Web-enabled spatial decision analysis using Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA)

 This paper presents a spatial decision support tool that implements the Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) method. OWA is a family of multicriteria evaluation operators characterised by two sets of weights: criterion importance weights and order weights. We propose a highly interactive way of choosing, modifying, and fine-tuning the decision strategy defined by the order weights. This exploratory approach to OWA is supported by a graphical representation of the operator's behaviour in terms of decision risk and tradeoff/dispersion between criteria. Our prototype implementation is based on the CommonGIS software, and thus, Web-enabled and working with vector data. We successfully demonstrate online, exploratory support of spatial decision strategies using a data set of skiing resorts in Wallis, Switzerland. Received: 24 September 2002 / Accepted: 10 January 2003     

防汛会商决策支持系统实现方法

防汛会商属于风险决策和群决策,本文基于决策支持理论,结合我国防汛指挥的实际情况,详细分析论证了当今的信息技术特点和应用前景,阐述了信息领域的网络技术、地理信息系统技术、数据仓库技术和人工智能等在防汛会商决策支持系统中的实际应用。概述了防汛会商决策支持系统的总体结构和实现思路。     

Spatial decision support applications based on three-dimensional city models

The basic mathematic models, such as the statistic model, the time-serial model, the spatial dynamic model etc., and some typical analysis methods based on 3DCM are proposed and discussed. A few typical spatial decision making methods integrating the spatial analysis and the basic mathematical models are also introduced, e.g. visual impact assessment, dispersion of noise immissions, base station plan for wireless communication. In addition, a new idea of expectation of further applications and add-in-value service of 3DCM is promoted. As an example, the sunshine analysis is studied and some helpful conclusions are drawn.     

Spatial decision support applications based on three-dimensional city models

The basic mathematic models, such as the statistic model, the time-serial model, the spatial dynamic model etc.,and some typical analysis methods based on 3DCM are proposed and discussed. A few typical spatial decision making methods integrating the spatial analysis and the basic mathematical models are also introduced, e.g. visual impact assessment, dispersion of noise immissions, base station plan for wireless communication. In addition, a new idea of expectation of further applications and add-in-value service of 3DCM is promoted. As an example, the sunshine analysis is studied and some helpful conclusions are drawn.     

The development of spatial decision support system tool for marine spatial planning

A major problem associated with marine spatial planning (MSP) involves the difficult and time-consuming practice of creating a scenario that encompasses complex datasets in near real time via the use of a simple spatial analysis method. Moreover, decision-makers require a reliable, user-friendly system to quickly and accessibly acquire accurate spatial planning information. The development of national spatial data infrastructure (NSDI), which links the spatial data of a nation’s many diverse institutions, may pave the way for the development of a tool that can better utilize spatial datasets, such as a spatial decision support system (SDSS). Thus, this project aimed to develop an SDSS for MSP and to evaluate the feasibility of its integration within the NSDI framework. The seaweed culture was selected as an example due to its economic and technological acceptance by traditional fishers. Additionally, a multi-criteria analysis was used to develop the tool. Furthermore, a feasibility evaluation of its implementation within the NSDI framework was conducted based on the Delphi method. The results of the assessment indicated that the SDSS can be incorporated into the NSDI framework by addressing the policy issue – one map policy, updating custodians’ decree and data, and improve the standard and protocol.     

A GIS-based decision support system for analysis of route choice in congested urban road networks

Urban congestion patterns have become ubiquitous and complex. Traditional, “static” approaches are no longer adequate for analyzing network flows and conducting minimum cost routing. This paper reports on a GIS-based decision support tool for modeling dynamic network congestion and conducting minimum cost routing. The system predicts network flows at a detailed level of temporal resolution, capturing dynamic congestion propagation effects. A Route Planner module solves for the combined departure time and minimum cost routing required for a trip to reach its destination by a given deadline. The GIS provides effective decision support through its database management capabilities, graphical user interfaces and cartographic visualization. This supports analyses of “what-if?” scenarios for strategic planning and tactical management subject to unplanned network disturbances. Received: 1 October 1999/Accepted: 21 September 2000     

GIS- and RS-based spatial decision support: structure of a spatial environmental information system (SEIS)

Abstract

The development of spatial decision support for environmental resource management, e.g. forest and agroecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, or hydrological planning, started in the 1980s and was the focus of many research groups in the 1990s. The combined availability of spatial data and communication, computing, positioning, geographic information system (GIS)- and remote sensing (RS)-technologies has been responsible for the implementation of complex SDSS since the late 1990s. The regional GIS-based modelling of environmental resources, and therefore ecosystems in general, requires setting-up an extensive geo and model database. Spatial data on topography, soil, climate, land use, hydrology, flora, fauna and anthropogenic activities have to be available. Therefore, GIS- and RS-technologies are of central importance for spatial data handling and analysis. In this context, the structure of spatial environmental information systems (SEIS) is introduced. In SEIS, the input data for environmental resource management are organised in at least seven sub-information systems: base geodata information system (BGDIS), climate information system (CIS), soil information system (SIS), land use information system (LUIS), hydrological information system (HIS), spatial/temporal biodiversity information system (STBIS), forest/agricultural management information system (FAMIS). The major tasks of a SEIS are to (i) provide environmental resource information on a regional level, (ii) analyse the impact of anthropogenic activities and (iii) simulate scenarios of different impacts.     

空间决策支持系统通用软件工具的试验研究

空间决策支持系统（ＳＤＳＳ）是近年来在常规决策支持系统（ＤＳＳ）和地理信息系统（ＧＩＳ）相结合的基础上，发展起来的一种新型的信息系统。在本文中，作者简要地论述了ＳＤＳＳ的技术特点及其与ＧＩＳ、专家系统的差异，ＳＤＳＳ通用软件工具的设计思想及其原型系统的总体结构以及建立ＳＤＳＳ通用软件工具原型系统的关键技术问题及其解决办法。在开发ＳＤＳＳ通用软件工具的过程中，引入了应用框架生成及其实例化的概念，为ＳＤＳＳ的发展和应用开拓了一条有效的途径。     

Spatial econometrics functions in R: Classes and methods

 Placing spatial econometrics and more generally spatial statistics in the context of an extensible data analysis environment such as R exposes similarities and differences between traditions of analysis. This can be fruitful, and is explored here in relation to prediction and other methods usually applied to fitted models in R. Objects in R may be assigned a class attribute, including fitted model objects. Such fitted model objects may be provided with methods allowing them to be displayed, compared, and used for prediction, and it is of interest to see whether fitted spatial models can be treated in the same way. Received: 26 August 2002 / Revised version: 15 January 2003     

Accessibility tradeoffs in public transit planning

 Spatial accessibility is a critical consideration in the provision of services, both public and private. In public transit planning, accessibility is comprised of access and geographic coverage. Interestingly, these two considerations are somewhat at odds with each other. Access is important because it is the process associated with getting to and departing from the service. Such access is typically perceived of in spatial terms as the physical proximity to transit stops or stations. Additional stops along a route usually mean greater access, because a stop is more likely to be within an acceptable walking/driving standard for a larger number of people. On the other hand, more stops and greater access slow transit travel speeds, thereby decreasing the area of service reachable given a travel time budget. More stops along a route translate to greater service interruption and longer travel times. The faster the travel time, the more desirable the service. Further, if travel times become excessive, then user demand for service will decrease. All of this means that stop spacing along a route is central to accessibility, as it is a tradeoff of access (more stops) and geographic coverage (service efficiency through less stops). This paper details modeling approaches for addressing accessibility concerns in an integrated fashion. Bus-based transit service in Columbus, Ohio will be utilized to illustrate the usefulness of these approaches in transit planning. Received: September 2002 / Accepted: January 2003 This research was supported in part by an Ohio State University seed grant.     

The framework of a geospatial semantic web-based spatial decision support system for Digital Earth

Abstract

While significant progress has been made to implement the Digital Earth vision, current implementation only makes it easy to integrate and share spatial data from distributed sources and has limited capabilities to integrate data and models for simulating social and physical processes. To achieve effectiveness of decision-making using Digital Earth for understanding the Earth and its systems, new infrastructures that provide capabilities of computational simulation are needed. This paper proposed a framework of geospatial semantic web-based interoperable spatial decision support systems (SDSSs) to expand capabilities of the currently implemented infrastructure of Digital Earth. Main technologies applied in the framework such as heterogeneous ontology integration, ontology-based catalog service, and web service composition were introduced. We proposed a partition-refinement algorithm for ontology matching and integration, and an algorithm for web service discovery and composition. The proposed interoperable SDSS enables decision-makers to reuse and integrate geospatial data and geoprocessing resources from heterogeneous sources across the Internet. Based on the proposed framework, a prototype to assist in protective boundary delimitation for Lunan Stone Forest conservation was implemented to demonstrate how ontology-based web services and the services-oriented architecture can contribute to the development of interoperable SDSSs in support of Digital Earth for decision-making.     

A spatial decision support system prototype for housing mobility program planning

This paper presents a GIS-based decision support system prototype intended for use by public housing authority (PHA) administrators and planners designing policy for housing mobility programs. Housing mobility programs enable low-income families, many of whom live in government-operated public housing, to move to more desirable private-market rentals via rent subsidies. Unfortunately, housing authority planners have limited ability to visualize alternative relocation schemes of cohorts of low-income families or the impacts associated with these relocation policies. Thus, they are often not able to give highest-quality advice to clients regarding places to search for private-market rental housing. Housing Location Planner assists PHA planners in three ways: it analyzes spatial, demographic and housing market characteristics of the study area, selects certain portions of the study area for input to an optimization model which generates alternative family allocations, and displays optimization model results in a way that links decision variable values and objective function values. Housing Location Planner is seen as a first step in the development of even more sophisticated multi-stakeholder spatial decision support systems for subsidized housing planning in which one or more alternative allocations of families across a study area is chosen as a basis for policy initiatives. Received: 8 September 1999/Accepted: 23 October 2000     

基于模糊综合评判的选址空间决策支持系统

传统的选址空间决策支持系统的数学模型难以全面考虑复杂、抽象的选址影响因素,难以把一些模糊的约束条件纳入数学模型,因而模型存在一定缺陷。利用模糊综合评判进行选址空间决策支持系统的研究,可以充分利用GIS的空间和非空间信息,且考虑的因素更为全面,极大地避免了人为因素的影响,是对选址决策支持系统数学模型的改进。     

Toward micro-scale spatial modeling of gentrification

 A simple preliminary model of gentrification is presented. The model is based on an irregular cellular automaton architecture drawing on the concept of proximal space, which is well suited to the spatial externalities present in housing markets at the local scale. The rent gap hypothesis on which the model's cell transition rules are based is discussed. The model's transition rules are described in detail. Practical difficulties in configuring and initializing the model are described and its typical behavior reported. Prospects for further development of the model are discussed. The current model structure, while inadequate, is well suited to further elaboration and the incorporation of other interesting and relevant effects. Received: 1 November 2001 / Accepted: 12 April 2002 Town centres data were made available by kind permission of the UK Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.     

Development of a GIS-based decision support system for assessing land use status

IntroductionAgriculturallandusepatternsandtheirchangesaretightlyrelatedwithagriculturepolicyandfoodsecurityissuesundergrowingfooddemand,assess mentofglobalclimatechangeimpactsonagricul ture,environmentalissuesduetotheintensificationofagriculturallandusessuchaswaterpollution,soildegradation,andrecentlywaterscarcityissues.Soasustainableandholisticplanningandmanage mentoflandresourcesshouldcombineallthesere latedinformationwithefficienttoolsforassessmentandevaluationinordertopermitbroad ,interact…     

Development of a GIS-based decision support system for assessing land use status

The objectives of this study are to assess land suitability and to predict the spatial and temporal changes in land use types (LUTs) by using GIS-based land use management decision support system. A GIS database with data on climate, topography, soil characteristic, irrigation condition, fertilizer application, and special socioeconomic activities has been developed and used for the evaluation of land productivity for different crops by integrating with a crop growth model—the erosion productivity impact calculator (EPIC). International food policy simulation model (IFPSIM) is also embedded into GIS for the predictions of how crop demands and crop market prices will change under alternative policy scenarios. An inference engine (IE) including land use choice model is developed to illustrate land use choice behavior based on logit models, which allows to analyze how diversified factors ranging from climate changes, crop price changes to land management changes can effect the distribution of agricultural land use. A test for integrated simulation is taken in each 0.1o by 0.1o grid cell to predict the change of agricultural land use types at global level. Global land use changes are simulated from 1992 to 2050.     

Spatial statistical techniques for aggregating point objects extracted from high spatial resolution remotely sensed imagery

 Using a local maximum filter, individual trees were extracted from a 1 m spatial resolution IKONOS image and represented as points. The spatial pattern of individual trees was determined to represent forest age (a surrogate for forest structure). Point attributes, based on the spatial pattern of trees, were generated via nearest neighbour statistics and used as the basis for aggregating points into forest structure units. The forest structure units allowed for the mapping of a forested area into one of three age categories: young (1–20 years), intermediate (21–120 years), and mature (>120 years). This research indicates a new approach to image processing, where objects generated from the processing of image data (rather than pixels or spectral values) are subjected to spatial statistical analysis to estimate an attribute relating an aspect of forest structure. Received: 22 April 2002 / Accepted: 23 November 2002     

Change detection thresholds for remotely sensed images

 The detection of change in remotely sensed images is often carried out by designating a threshold to distinguish between areas of change and areas of no change. The choice of threshold is often arbitrary however. The purpose of this paper is to offer a statistical framework for the selection of thresholds. The framework accounts for the facts that one carries out multiple tests of the null hypothesis of no change, when searching for regions of change over an image with a large number of pixels. Special attention is given to global spatial autocorrelation, which can affect the selection of appropriate threshold values. Received: 8 March 2001 / Accepted: 12 October 2001     

Assessing representation error in point-based coverage modeling

 Accurately representing geographic space in a digital environment continues to confound and challenge researchers. Carrying out spatial analysis in a setting where geographic representation is subject to change poses problems to be addressed. In this paper we examine spatial representation in the context of coverage-based location modeling. A geographic region can be represented in a variety of ways. We present an evaluation of spatial representation in the location of facilities that provide coverage oriented services. The analysis shows that the modeling results are sensitive to how spatial demand for service is represented in a digital environment. We develop an approach for evaluating representational appropriateness. This research contributes to spatial analysis integrated in geographic information system environment. Received: 10 January 2001 / Accepted: 8 April 2002