Visualization and damage assessment for flooded area

A practical method for visualizing flood area and evaluating damage is presented, which consists of two technical approaches: self-programming and adapting commercial GIS platforms. The low-cost and easy-to-use GIS-Based model developed by self-programming can meet current requirements of most local authorities, especially in developing countries. In this model, two cases, non-source flood and source flood, are distinguished and the Seed-spread algorithm suitable for source-flood is discussed; The flood damage is assessed by overlaying the flood area range with thematic maps and other related social and economic data. and all the-matic maps are converted to raster format before overlay analysis. Two measures are taken to improve the operation efficiency of speed seed-spread algorithm. The accuracy of the model mainly depends on the resolution and precision of the DEM data, and the accuracy of registering all raster layers and the quality of attribute data.     

Least squares spectral analysis and its application to superconducting gravimeter data analysis

Detection of a periodic signal hidden in noise is the goal of Superconducting Gravimeter (SG) data analysis. Due to spikes, gaps, datum shrifts (offsets) and other disturbances, the traditional FFT method shows inherent limitations. Instead, the least squares spectral analysis (LSSA) has showed itself more suitable than Fourier analysis of gappy, unequally spaced and unequally weighted data series in a variety of applications in geodesy and geophysics. This paper reviews the principle of LSSA and gives a possible strategy for the analysis of time series obtained from the Canadian Superconducting Gravimeter Installation (CGSI), with gaps, offsets, unequal sampling decimation of the data and unequally weighted data points.     

Authorization administration in a distributed multi-application environment

To meet the authorization administration requirements in a distributed computer network environment, this paper extends the role-based access control model with multiple application dimensions and establishes a new access control model ED-RBAC(Extended Role Based Access Control Model) for the distributed environment. We propose an extendable hierarchical authorization assignment framework and design effective role-registering, role-applying and role-assigning protocol with symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic systems. The model can be used to simplify authorization administration in a distributed environment with multiple applications.     

Data Fusion in Distributed Multi-sensor System

This paper presents a data fusion method in distributed multi-sensor system including GPS and INS sensors“ data processing. First, a residual X^2-test strategy with the corresponding algorithm is designed.Then a coefficient matrices calculation method of the information sharing principle is derived. Finally, the federated Kalman filter is used to combine these independent, parallel, real-time data. A pseudolite (PL) simulation example is given.     

The truth about Ground Truth

This paper presents a critical appreciation of the book edited by Pickles called Ground Truth . It offers a response in defence of GIS, written from the perspective of a quantitative geographer's unavoidably academic view of the strengths and weaknesses of GIS and Ground Truth. In essence, there is a growing need for a multi-partisan approach to improving rather than rubbishing a geoinformation technology that is an expanding global industry of considerable relevance both to the present and to the future.     

Multiplotting With Images from the Kodak DCS420 Digital Camera

This paper explores the potential of a digital camera to produce multiple images suitable for plotting. The objective was to build a three dimensional database by linking triangulated images from a Kodak DCS420 digital camera with a computer aided measurement system. The system then supplied X, Y, Z data from x, y image co-ordinates captured off two or more images. Relative accuracy in object space was around 1;50 000.     

Innovations in Automation for Vision Metrology Systems

The advantages of vision metrology (VM) systems over their film-based counterparts, in terms of the degree of automation within the measurement process, were initially confined to the image mensuration stage. Of late, however, the potential of significantly raising the level of automation of offline and real time VM systems has been more fully exploited, to the point where full automation of the offline procedure has been realized. Innovative features such as automatic image point identification via coded targets, exterior orientation through automatically recognizable "control" groupings of target points, determination of image point correspondences within unlabelled point clouds, and real time tracking of multipoint, handheld measurement probes are now incorporated in industrial VM systems. Another significant innovation is the development of "smart" cameras with incorporated image processing and measurement capabilities which remove the necessity for transmitting image data to the host computer. This paper reviews recent innovations in automation and discusses their operational impact on practical VM applications. The concepts discussed are illustrated through reference to a modern VM system which supports offline and real time measurement.     

Temporal change detection in river courses and flood plains in an arid environment through satellite remote sensing

Temporal changes in ephemeral river courses and associated flood plains, which could not be detected by Landsat MSS due to its poor spatial resolution of 80m, have been identified and mapped within 10% accuracy by Landsat TM False colour composite because of its higher spectral and spatial resolution of 30 m. Over a period of 28 years (1958–86) the river courses widened upto 1.8 times through bank erosion due to the recurring flash floods. The flash floods have also caused morphological, soil fertility and landuse changes in the associated flood plains, which could also be monitored by the Landsat TM.     

An integrated approach for ground water investigation in part of Fatehpur Sikri of district agra-a case study

The Fatehpur Sikri area infringing the western UP, Rajasthan border was investigated for its water supply crisis in respect of poor quality and quantity as well. The study has indicated presence of two parallel quartz reefs running in NE-SW direction. Geohydrological and photogeological studies have revealed the possibility of subsurface extension of quartz reefs. However, this weathered area along reefs is promising water bearing zone. Paleo channels are also marked during studies and the area found suitable for ground water exploitation. A map showing various categories is also presented.     

Relative utility of Landsat-TM and MSS data small scale soil mapping

The Landsat MSS and TM data in the form of false colour composite (FCC) prints at 1∶250,000 scale over parts of Mirzapur (U.P.) and Rohtas district of (Bihar) were interpreted monoscopically in concert with the collateral data and limited field check for soilscape boundary delineation. The study has revealed that at the mapping scale, except for improved image contrast and capturing features of relatively smaller dimensions, no additional advantage has been noticed with TM data over MSS data with respect to exhibition of soilscape boundaries. However, the capability of TM data to withstand enlargement upto 1∶50,000 which is not feasible with MSS data is an additional feature from soil mapping viewpoint.