this prototype SDSS can also be applied to other disaster insurance and fields that involve similar spatial decision making.     

The Pedagogical Benefits of Participatory GIS for Geographic Education

In this article, participatory GIS (PGIS) is explored and established as a powerful platform for geographic education. PGIS pedagogy can help educators meet diverse learning objectives pertaining to: (1) local knowledge and place-based thinking; (2) community engagement; (3) field mapping with geospatial technologies; (4) mixed-methods research; and (5) fostering of critical reflexivity in students. The discussion is supported with insights from multiple student-facilitated PGIS projects organized in rural Tanzania. There also is a thorough discussion of the challenges and caveats associated with involving students in PGIS projects, and a call for new research for assessing and advancing PGIS pedagogy.     

Free satellite imagery and digital elevation model analyses enabling natural resource management in the developing world: Case studies from Eastern Indonesia

Decentralization of governance and natural resource management is an ongoing process in many parts of Africa and Asia. Natural resource management requires spatial land resource data for planning. However, currently the financial and human capacity for natural resource mapping, monitoring and modelling remains low in local governments. In this context, this paper explores how new opportunities provided by the increasing availability of free satellite imagery, digital elevation data and open source spatial analysis software, can be applied by local government and NGOs to conduct sophisticated natural resource mapping and modelling in ways that meet their needs and incorporates local knowledge. Reported are cases of a local government using free geospatial data and GIS software to improve evidence‐based natural resource management in the developing world with a focus on raster data applications for satellite image analysis and terrain modelling. It is argued that, through removing barriers to uptake, such applications provide a means of decentralizing landscape analysis skills to improve local natural resource management. This hypothesis is supported through examples of a local government applying these tools in eastern Indonesia, and within this context barriers to wider adoption are explored.     

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.     

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。     

基于规则数据驱动的专题制图技术及其应用研究

地图制图自动化是地图学的重要目标之一,也是当前研究的热点问题之一,对地球空间信息科学的发展具有十分重要的意义。通过采用Representation技术,以昆明市入滇河道(管线)专题地图制图项目为例,研究探讨基于规则化数据驱动的计算机地图制图表达,部分解决了传统上必须通过大量人工编辑才能够完成的制图任务,特别是实现了传统上需要以破坏数据的GIS属性为代价才能够实现的地图制图效果,结果表明:基于规则驱动的计算机地图制图表达技术能够兼顾GIS和地图制图对数据的不同要求,可快速完成地图制作,并达到传统地图制图效果,节省大量的人力物力,具有广阔的推广和工程应用价值。     

基于全球剖分模型的空间信息编码模型初探

为解决由于不同GIS数据模型中同一空间实体的编码不惟一而导致数据共享困难及标识的静态性和无空间位置等问题,鉴于全球剖分模型的全球连续性、多层次性以及剖分面片地址码的全球惟一性,该文提出了基于全球剖分模型的全球空间信息剖分编码(GeoDNA)模型,并设计了该编码模型的系统架构,试图实现全球空间信息的全息表达。通过对遥感影像中的空间实体进行编码试验,表明全球空间信息剖分编码模型将大大增强空间信息的维护与共享能力,加快信息的查询与检索速度,在区域性的应急反应上具有很强的理论和实用价值。     

三维景观GIS几何建模方法——以无锡唐城为例

本文实现了以 4D测绘数据 (DEM、DOM、DLG、DRG)为基本数据源的无锡唐城古建筑三维数字景观GIS。同时 ,在三维GIS传统三维空间数据模型的基础上 ,提出面向对象的三维建模点对象的划分不同与二维GIS中的点对象 ;针对基于面状的三维GIS,提出有向曲线构建面状复杂单体的几何建模方法是较为简捷的途径。     

Enabling smart data selection based on data completeness measures: a quality-aware approach

Geographic information system (GIS) users rely heavily on the versatile operations of GIS software and the abundant variety of geospatial data from different resources to satisfy their application requirements. However, the convenient use of GIS software has resulted in users easily ignoring the threat of data misuse because of the lack of understanding of data quality. Here we argue that data quality considerations must be coherently assimilated into the GIS operation design to visually present helpful information and ensure the accuracy of data for decision making. Data completeness is selected in this paper to demonstrate how the use of data quality information opens a new dimension to the design of future GIS software. We propose a new model for the representation, analysis, and visualization of data completeness information. With the brand new quantitative measures and informative visual approach, understanding of the data completeness of the illustrated contents in the map interface is enhanced, and inappropriate dataset selection can be effectively prevented. Thus, this paper presents an innovative, integrated and geospatial concept of future GIS operation design, where users are constantly aware of the continuously changing status of data quality based on formalized and quantitative data quality theories.     

Wireless Mapping,GIS, and Learning about the Digital Divide: A Classroom Experience

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe a capstone course in undergraduate student geographical research in which GIS and other geospatial tools were used to teach undergraduate students basic geographical principles. The course uses the “cooperative learning” pedagogical approach to address one of a number of client-supplied research projects, chosen on the basis of logistical difficulty, time, student ability, and project importance. In the connection of primary data with existing data, students confronted a number of important research issues such as mapping ethics, database design and management, time management, group dynamics, and research limitations.     

Web-based geospatial multiple criteria decision analysis using open software and standards

The emerging ubiquity of geospatial information is providing an unprecedented opportunity to apply Geographical Information Systems (GIS)-based multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to a broad spectrum of use cases. Volunteered geographic information, open GIS software, geoservice-based tools, cloud-based virtualized platforms, and worldwide collaboration of both domain experts and general users have greatly increased the quantity and accessibility of geospatially referenced data resources. Currently, there is a lack of GIS-based MCDA tools that integrate this decision-driven process within a widely accessible, robust geoframework environment, designed for user-friendly interaction. In this contribution, we present a conceptual workflow and proof-of-concept software application, Geocentric Environment for Analysis and Reasoning (GEAR), which provides a viable transition path to enhance geospatial MCDA in the age of open GIS. We propose a Web-based platform that leverages open-source geotechnologies to incorporate a wide variety of geospatial data formats in a common solution space to allow for spatially enhanced and time-relevant decision analysis. Through the proposed workflow, a user can ingest and modify heterogeneous data formats, exploit temporally tagged data sources, create multicriteria decision analysis models, and visualize the results in an iterative and collaborative workspace. A sample case study applied to disaster relief is used to demonstrate the prototype and workflow. This proof-of-concept Web-based application provides a notional pathway of how to connect open-source data to open-source analysis through a geospatially enabled MCDA workflow that could be virtually accessible to many levels of decision makers from individuals to entire organizations.     

3S技术在湿地研究中的应用

湿地具有多种生态功能和经济与社会价值,是人类赖以生存和发展的自然资源宝库与生存环境。湿地研究已受到国际社会的高度重视,成为国际生态学与环境科学研究的热点问题之一。3S技术的发展为湿地研究提供了新的方法和强有力的技术支持。主要论述了3S技术在湿地资源调查、湿地动态变化监测、湿地景观变化分析、湿地制图、湿地资源管理等方面的应用概况;在此基础上概要论述了3S技术在湿地研究应用中存在的主要问题和解决方案;最后论述了3S技术在湿地研究应用中的发展前景。提出应加大3S技术集成的深度,加强3S技术在湿地生物多样性、湿地环境效益、湿地边界确定及湿地资源管理等研究中的应用,把对湿地资源信息的分析和处理提高到研究湿地空间的规划和决策层面上,为管理和合理利用湿地资源指引方向。     

多维统一GIS构建与实现的几何代数方法

针对时空GIS发展所面临的时空表达不统一,高维扩展困难等问题,基于以多维统一和坐标无关为特征的几何代数理论,建立多维统一GIS构建的层次体系与方法。利用几何代数对象构造中几何维度与Grassmann维度的一致性,实现整合维度结构与几何关系的多维地理对象自适应表达。利用几何代数算子的特征内蕴与结构明晰特性,构建多维统一计算模型以及可支撑复杂地理计算的多维统一分析框架,进而建立基于几何代数的多维统一GIS系统架构与实现方案。对上述关键技术加以实现并进行了相关应用案例分析。结果显示,基于几何代数构建的多维统一GIS有望突破现有时空GIS的不足,可为以多维统一表达与运算为特征GIS的发展提供新的数学工具与实现途径。     

地理空间元数据关联网络的构建

利用资源描述框架（RDF）设计地理空间元数据关联模型,根据地理空间元数据之间的语义关系和语义相关度的计算,以构建以元数据为节点、元数据之间的语义关系为边、语义相关度为权重的关联网络。在这一网络中,一个节点是一个地理空间元数据的资源描述图,包含属性特征（数据来源、空间特征、时间特征、内容）及其关系特征（元数据之间的语义关系、语义相关度）。实验及其分析表明,地理空间元数据关联网络可以有效地支持地理空间数据语义关联检索、推荐等应用,这与传统的基于关键词的元数据检索方式相比,具有更高的准确度。     

Distinguishing extensive and intensive properties for meaningful geocomputation and mapping

A most fundamental and far-reaching trait of geographic information is the distinction between extensive and intensive properties. In common understanding, originating in Physics and Chemistry, extensive properties increase with the size of their supporting objects, while intensive properties are independent of this size. It has long been recognized that the decision whether analytical and cartographic measures can be meaningfully applied depends on whether an attribute is considered intensive or extensive. For example, the choice of a map type as well as the application of basic geocomputational operations, such as spatial intersections, aggregations or algebraic operations such as sums and weighted averages, strongly depend on this semantic distinction. So far, however, the distinction can only be drawn in the head of an analyst. We still lack practical ways of automation for composing GIS workflows and to scale up mapping and geocomputation over many data sources, e.g. in statistical portals. In this article, we test a machine-learning model that is capable of labeling extensive/intensive region attributes with high accuracy based on simple characteristics extractable from geodata files. Furthermore, we propose an ontology pattern that captures central applicability constraints for automating data conversion and mapping using Semantic Web technology.     

SNB—SAR数据在大范围水稻种植面积调查中的应用：以广东省早稻调查为例

研究了在GSI支持下，Radarsat SNB-SAR数据用于广东省大范围水稻种植面积调查的方法与应用。首先，对SAR数据预处理，包括辐射校正、Frost滤波和几何精校正等；然后对预处理影像的后向散射值进行信息定量判断，结合GIS的辅助分析，剔除不可能是水稻信息的像元；最后对剔除非水稻信息后的影像进行最大似然法的有监分类，获取各区域水稻分布的影像并统计面积。结果表明，该方法对于大范围的水稻种植面积调查具有实用、快速的特点，其精度在平原地区具有较高的可靠性，山区因为地形的复杂性等原因尚需进一步研究以提高精度。     

资源与环境模型标准文档库及其与GIS集成

论述了中国资源与环境模型标准文档库的结构和内容。通过研究总结数学模型及其研究现状发现，中国资源与环境模型标准文档库建设需要完善尚有缺陷的数学模型、创建尚缺少的数学模型；通过归纳现有数学模型与地理信息系统的现有集成方法发现，目前的集成方法不能满足区域可持续发展集成模型的需要，据此讨论了数学模型与地理信息系统有效集成需要深入研究的内容。最后，提出了通过大量案例研究，形成区域可持续发展集成模型和中国资源与环境模型标准文档库2个软件包的可行研究思路。     

Teaching Spatial Thinking and Geospatial Technologies Through Citizen Mapping and Problem-Based Inquiry in Grades 7-12

Our project introduced students in grades 7 through 12 to spatial thinking and geospatial technologies in the context of challenges in their community. We used a mix of levels of inquiry to advance learning from teacher- to student-guided through a citizen mapping group activity. Student-suggested problem-based topics included parks and community gardens, crime, housing, and youth employment opportunities. Qualitative methods were used to evaluate students’ knowledge of spatial thinking and geospatial technologies, including map interpretation, a case study, daily exit slips, and interviews. Overall, the students’ awareness of their community, spatial thinking, and geospatial technologies increased as a result of participation.     

Cyber Literacy for GIScience: Toward Formalizing Geospatial Computing Education

The unprecedented availability of geospatial data and technologies is driving innovation and discovery but not without the risk of losing focus on the geographic foundations of space and place in this vast “cyber sea” of data and technology. There is a pressing need to educate a new generation of scientists and citizens who understand how space and place matter in the real world and who understand and can keep pace with technological advancements in the computational world. We define cyberliteracy for GIScience (cyberGIScience literacy) and outline eight core areas that serve as a framework for establishing the essential abilities and foundational knowledge necessary to navigate and thrive in this new technologically rich world. The core areas are arranged to provide multiple dimensions of learning ranging from a technological focus to a problem solving focus or a focus on GIScience or computational science. We establish a competency matrix as a means of assessing and evaluating levels of cyberGIScience literacy across the eight core areas. We outline plans to catalyze the collaborative development and sharing of instructional materials to embed cyberGIScience literacy in the classroom and begin to realize a cyberliterate citizenry and academe. Key Words: big data, computational thinking, geographic education, GIS, spatial thinking.