Mapping Project Research Articles

A Low-Distortion Map of the World Ocean Without Discontinuities

Ocean maps are rarely in the scope of current studies on minimum-distortion map projec-tions. This study aims to create an uninterrupted map projection to display planet Earth as the Blue Planet: the aspect of the projection is rotated into the middle of the water surface; favourable map distortions are optimized numerically across the World Ocean. The paper starts with a short overview of existing similar projections. In the next pages, the reader may find the detailed description on the development of the new mapping. The paper concludes with maps and distortion analysis in the proposed projection and thoughts about its potential usefulness.

Image-based approximation of derivatives of traditional differential metrics of angular distortion in map projections

ABSTRACT Map projections are imaging procedures used to depict geographic features. We adopt the traditional differential metric and exploit the intrinsic image properties of map projections to establish an image-based differential metric for evaluating distortions in map projections, obtaining an effective, practical, and relatively accurate metric. We use bivariate polynomial functions to approximate the forward and inverse formulae of map projections. Thereafter, the proposed metric is conveniently calculated using the partial derivatives of the approximate forward functions based on polynomial functions, while complicated differential calculations are avoided. Moreover, multiple sampling and image filters mitigate the influence of imaging noise and achieve a high computation precision. Experiments were conducted using the NASA G.Projector mapping software to generate images from more than 200 map projections. Explicit equations of map projections were not required owing to the use of the mapping software. These images were then evaluated using the proposed metric through an implementation in the Julia programming language. The corresponding results confirmed that the proposed metric avoided the drawbacks of the great circle arc metric and provided considerably low errors (1.12° on average) and high consistency (0.999 on average) with respect to the traditional differential metric. Although there were errors, experimental results indicated that feasibility and high usability were achieved by the image-based method for evaluating distortions in small-scale map projections.

From Conic to Cylindrical Map Projections

In books and textbooks on map projections, cylindrical, conic and azimuthal projections are usually considered separately. It is sometimes mentioned that cylindrical and azimuthal projections can be interpreted as limiting cases of conic, but this is rarely proven. The goal of this article is to show in a rigorous and systematic way how to generally approach solving the problem of transition from a conic to a corresponding cylindrical projection. This article points to the fact that J. H. Lambert showed as early as 1772 that a conformal cylindrical projection is created from a conformal conic projection. Following his idea, this paper shows that not only conformal, but also equal-area and equidistant cylindrical projections can be derived from corresponding conic map projections. Although it seems that the paper deals with quite well known and intuitive property of conic projections, it will also show that the transition from the conic to the corresponding cylindrical projection is not always possible.

Spatial video projection and public open spaces: A distinct bibliometric study approach

In the 21st century, digital technologies have begun to play a more active role in ensuring sustainability. This situation has led to studies examining the interaction between digital technologies and different academic disciplines in many study areas. In terms of spatial planning and design disciplines, this study focuses on spatial video projection (SVP). Through bibliometric analysis, this paper aims to identify and locate an assortment of SVP technologies and contemporary urban public open spaces (POSs) within the global research landscape. Utilizing WOS, Scopus, and the VOSviewer software, a 6-phase process is used to evaluate the current research landscape. The phases include: identifying groups of keywords for cross-examination within the manuscripts; exploring words inside articles with their dominancy levels and linkage clarity through bibliometric analysis; developing a grading technique regarding dominancy levels; grouping graded words into thematic fields; calculating overall values of each of the fields for both databases settings; and comparing the fields for developing discussions and strategies. The findings of this study indicate that architectural disciplines lack SVP-related research. In future academic studies, the approach used in this study could be used to develop topic selection strategies in multidisciplinary settings. In addition, it is expected that SVP will offer potential applications for enhancing the quality of the shared public spatial experience of cities. Thus, this study also forms a cornerstone for further research investigating the potential of utilizing SVP in POSs for the sustainability of cities.

Comparison of the consistency of structural measurements made using the traditional method and with the use of point cloud from terrestrial laser scanning in a selected site of Radków Bluff (Table Mountains, SW-Poland)

The results from two methods of structural analysis of the morphological rock escarpment are presented – a conventional technique, based on cartographic projection and set of structural measurements, and one based on processed point cloud data obtained from terrestrial laser scanning of the site (TLS). The results refer to one of the numerous sites located at the base of the nearly 40 km long vertical rock cliff (Radków Bluff) in Table Mountains, which locally reaches height of up to 50 m. The selected site in the area of so-called Radków Rocky Towers area is characterized by a complex and multi-stage structural pattern. A method of automatic and semi-automatic determination of discontinuity surfaces in the entire exposure was tested, with particular emphasis on zones of load induced fractures located at the base of the rock wall. The authors obtained a high convergence of the results generated from the point cloud analysis and those made by the traditional method using a geological compass. The paper suggests a correct and effective methodology for surveying and using data, as well as highlighting the benefits of documenting geological sites with the use of TLS. The analysis confirms the role and importance of fractures induced by a localized load in the process of destruction and retreat of morphological slopes.

Эволюция антропологических профилей, риски и сценарии цивилизационного транзита

The article presents the author’s approach to constructing a methodology for fore­casting and evaluating the development of anthropological profiles, human consti­tutions depending on changes in the complex living environment of a person (nature, society, technology, virtual reality). The proposed methodology is based on the concepts of quantum-synergetic anthropology and the author’s method of civilizational umwelt analysis. The processes of transferring human intellectual competencies using AI to various umvelts through a network digital matrix of cy­ber-umvelts, primarily umvelts of technology and virtual reality, are discussed. In the new cyber society, man is already becoming only one of the “intelligent” actors, new forms of hybrid culture and anthropological profiles of generalized physicality are emerging. So, digital painting of neural networks is being sold at expensive auctions, and autonomous intelligent assistants or a unique ChatGPT project are already able to create scientific reviews and even theses of quite satis­factory quality, although not shining with originality. The fundamental question is the prospects for the development of generalized physicality in hybrid systems, from digital drug addiction in virtual worlds of pleasure, to synergistic coopera­tion between humans and AI in scientific creativity. Turning to the near-term per­spective of digital societies, three clusters of their development are identified: the path of China’s social rating, inclusive capitalism of the West, and the project of a harmonious multipolar world. The latter project is just being formed and has a culturocentric nature of the ethics of cooperation, and not a crowd-elitist techno­cratic one. Today, the problem of choosing between the prospects of network di­gital democracy, digital totalitarianism, alarmism, digital religion or the harmo­nization of hybrid digital reality is in full growth.

Assimilation of SAR-derived flood extent observations for improving fluvial flood forecast – A proof-of-concept

As the severity and occurrence of flood events tend to intensify with climate change, the need for flood forecasting capability increases. In this regard, the Flood Detection, Alert and rapid Mapping (FloodDAM) project, funded by Space for Climate Observatory initiatives, was set out to develop pre-operational tools dedicated to enabling quick responses in flood-prone areas, and to improve the reactivity of decision support systems. This work focuses on the assimilation of 2D flood extent data (expressed in terms of wet surface ratios) and in-situ water level data to improve the representation of the flood plain dynamics with a Telemac-2D model and an Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF). The EnKF control vector was composed friction coefficients and corrective parameter to the input forcing. It is then augmented with the water level state averaged over several floodplain zones. This work was conducted in the context of Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSE) based on a real flood event occurred in January-February 2021 on the Garonne Marmandaise catchment. This allows to validate the observation operator associated to the wet surface ratio observations as well as the dual state-parameter sequential correction implemented in this work. The merits of assimilating SAR-derived flood plain data complementary to in-situ water level observations are shown in the control parameter and observation spaces with 1D and 2D assessment metrics. It was also shown that the correction of the hydraulic state significantly improved the flood dynamics, especially during the recession. This proof-of-concept study paves the way towards near-real-time flood forecast, making the most of remote sensing-derived flood observations.

High-Dynamic-Range 3-D Shape Measurement With Adaptive Speckle Projection Through Segmentation-Based Mapping

The 3-D shape measurement of high-dynamic-range (HDR) scenes based on structured light projection is challenging because the conventional projection without considering the reflection distribution of the tested surface usually causes over-exposure and over-dark areas simultaneously in the captured images, which will lead to the failure or low accuracy of 3-D reconstruction. In this article, we propose a novel HDR 3-D surface measurement method based on adaptive speckle projection with fully considering the reflection distribution. An efficient segmentation-based mapping strategy is established to speed up the generation of adaptive speckle patterns, which segments the estimated mask with optimal projection intensity into multiple subregions by the eight-connected standard to raise mapping accuracy and project gray-coded and sinusoidal fringe patterns to build the pixelwise mapping relationship between binocular cameras and the projector for each subregion, respectively. Then the pixelwise intensity of projected speckle patterns can be accurately adjusted according to optimal intensity. The generated adaptive speckle pattern is used to scan the tested object, and high signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) speckle images can be obtained for accurate and complete 3-D measurement. Experimental results verify that the point cloud produced by our method has obvious advantages compared with the traditional methods in terms of measurement accuracy, whose coverage is as large as 92.26% and the average distance (AD) relative to ground truth (GT) is as low as 0.128 mm. Meanwhile, the number of projected patterns for mapping is decreased by a third compared with the widely used mapping strategy.

Optical design of spherical zone projection lens for small and medium-sized flight simulator

针对现有沉浸式飞行模拟器进一步小型化和低成本化的需求，设计了一款应用于中小型飞行模拟器的球带幕投影镜头。论文确定了投影方案中各部件（球带幕、投影机、投影物镜）的关键参数，设计的球带幕投影镜头具有172°的视场角和6∶1的反远比，将一台装有该镜头的投影机置于银幕上沿就可以将画面投满整个球带幕。文中给出了大视场、大反远比光学系统的构造方法，对大视场非相似成像系统中的畸变、场曲和相对照度进行了分析和讨论，并给出了改善照度均匀性的有效途径。该镜头以8片透镜的低成本结构满足了4 k分辨率的高质量投影需求，在奈奎斯特频率185 lp/mm处全部视场的MTF值均达到了0.4以上，且具有良好的工艺性。

MFF-Net: Multimodal Feature Fusion Network for 3D Object Detection

In complex traffic environment scenarios, it is very important for autonomous vehicles to accurately perceive the dynamic information of other vehicles around the vehicle in advance. The accuracy of 3D object detection will be affected by problems such as illumination changes, object occlusion, and object detection distance. To this purpose, we face these challenges by proposing a multimodal feature fusion network for 3D object detection (MFF-Net). In this research, this paper first uses the spatial transformation projection algorithm to map the image features into the feature space, so that the image features are in the same spatial dimension when fused with the point cloud features. Then, feature channel weighting is performed using an adaptive expression augmentation fusion network to enhance important network features, suppress useless features, and increase the directionality of the network to features. Finally, this paper increases the probability of false detection and missed detection in the non-maximum suppression algorithm by increasing the one-dimensional threshold. So far, this paper has constructed a complete 3D target detection network based on multimodal feature fusion. The experimental results show that the proposed achieves an average accuracy of 82.60% on the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Toyota Technological Institute (KITTI) dataset, outperforming previous state-of-the-art multimodal fusion networks. In Easy, Moderate, and hard evaluation indicators, the accuracy rate of this paper reaches 90.96%, 81.46%, and 75.39%. This shows that the MFF-Net network has good performance in 3D object detection.

Land Use and Urban Sprawl in the Case of the City of Rabat in Morocco: An Integrated Approach Using Remote Sensing, Geospatial Modeling, and Machine Learning

This document is produced as part of a project of mapping, monitoring and prediction of urban sprawl in the city of Rabat, using algorithms of machine Learning, remote sensing and geographic information system. It therefore aims to determine and monitor the urban sprawl of the city of Rabat, using new Geo-spatial technologies, this socio-economic mechanism is theoretically based on the increase in the horizontal area of the city, and a decrease in population density. On the contrary, the city of Rabat is characterized by a negative growth rate between the years 2004-2014 at about -0.79% different from 1.2% at the national level, and defined by a higher population density of 255 inhabitants per km2, these statistics were directed to a hypothesis that indicates a horizontal confinement of the city of Rabat and reverse immigration to per-urban territories. In addition, this project is mainly aimed at the implementation of a computerized simulation model for the characterization and prediction of the urban expansion of the city of Rabat for 40 years (1990, 2000, 2010, 2020, 2030). To conclude, the city of Rabat has experienced a very slow urban sprawl, thanks to the green belt put in 1971, and the modernization strategy that has been adapted in recent years to eliminate informal housing, in addition to the development of roads and the new TGV railway line, and also to the lack of land use, of which many large villas of several hectares were built. Although this mechanism is moving very slowly, the city of Rabat has had negative consequences on the territory and the environment. So, local authorities need a creative, innovative and intelligent urban planning programme to both eliminate the effects of this mechanism, and build the pillars of the functional city (smart city).

ГЕОИНФОРМАЦИОННАЯ СИСТЕМА ОЦЕНКИ ВОЗНИКНОВЕНИЯ ПОЖАРНОЙ ОПАСНОСТИ СОПРЯЖЕННЫХ УЧАСТКОВ РАСТИТЕЛЬНОСТИ ПО ПРИРОДНО-АНТРОПОГЕННЫМ УСЛОВИЯМ

On the basis of a deterministic-probabilistic model for assessing the occurrence of fires of interconnected vegetation areas according to natural and anthropogenic conditions, a geoinformation system has been developed, consisting of a database and blocks for access to open data and searching adjacent neighborhoods, calculating meteorological and anthropogenic fire danger, and for regulating forest protection measures. Databases contain information about vegetation fires, data from hydrometeorological stations and anthropogenic sources. To account for the influence of interconnected areas on fire danger, a complex with an algorithm for searching vegetation quarters was used and its integration with the blocks of the geoinformation system was carried out. The architecture of the geoinformation system is based on a three-tier distribution, including a database server with API access support, an application broker and an application for visualization of calculation results. The API server stores structured data from open sources accessible via application exchange protocols, the application broker contains functions for data collection, calculation of indicators and their visualization in third-party applications. To build electronic maps, open data from the OpenStreetMap resource for the districts of the Russian Federation in the WSG 84 cartographic projection was used. Individual vegetation fires were obtained according to MODIS satellite monitoring data from 2013 to 2022. The attribute data of fires contain the identifier, the coordinates of the center, the area of ignition, the date of detection and elimination, the forest and non-forest area. Verification of the system is planned to be carried out in the fire season 2023–2024.

Identifying and prioritising the key components of a Quality Improvement Network for allied health professionals and psychological therapists: a group concept mapping project

IntroductionDespite growing enthusiasm for quality improvement (QI), the complexities of modern healthcare continue to create gaps in our ability to consistently deliver the most effective and efficient care for patients,...

Using the Framework Method to support collaborative and cross-cultural qualitative data analysis

With Inuit organizations leading the way, there is a growing opportunity for meaningful partnerships between Inuit and visiting researchers to create impactful research programs and policy initiatives that reflect Inuit priorities. Collaborative research methods, where Inuit and visiting researchers work together to meet community needs, offer a potential avenue for braiding knowledge systems, and therefore have become an increasingly popular way to conduct research in the Arctic. In this paper, we outline our use of the data analysis method known as the “Framework Method” during the Imappivut Knowledge Study, a participatory mapping project led by the Nunatsiavut Government. We reflect on both the method's applicability and its usefulness for future research conducted in collaboration between Inuit and non-Inuit researchers. We find that the Framework Method allowed us to work in an iterative and adaptive manner, resulting in comprehensive findings for marine spatial planning. The method also supported data sovereignty for the Nunatsiavut Government. The Framework Method can be used to allow Nunatsiavut greater control over the data internally and self-determining access to external researchers.

Law of Obligations (North–South Mapping Project)

ABSTRACT: In this paper we examine the law of obligations in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Given constraints of space, we focus on post-partition divergences and convergences. Rather than attempt to examine the totality of the law of obligations, we have focused on tort and contract, and in particular examples where divergence and convergence have been driven by case law and by statute. Thus, in tort law, our focus is on one tort based on case law, and one based in statute. Similarly in contract, we focus on three areas where changes have been driven by either statute or judicial reasoning.

Early Pliocene (Zanclean) stratigraphic framework for PRISM5/PlioMIP3 time slices

Global reconstructions of Pliocene climate provide important insights into how the climate system operates under elevated temperatures and atmospheric CO2 levels. These reconstructions have been used extensively in paleoclimate modeling experiments for comparison to simulated conditions, and as boundary conditions. Most previous work focused on the Late Pliocene interval known as the mid Piacenzian Warm Period (mPWP), the interval originally identified by the U.S. Geological Survey Pliocene Research, Interpretation and Synoptic Mapping Project (PRISM) as the PRISM interval or Mid Pliocene Warm Period. The term Mid Pliocene Warm Period is a misnomer due to changes to the geological time scale, and its use should be discontinued. The Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP), now in its third phase, is expanding to include a focus on the Early Pliocene (Zanclean). PlioMIP3 experiments will allow comparison of environmental and climatic conditions before and after closure of the Central American Seaway (CAS). PlioMIP3 used the annual insolation pattern at the top of the atmosphere to determine time slices in the Zanclean that have orbital configurations that are most similar to modern. Two have been selected by PlioMIP and adopted by PRISM for inclusion in future studies: PRISM5.1 (4.474 Ma) and PRISM5.2 (4.870 Ma). Here we establish the stratigraphic framework for these Early Pliocene time slices and furnish information to help locate these intervals in proxy records of paleoenvironmental data using oxygen isotope stratigraphy, paleomagnetic stratigraphy, biostratigraphy, and biochronology (calibrated planktic foraminifer and calcareous nannofossil events).

Land Law and Land Use

ABSTRACT: This article, which is part of the North–South Legal Mapping Project, considers land law and land use in each jurisdiction on the island of Ireland. The first part provides a sketch of the basic structures of land law, identifying a remarkable level of convergence (or, more accurately, absence of divergence), which is only partially qualified by recent comprehensive land law reform in Ireland, notwithstanding the absence of comparable reforms in Northern Ireland. The second part considers land use, where there is greater (and increasing) potential for divergence, particularly in environmental governance. The article sketches and explains core influencing factors that have shaped the evolution of environmental governance on the island to date, before considering how Brexit and subsequent developments impact regulatory alignment across the island. It focuses on the issue of water protection and river basin management, in light of the three transboundary river basins on the island.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Resources for Infectious Diseases in Sub-Saharan African Hospitals Caring for Children.

Objective. The Children's Hospitals in Africa Mapping Project survey was developed and implemented to assess the readiness of hospitals in sub-Saharan African to respond to emergencies, epidemics, and pandemics affecting children. Methods. This sub-study analyzed 56 survey questions that characterized the hospitals and assessed resources for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of community-acquired infections and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Results. Twenty-four sites were recruited and 20 (from 15 countries) completed the survey in 2018 to 2019. Overall, 90% to 100% of sites reported that diagnostic assays were available for malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. Periodic shortages of antibiotics, antimalarial drugs, and vaccines were reported by 45%, 25%, and 20% of sites, respectively. Sites reported formal programs for infection prevention and control (79%), monitoring HAIs (17%), and antimicrobial stewardship (53%). Conclusions. Opportunities to improve care for hospitalized African children were identified. These included resources for HAI surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship which can facilitate epidemic and pandemic preparedness.

Trapezus in Kolchis. Part I: The Origin of the Tabula Peutingeriana under Julius Caesar

The Greek colony Trapezus is located in Pontic Asia Minor in the south-eastern angle of the Black Sea littoral, but the Tabula Peutingeriana locates it on the north-eastern coast. Alexander Podossinov has recently argued that this error should be traced to the naval campaign of Marcus Agrippa in 14 BCE. This deputy of Augustus wrote geographical notes on which the world map in the Porticus Vipsania in Rome was based. However, Agrippa should have been much more familiar with the geography of the Black Sea. Pliny credits him with substantial knowledge especially on the western and northern Euxine coastlines, which is incompatible with the flaws resulting in the poor coverage of the Black Sea on the Tabula: not even the two capital cities Pantikapaion and Phanagoreia are included, and even worse, the Maiotis appears as an inland lake with no access to the sea. At any rate, Agrippa must have been aware of the mapping project initiated by Julius Caesar, but concluded only between 30 and ca. 20 BCE. This new wealth of information was not yet available to Caesar himself and his staff, when planning the instant Parthian campaign in 44 BCE without being overly concerned with Black Sea geography. The final phase of Caesar’s dictatorship might thus have formed the context for a first, rushed, and flawed, yet highly authoritative mapped itinerary of the whole known world that gradually developed into the Tabula Peutingeriana. Over the next five centuries, some parts of it were revised, while others (such as on the northern shore of the Black Sea) were not.

GMP-SLAM: A real-time RGB-D SLAM in Dynamic Environments using GPU Dynamic Points Detection Method

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is a fundamental technology for robotics. Vision-based SLAM has been developed for many years, but it is still difficult for SLAM system to handle dynamic environments. In this paper, we present GMP-SLAM, a realtime RGB-D SLAM system for highly dynamic environments with the help of GPU Grid Map Projection— a GPU dynamic points detection method we design. SLAM is a time-sensitive system for robotics, and it is hard to reach real time, especially in dynamic environments because it is necessary to track moving objects and it takes a lot of time. GMP-SLAM is based on ORB-SLAM2, which is one of the best feature-based SLAM frameworks and can reach real time just in CPU. But ORB-SLAM2 cannot handle highly dynamic environments very well, and most work focus on tracking moving objects with a neural network, which cannot reach real time even with the help of GPU. To solve real-time problem, we propose an all-in-parallel dynamic points detection framework for visual simultaneous localization and mapping (VSLAM) in dynamic environments based on 3D occupancy grid maps. Our SLAM system can provide not only higher trajectory accuracy but also a 3D grid map for navigation. We test our SLAM system in our real-world datasets we record and get higher trajectory accuracy than ORB-SLAM2. At the same time, our system can run nearly in 20Hz, which is much better than existing VSLAM framework in dynamic environments.