Interactive Digital Maps Research Articles

The Application of an Augmented Reality Offline System for Rural Tourism Development at Pa’ Lungan, Bario

The development of rural tourism is one of the Malaysian government’s primary priorities for improving the socioeconomic and living conditions of the local community. Therefore, new ideas for assisting the rural population’s growth and economy through tourism must be explored. This article examines the application of augmented reality (AR) offline systems in improving this issue. It aims to review the planning, implementation, and effectiveness of the Interactive Digital Map (ID-MAP) as part of a rural tourism project in Pa’ Lungan, Bario, Sarawak. The study is carried out through a practical visual approach and analysed through observational, experiential and reflection approaches. The analysis elaborates on one of the main themes contained in the ID-MAP, which is linked to the famous tourist attraction of Pa’ Lungan – a megalithic rock called Batuh Ritung. The outcome was initially presented through an exhibition that applied digital information delivery using AR applications. As a result, an offline system was developed to assist locals in efficiently promoting tourism sites. This serves as an alternative platform that can verify the eligibility of tourist spots based on the existing digital and interactive multimedia systems, which are vital components in developing the smart village concept with Bario as a case study. Thus, this research has opened new interdisciplinary research opportunities and can be considered an alternative method to visual-based research, especially to stimulate the tourism industry and inform stakeholders and academics on the future of rural tourism.

Poetry unveiled: Multimodality and aesthetic responses as a fresh approach to teaching and reading verse

AbstractIn secondary English classrooms, poetry is often a text that is least liked because it is viewed as being “inaccessible,” reserved for the elite, and/or too abstract. Part of the reason for this also lies in the traditional, colonial structures of introducing poetry such as relying on canonical texts and close reading analysis. Yet, outside of the classroom poetry is used in more accessible and engaging manners. With the advancements of technology, there also includes multimodal ways in which to read and write poetry that could be much more interesting for both educators and youth. This paper opens a discussion to consider multimodal and aesthetic responses to including poetry such as using digital apps like PhoneMe, a free accessible platform that allows users to post their written poems, record themselves reciting poems, and pin their poems directly on to an interactive digital map. The uniqueness of PhoneMe—a layered multimodal approach—can provide a more engaging way to teach and learn poetry.

Decision Support System for Determining the Location of Public Electric Charging Stations (SPLU) with Machine Learning

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular as an environmentally friendly alternative, but the main challenge is the availability of adequate charging infrastructure. This research aims to develop a decision making system for determining the best public electric vehicle charging station (SPLU) locations utilizing machine learning. The purpose of this research is to find out the process of determining the location of Public Electric Charging Stations (SPLU) using a Machine Learning-based decision making system. This research uses quantitative methods with AHP techniques to determine the criteria weights and machine learning to recommend the best SPLU locations based on spatial data, surveys, and social media. The location recommendations are displayed in the form of an interactive digital map with visualizations of the suitability level to facilitate decision making.

Digital Heritage and Mapping Renaissance Tours. Recent Research from the CESR

This article presents recent initiatives in the fields of Digital Heritage and digital mapping by researchers attached the Centre d'études supérieures de la Renaissance (CESR) in Tours, France. During the fifteenth and early sixteenth century the city of Tours, situated in the heart of France in the valley of the river Loire, was one of the main residences of the French kings and this had important consequences for the nature of artistic production and for social aspects of urban life. Making use of the latest developments in Digital and Spatial Humanities, researchers attached to the CESR have created an interactive digital map of historical Tours; several crosslinked databases of artworks and archival sources from Tours; an enriched 3D model of an artistic masterpiece, the funeral monument of deceased royal children; an interactive historical graphic novel; and a GPS-led app with an historical guided tour of the city. These digital projects all have in common that they bring together the outcomes of scientific historical and art historical research with digital applications, as a starting point for further research, and for public outreach activities.

Development of interactive maps of geolocations of native plants of Kazakhstan and the living collections of the Mangyshlak experimental botanical garden

The purpose of this article is to identify problems, demonstrate results and assess the prospects for compiling interactive digital maps of native plants of Kazakhstan and the MEBG living collections, to be distributed through the Internet. Here we present four interactive maps: MEBG collections in the 10th sub-district of Aktau; herbarium specimens of plants from the Garden’s gene pool; samples of the herbarium of the natural flora of Western Kazakhstan and plants of the natural flora of Kazakhstan. Standard web programming languages are used to compile Internet maps. The creation of html pages and server versions of databases is carried out automatically in specially developed computer program modules. They are compiled in MEBS for the dry conditions of Mangistau.

Управление природно-социально-производственными системами на основе концепции интернета вещей: геопортальный подход

The authors describe the research in development of problem-oriented geoportal systems based on the concept of the Internet of things which enable solving the tasks of managing natural-social-production systems. The main purpose of the implemented automation solutions is to provide the decision maker with a tool for monitoring and remote control of IoT agents operating within the territorial framework. The solution to the problem of visualization and dissemination of spatial data on regional metageosystems can be achieved through the introduction and effective use of geoportal ones developed on the basis of web technologies and providing access to the spatial data infrastructure of organizations and regions through interactive digital maps. We propose the developed structure of a metageosystem management scheme based on the technology of the Internet of things and geoportal systems, based on the use of the LoRaWAN long-range wireless communication standard. The basis of such a network is represented by IoT devices consolidated around the head ones (gateways) and developed on the basis of a modular principle to achieve high rates of modifiability and extensibility. Gathering telemetric indicators and transferring control commands within the LoRaWAN network are carried out without involvement of third-party communication providers, which greatly reduces the expense of operating economic management systems, bringing the cost of data exchange to the lowest possible rate. It is proved that in the case of the use of geoinformation web systems in conjunction with the technology of the Internet of things, geoportals would play the role of dispatching centers along with their classic function of interactive visualization of spatial data

Desiderata for Intelligent Maps: A Multiperspective Compilation

Interactive digital maps are useful for illustrating and analyzing geographic data and are used for diverse purposes (e.g., wayfinding, data journalism, data analysis, and citizen engagement). This article discusses the requirements of intelligent maps from three perspectives: the literature, a user survey, and a reverse-brainstorming workshop. The ideas brought forth are relevant to researchers and designers of digital maps as they incorporate innovative features and strive for a good user experience.

INTERACTIVE DIGITAL MAPPING OF SENTUL-BOGOR TREKKING TOURISM DESTINATIONS TOWARD ONE STOP SENTUL TOURISM (OSST)

Sentul trekking tourism in Bogor is becoming increasingly popular as it provides many attractive natural sights and is a safe option for tourists during and after the Covid-19 Pandemic. Nevertheless, access to information on the geographical description of tourism destinations is not available. In the context of tourist development, reliable, interactive, and fascinating geographical information regarding hiking routes and tourism objects is required. The purpose of this article is to discuss the development of a interactive digital map containing routes and areas of interest for the Sentul Bogor hiking tourist item and displaying multimedia content in the form of text, graphics, and images. This interactive digital map was created using a Geographical Information System (GIS) and includes all multimedia components such as images, text, and Figures that are displayed dynamically. This article identifies six routes in Bogor’s Sentul Region that are prioritized for presentation on an interactive digital map. The Routeis divided into two levels: basic and intermediate. The basic level comprises the Leuwi Asih Waterfall Way, the Leuwi Hejo Waterfall Route, the Cibingbin Waterfall Route, the Goa Garonggang Waterfall Road, the Paniisan Hill Route, and the Ciburial Waterfall Route.

Improving the University Digital Infrastructure Management System: Practice of Social Network Analysis

This article presents the results of applied research aimed at developing topical approaches to solving the problem of dysfunctionality of universities’ digital infrastructures in social media. In the context of the large-scale digitalization and networking processes of modern society, higher education institutions are faced with new challenges that threaten their further sustainability and reduce their competitiveness. As a possible solution to this problem, the authors propose a comprehensive study of university network structures in social media and further implementation of actual practices of online profile management and digital communities. By applying the method of social graphs and automated tools for processing open digital data, a universal algorithm for building and interpreting the resulting visual models is defined. The article substantiates the basic problems faced by modern universities in developing their own digital structures, as well as the ways to solve them, aimed at improving digital infrastructure management, establishing effective communication with target groups, consolidating the organizational structure, developing educational and scientific communities, and promoting the university brand. The proposed interactive digital maps have a high practical potential for direct implementation in the management process of the Russian universities.

Геоинформационный веб-ресурс «Диалектный корпус бурятского языка»

The study aims to provide open access to structured and annotated sound data of the dialect corpus of the Buryat language. It was decided to present the corpus on the Web in the form of a geoinformation system with data binding to a digital map, since the territorial principle plays one of the leading roles in the classification of Buryat dialects. First, the programme of the speech corpus was compiled and sound recordings performed by informants - speakers of the dialects were obtained. The recorded material was segmented and annotated in the ELAN programme. The next step was to develop a programme that allows transferring data from ELAN format files to a relational database. To present data on the Internet, a web application was developed in the form of an interactive digital map based on Google Maps Platform. As a result, a web resource was created that provides users with access to audio dialect data presented in an annotated and structured form and displayed according to the geographic principle. Scientific novelty lies in introducing into scientific and public use materials of a fundamentally new type that make it possible to obtain information about the modern sound of Buryat dialects, as well as to conduct research on modern Buryat dialect speech.

The ArchTerr Project—A GIS-Based Integrated System for Cultural and Archaeological Heritage Protection (Pilot Phase Tested in Romania)

This paper presents the results of an experimental-demonstrative research project summarizing three integrated products: an interactive digital map; a reference and record keeping database system; and a set of procedures to enforce the unified application of archaeological heritage protection legislation in Romania. The web-based application constitutes a permanent working tool available to the Romanian Ministry of Culture territorial branch offices, and is freely accessible to specialists and other entities involved in the protection of archaeological heritage, and even to private investors interested in development on land areas having archaeological heritage. The application brings together the organization, systematization, and digitization of all available information about archaeological sites at the national level. This information is otherwise difficult to access because it is structured differently in terms of quantity and quality of data, and stored using different media and formats in several types of non-interconnected institutions. The ArchTerr application significantly reduces the time required to inform, verify, and communicate a decision regarding the presence or absence of archaeological heritage on a particular site. The application ensures the dynamic and automatic real-time bidirectional conversion of geospatial information (Stereo70 and WGS84), and access to unitary and level-structured information, and provides interoperability with other information systems. High-resolution maps allow the non-professional user/investor to access detailed geospatial information about a delimited area, in a timely manner and without the need for field travel, which is a unique feature not found in other European record systems concerning archeological sites. The functionalities of the application developed within the research project, the technical decisions taken, and their implementation method are generally valid. They can be applied in any geographical region because the open source maps used by the technical team cover the world map and the coordinate system used for representation is international. The testing and validation of these functionalities were undertaken using real archaeological data from Romania (data already included in the national heritage representing archaeological sites).

The Effectiveness of an Interactive Digital Map for Visually Impaired People

Individuals with visual impairment or blindness often experience problems with unfamiliar surroundings, especially when they want to know about the existence of an area where they live or a place they want to visit. With a map application that can help people with visual impairments, the application is developed unlike ordinary maps, which have sound and vibration features to support visually impaired users. The map application was developed based on interviews and literature studies of respondents during the research. The test scenario used 12 respondents divided into 3 experimental groups, each given 20 minutes, 10 minutes, and 5 minutes. Furthermore, the use of questions for spatial knowledge of an area is given to test the success of the maps that have been made during the research. The test scenario results show an increase in spatial knowledge when using a map developed with sound and vibration features for visually impaired users. With the technology created, it can help individuals with visual impairments in understanding an area and with the help of sound and vibration support features in the map application for users with visual impairments.

Autonomously mapping shallow water environments under and above the water surface

Abstract The paper describes an autonomous water vehicle (ASV) capable of autonomously mapping shallow water environments above and below the water surface. Over the past two years, Fraunhofer IOSB has developed a system that is fully electrified and equipped with extensive sensor technology (multibeam sonar, lidar, cameras, IMU, GNSS). For autonomous navigation, the complete processing pipeline was implemented, from obstacle detection and avoidance to trajectory planning and control to multi-sensor localization and mapping. Above water, both lidar-based mapping and photogrammetric methods are used; underwater, bathymetry data is obtained using sonar. The interface to the operator is realized by an interactive digital map table, which allows intuitive mission specification and evaluation.

How to measure and monitor the transportation infrastructure contribution to logistics value of supply chains?

When it comes to the competitiveness of companies, and of nations, the key role of the transportation infrastructure to increase logistics value of supply chains is clearly acknowledged. For example, the lack and/or inadequate transportation infrastructure is often mentioned as the most important challenge to companies located in emerging countries to successfully participate in global supply chains. In fact, many comparative indicators that measure countries’ competitiveness consider infrastructure of transportation as a key element. Nonetheless, most part of them give more credit either to the infrastructure density (km of roads per km2 of territory) or to the amount of resources invested in its development (millions of dollars) than to the its logistics effectiveness and resilience that may bring to the supply chain operations. Based on six indicators: i) Travel time (95 PCTL); ii) Average travel time; iii) Projected travel time; iv) Freight rates; v) Risk of accident; and vi) Carbon footprint, the objective of this paper is twofold. First, to propose a standardized measurement approach of logistics value provided by the transportation infrastructure to supply chains as a unified perspective. Second, to expose a proof of concept of an interactive digital map that is useful for public and private sectors when making decisions. The results obtained are useful for academics as well as for public and private decision makers. It delivers insights about the potential of data when looking to increase logistics performance of companies and regions. Finally, a proposal for future research is presented.

Digital Tools to Serve Geotourism and Sustainable Development at Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark in COVID Times and Beyond

Digital tools that aid geolocation, geointerpretation and geomodelling are increasingly used in the promotion of geoheritage and geoconservation. UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) are complex regions that require a variety of approaches to advance geoconservation and public awareness, holistic heritage management and sustainable development. UGGps need more diversified and applied digital tools to address these subjects. Additional efforts are made through their commitment to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the changing and challenging world of the COVID-19 pandemic and the exacerbation of climate change. In this study, we present three new digital applications developed for the Psiloritis UGGp in Southern Greece. These digital tools were developed under the implementation of the “Enhancement Plan” of the geopark via the RURITAGE, a project that supports rural regeneration through conservation, with a focus on local heritage. Digital tools developed in the project include an interactive digital map that demonstrates all properties of local heritage, products and services, two story maps focusing on historic churches and monasteries of the Amari district and on the natural and cultural values of Nida plateau, and a business-listing map with the affiliated geopark enterprises. These digital tools combine multiple applications and methods such as Wordpress webpages, web maps, spherical panoramas, multimedia, site interpretation, geolocation and virtual reality to aid the interpretation of natural and cultural heritage, promote important sites, demonstrate overlaps between nature and human society and support local productivity. Digital tools offer online access to interested parties in any area and are also used for in situ information sites. They are user-friendly, device-adjusted and available for sharing on social media and webpages. The applicability and effectiveness of these digital tools are proven to advance geotourism and the SDGs, in line with the provisions of the “World After roadmap” of UGGps. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the “visibility” of the Psiloritis UGGp was doubled via the use of these digital tools, as they have become popular among the general public.

Interactive Maps for the Production of Knowledge and the Promotion of Participation from the Perspective of Communication, Journalism, and Digital Humanities

New technologies have allowed traditional map production criteria to be modified or even subverted. Starting from the communication sciences—journalism in particular—and digital humanities via the history of communication, we show how to use interactive digital maps for the production and publication of knowledge through and/or for participation. Firstly, we establish the theoretical-conceptual framework necessary to base the practices, dividing the elements into three areas: interactive maps and knowledge production (decentralization, pluralization, reticularization, and humanization), maps as instruments to promote political and social participation (egalitarianism, horizontality, and criticism), and maps as instruments for the visualization of data that favors the user experience (interactivity, multimediality, reticularity of reading, and participation). Next, we present two cases that we developed to put into practice the theoretical concepts that we established: the Mapa Infoparticipa (Infoparticipa Map), which shows the results of the evaluation of the transparency of public administrations, and the Ciutadania Plural (Plural Citizenship) web platform for the production of social knowledge about the past and the present. This theoretical and practical model shows the possibilities of interactive maps as tools to promote political participation and as instruments for the construction of social knowledge in a collaborative, participatory, networked way.

THE INTERACTIVE DIGITAL MAP - A MODERN APPROACH FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT

The paper presents one of the main products of the ArchTerr project “Integrated management of archaeological heritage: archaeological map and administrative procedures for heritage research and protection”. The project is funded by UEFISCDI following the collaboration of two scientific research centers, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați and “Politehnica” University of Bucharest. The aim of this scientific paper is to present the main product of the above mentioned project, the interactive digital map of the historical archaeological heritage with geospatial information (Geographic Information Systems GIS). The paper presents the national context that generated the need to develop such a computer application, some European archaeological heritage records models that could be used as examples to follow and the achievements in this field in Romania. The new functionalities introduced by the interactive digital map developed within the ArchTerr project are: polygonal representation of any archeological site surface, representation of its protection area (when the site is also a historical monument), representation of researched areas using preventive archaeological methods, the representation of the archaeological discharged areas inside a site (following the preventive archaeological research). Regarding the efforts to protect the archaeological heritage, we mention the daily activity usefulness of this map for a wide range of users: county directorates for culture; urban planning services (within city halls and county councils); cadastral offices; real estate agencies; any person who intend to ask for a building permit inside an archaeological heritage protected area. At www.archterr.ro it could be found the fully functional interactive digital map.

A picture is worth a thousand words: using digital tools to visualise marine invertebrate diversity data along the coasts of Mozambique and São Tomé & Príncipe.

The amount of biological data available in online repositories is increasing at an exponential rate. However, data on marine invertebrate biodiversity resources from Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe are still sparse and scattered. Online repositories are useful instruments for biodiversity research, as they provide a fast access to data from different sources. The use of interactive platforms comprising web mapping are becoming more important, not only for the scientific community, but also for conservation managers, decision-makers and the general public as they allow data presentation in simple and understandable visual schemes. The main goal of this study was to create an interactive online digital map (hosted and available at MARINBIODIV Atlas), through the collection of data from various sources, to visualise marine invertebrate occurrences and distribution across different habitats, namely mangroves, seagrasses, corals and other coastal areas, in Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe. The acquired biodiversity data were managed and structured to be displayed as spatial data and to be disseminated using the geographic information system ArcGIS, where data can be accessed, filtered and mapped. The ArcGIS web mapping design tools were used to produce interactive maps to visualise marine invertebrate diversity information along the coasts of Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe, through different habitats, offering the foundation for analysing species incidence and allocation information. Understanding the spatial occurrences and distribution of marine invertebrates in both countries can provide a valuable baseline, regarding information and trends on their coastal marine biodiversity.

Generalized digital lithological map of northern Mexico and southwestern United States of Americaeralized lithological map of northern Mexico and south-southwestern United States of America

The compilation and generalization of the lithological units that crop out in northern Mexico and southwestern United States of America are important to understand the geology and evolution of this part of the North American continent. For this reason, we publish the first interactive digital lithological map with eleven surficial lithological units present in northern Mexico and southwestern United States of America, in which equivalent formations, sequences and igneous units of both countries were merged and generalized. This map shows the distribution of the main types of rocks that evolved in similar geological processes through time, therefore, researchers can use this new compiled map in the analysis and location of samples and geological evolution, or even during studies related to exploration of natural resources. The area covered by the map is comprised between Longitude of 123°10’W and 94°42’W and Latitude of 23°03’N and 36°57’N (Datum WGS-84).

Recovery of mobility function and life-space mobility after ischemic stroke: the MOBITEC-Stroke study protocol

BackgroundStroke is a major cause of disability and stroke incidence increases with age. Stroke frequently results in permanent limitations of mobility, and, consequently, the need for the help of others in activities of daily living. In order to optimize rehabilitative efforts and their functional outcomes, detailed knowledge of the functional recovery process, regarding mobility, is needed. Objectives of the MOBITEC-Stroke study are: 1.) To characterize mobility, including lower extremity physical function (LEPF) and life space (the geospatial extent of all of a person’s movements), and changes in mobility within the first year after stroke. 2.) To identify and characterize subgroups with different mobility trajectories. 3.) To evaluate whether changes in LEPF are associated with changes in life-space. 4.) To evaluate participants’ reasons for going outdoors, transportation use, and assistance needed for outdoor movement.MethodsPatients with incident first stroke who live in their own homes (target N = 59, based on sample size calculation) will be included in this cohort study. At 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after stroke a battery of mobility tests will be performed at the study centre, including laboratory-based tests of balance and strength, and quantitative gait analysis. Life-space assessment (including 1-week GPS measurements) will be performed in participants’ real life. Semantic information on visited locations (reasons for going outdoors, transportation use, assistance needed) will be collected by using interactive digital maps. Linear mixed effects models will be used to model the trajectories of mobility measures for the total sample and for predefined subgroups. As an exploratory analysis, growth mixture models (GMMs) will be used to identify relevant subgroups with different trajectories. Linear mixed effect models will be used to test whether changes in LEPF parameters are associated with changes in life-space. Participants’ motivation for going outdoors, transportation use, and assistance needed for outdoor mobility will be analysed descriptively.DiscussionA comprehensive and detailed knowledge of recovery patterns will enable the planning of targeted and adaptively tailored rehabilitation measures. Information about patients’ reasons for outdoor mobility will provide the opportunity to define individualized and patient-oriented rehabilitation goals.Trial registrationISRCTN85999967 (on 13 August 2020; retrospectively).