Development of a GIS data model with spatial,temporal and attribute components based on object-oriented approach

This paper presents a conceptual data model, the STA-model, for handling spatial, temporal and attribute aspects of objects in GIS. The model is developed on the basis of object-oriented modeling approach. This model includes two major parts: (a) modeling the signal objects by STA-object elements, and (b) modeling relationships between STA-objects. As an example, the STA-model is applied for modeling land cover change data with spatial, temporal and attribute components.     

A new method for indentifying the model error of adjustment system

Some theory problems affecting parameter estimation are discussed in this paper. Influence and transformation between errors of stochastic and functional models is pointed out as well. For choosing the best adjustment model, a formula, which is different from the literatures existing methods, for estimating and identifying the model error, is proposed. On the basis of the proposed formula, an effective approach of selecting the best model of adjustment system is given.     

A fast clonal selection algorithm for feature selection in hyperspectral imagery

Clonal selection feature selection algorithm (CSFS) based on clonal selection algorithm (CSA), a new computational intelligence approach, has been proposed to perform the task of dimensionality reduction in high-dimensional images, and has better performance than traditional feature selection algorithms with more computational costs. In this paper, a fast clonal selection feature selection algorithm (FCSFS) for hyperspectral imagery is proposed to improve the convergence rate by using Cauchy mutation instead of non-uniform mutation as the primary immune operator. Two experiments are performed to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm in comparison with CSFS using hyperspectral remote sensing imagery acquired by the pushbroom hyperspectral imager (PHI) and the airborne visible/infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS), respectively. Experimental results demonstrate that the FCSFS converges faster than CSFS, hence providing an effective new option for dimensionality reduction of hyperspectral remote sensing imagery.     

Geostatistical approaches to refinement of digital elevation data

Data refinement refers to the processes by which a dataset’s resolution, in particular, the spatial one, is refined, and is thus synonymous to spatial downscaling. Spatial resolution indicates measurement scale and can be seen as an index for regular data support. As a type of change of scale, data refinement is useful for many scenarios where spatial scales of existing data, desired analyses, or specific applications need to be made commensurate and refined. As spatial data are related to certain data support, they can be conceived of as support-specific realizations of random fields, suggesting that multivariate geostatistics should be explored for refining datasets from their coarser-resolution versions to the finer-resolution ones. In this paper, geostatistical methods for downscaling are described, and were implemented using GTOPO30 data and sampled Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data at a site in northwest China, with the latter’s majority grid cells used as surrogate reference data. It was found that proper structural modeling is important for achieving increased accuracy in data refinement; here, structural modeling can be done through proper decomposition of elevation fields into trends and residuals and thereafter. It was confirmed that effects of semantic differences on data refinement can be reduced through properly estimating and incorporating biases in local means.     

Near real-time high-resolution airborne camera,AEROCam, for precision agriculture

Precision agriculture often relies on high-resolution imagery to delineate the variability within a field. Airborne Environmental Research Observational Camera (AEROCam) was designed to meet the needs of agriculture producers, ranchers, and researchers, who require high-resolution imagery in a near real-time environment for rapid decision support. AEROCam was developed and operated through a unique collaboration between several departments at the University of North Dakota, including the Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium (UMAC), the School of Engineering and Mines, and flight operations at the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. AEROCam consists of a Redlake MS4100 area-scan multi-spectral digital camera that features a 1920 × 1080 CCD array (7.4-μm detector) with 8-bit quantization. When operated at ～2 km above ground level, multispectral images with four bands in the visible and near infrared have a ground sample distance of 1 m with a horizontal extent of just over 1.6 km. Depending on the applications, flying at different altitudes can adjust the spatial resolution from 0.25 to 2 m. Rigorous spectral and radiometric calibrations allow AEROCam to be used in a variety of applications, qualitative and quantitative. Equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) system, the images acquired can be geo-referenced automatically and delivered to end users near real time through our Digital Northern Great Plains system (DNGP). The images are also available to zone mapping application for precision farming (ZoneMAP), an online decision support tool for creating management zones from remote sensing imagery and data from other sources. Operational since 2004, AEROCam has flown over 250 sorties and delivered over 150,000 images to the users in the Northern Great Plains region, resulting in numerous applications in precision agriculture and resource management.     

Allowance of lateral breakthrough error for super long tunnels from 20km to 50km

Up to now there is no specification about the allowance of lateral breakthrough error for super long tunnel from 20 km to 50 km. On the basis of the design of GPS networks located outside and inside tunnel traverse network, we propose a method for calculating the influence value caused by control surveying errors. Through a lot of simulative calculations and combination with piercing practice of super tunnels in Wan Jiazai Project, Shanxi province, we present an allowance table of lateral breakthrough error for super long tunnels from 20 km to 50 km.     

Research on the security of national geospatial data clearinghouse based on ASP

On the basis of the authors' experiences of setting up an NGDC Web site, this paper attempts to present some significant aspects about the security of NGDC based on ASP. They include data storing, database maintenance, new technical support and so on. Firstly, this paper discusses how to provide the security of data which is saved in the hosts of NGDC. The security model of “Networks-DB Server-DB-DB Object” is also presented. In Windows NT Server, Internet Information Server (i. e., IIS) is in charge of transferring message and the management of Web sites. ASP is also based on IIS. The advantages of virtual directory technique provided by IIS are emphasized.     

Models for analyzing the driving force of cultivated land supply change

This paper focuses on a series of quantitative analysis models, such as grey relational analysis model, hierarchical cluster analysis model, principal component analysis model, linear regression model and elastic coefficient model. These models are used to analyze the comprehensive function and effect of driving forces systemically, including analysis on features, analysis for differentiating the primary and the secondary, analysis on comprehensive effects, analysis of elasticity, analysis of prediction. The primary and characteristic factors can be extracted by analysis of features and analysis for differentiating the primary and the secondary. Analysis on prediction and elasticity can predict the area of cultivated land in the future and find out which factors exert great influence on the cultivated land supply.     

Towards an integral strategy for modelling uncertain geospatial data

This paper endeavours to put the discussion on errors and uncertainties in geographical information systems (GISs) in a more systematic way by examining the strength and weakness of discrete objects and continous fields, the two distinct schools of spatial data modelling. In doing so, it argues that neither discrete objects nor continous fields alone provide objective and complete representations of highly complex geographical phenomena, though there are good reasons for asserting that continuous fields are better suited to modelling spatial dependence, heterogeneity and fuzzines significant in geographical reality than discrete objects. Thus, there seems to be merit in adopting an integrated model incorporating analytical capabilities of fields and generalization functions of objects, for which extended TIN (triangulated irregular network) models along with their duals (Voronoi diagrams) provide a pragmatical solution.