Mobile Geographic Information System Research Articles

Monitoring habitat preserves in southern California using high spatial resolution multispectral imagery

Habitat preserve systems have been established adjacent to the densely populated regions of southern California to support indigenous plant and animal species that are listed as rare, threatened, or endangered. Monitoring the condition of habitat across these broad preserves is necessary to ensure their long-term viability and may be effectively accomplished using remote sensing techniques with high spatial resolution visible and near-infrared (VNIR) multispectral imagery. The utility of 1 m spatial resolution VNIR imagery for detailed change detection and monitoring of Mediterranean-type ecosystems is assessed here. Image acquisition and preprocessing procedures were conducted to ensure that image-detected changes represented real changes and not artifacts. Change classification products with six spectral-based transition classes were generated using multiband image differencing (MID) for three change periods: 1998-1999, 1998-2001, and 1998-2005. Land cover changes relevant to habitat quality monitoring such as human-induced disturbance, fire, vegetation growth/recovery, and drought related vegetation stress were readily detected using the multitemporal VNIR imagery. Suggestions for operational habitat monitoring using image products and mobile geographic information system technologies are provided.

Which One Should be Chosen for the Mobile Geographic Information Service Now, WAP vs. i-mode vs. J2ME?

The concepts of MGIS (Mobile Geographic Information System), LBS (Location Based Service) and MGI Service (Mobile Geographic Information Service) were introduced first. Then the consistency of the three wireless Internet access technology, WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), i-mode and J2ME (JavaTM2 Micro Edition) were proposed not only from the surfaces, but also from the architectures. Based on the analysis of the WAP, i-mode and J2ME, the suggested suitable field of each technology was discussed. WAP and i-mode are adapted to fields of public services in wireless Internet field with Browser/ Server structures, and J2ME is adapted to the fields of private services in wireless Internet field with Client/ Server structure. There are no competitions among these three technologies, and each of the three is a tactical technology. They will coexist for a long period, and now we should focus more on how to use a new integrated architecture of different technologies to solve more complex spatial-related questions in the mobile service field than discussing which one is the best. And maybe all three will be replaced in the future when a brand-new direct-connected way to browse the Internet Geographic Information Web Service is developed.

Mobile geographical information systems in C4I2 systems

Geographical information systems (GIS) can be defined like a system f or spatial visualization, data management, decision modeling and spatial decision support. Mobile Geographical Information Systems provide GIS functionality in the field. This type of GIS is very important for C4I2 systems and for decision makers people in military forces. In this paper will be described position and importance mobile GIS in C4I2 systems. Also, the discussion will be extended with the architecture of mobile GIS. .

A connection-oriented telecommunications disaster management model using mobile GIS

Mobile Geographic Information Systems are a versatile extension of traditional GIS and can provide GIS data between the field and the office. This paper addresses the challenges imposed on telecommunications infrastructure management by disaster events. MGIS are presented as tools that provide meaningful real-time communication between field workers and management.

A Web-Based Java Framework for Cross-Platform Mobile GIS and Remote Sensing Applications

A cross-platform Web-based Java development framework for Mobile Geographic Information Systems (Mobile GIS) and remote sensing (RS) applications is introduced for the notebook computer, Pocket PC, and mobile phone platforms. Using these platforms, Java software technology is examined for its crossplatform utility in the development of various Mobile GIS and map/image display functions. The three case studies developed with Java 2 Standard Edition (J2SE), Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME), and Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP) are examined within the context of mobile GIS. Significant challenges in developing cross-platform Mobile GIS applications are also discussed. These obstacles include heterogeneous operating systems, different wireless communications protocols, lowbandwidth network connections, and the general lack of usability.

Integration of Mobile GIS and Wireless Technology for Coastal Management and Decision-Making

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become a crucial support tool for governmental decision makers at many levels. Internet-based GIS applications provide unique services for the presentation of spatial data and mapping products to a broad range of audiences. Furthermore, compact and portable mapping devices provide new opportunities for the expansion of Internet-based GIS applications. In this paper, we present results of the research and development of a web-based, mobile, spatial system for coastal management, and decision-making that integrates these technologies. The developed system consists of an on-site mobile spatial subsystem, a web-based shoreline erosion awareness subsystem, and a coastal structures permit subsystem. The system is designed and developed for applications in the Lake Erie area and has the potential to be adapted and applied in other coastal areas.

Multi-Resolution Geospatial Data in Mobile System

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have to support multi-resolution data in order to represent the real world at different scales. This need is also observed in the emerging field of mobile GIS. In this paper, we propose solutions for the management and visualization of multi-resolution vector data in a mobile spatial information visualization system. We first review the basic priciples of mobile GIS and management of multi-resolution data, and we mention various works that have already been conducted in the areas pertaining to our own research and development works. We then present the client-server architecture and the management approach adopted in the system. Our aim is to reduce the amount of data exchanged between the client and the server. Our solution is based on the use of increments in a multiscale database. In our database architecture, datasets for different predefined scales are precomputed and stored on the server side. Increments correspond to the difference between two datasets with different resolutions and are transmitted in order to increase or decrease the level of detail of information on the client upon request. They allow reusing data which are already present on the client side. They imply to take into consideration the different generalization operators, their mapping configurations and their modifications on objects representations. Finally, we describe our approach for presenting multi-resolution data: an adapted one relying on “intelligent zoom”. It consists in measuring the density of data at different resolutions and for different scales, and finding a balanced solution taking account of resolution and scale which respects the well-known “principle of constant density of data”.

Mobile GIS and Speech Recognition

The research investigated whether a Mobile Geographic Information System (MGIS) incorporating speech recognition was a viable tool for locating defects in the streetscape. The Geography Markup Language for encoding spatial information was used to implement an application schema for street condition surveys. Speech accuracy exceeded 95% in environments that were quiet or constantly loud. However, for tests where the noise level varied, recognition accuracy plummeted to 58 percent. Accuracy of captured defects was determined while “standing,” “walking,” “cycling,” and “driving.” Errors ranged from 0.27 m to 12.49 m at the 95 percent confidence interval. A web-based questionnaire indicated that municipal geographic information users are unhappy with the quality of their data, and as yet, do not require data in real-time. Future research involves investigating alternative ways of capturing spoken commands, the effect that mobile computing has on the cognitive abilities of the user, and wireless connectivity required for real time access to spatial data.

Mobile Mapping and Geographic Information Systems

Mobile mapping and geographic information systems may represent a new paradigm for cartography and GIScience. This short foreword to the special issue introduces the three papers that follow, briefly surveys the growing literature of field and mobile GIS, and discusses the emerging literature surrounding wearable GIS and their augmented reality display systems. The UCGIS research agenda for mobile and distributed computing is presented, as are the calls for additional research in the papers of the special issue. Calls for a comprehensive review article of the field from a cartography/GIScience perspective, and for involvement in the research agenda of mobile systems, are made.

Pavement-Distress Data Collection System Based on Mobile Geographic Information System

In recent years, the development of geographical information systems (GIS) has shifted significantly from desktop applications to mobile field applications. Integrating the precision location data collection capability of a Global Positioning System (GPS) and the spatial processing power of mobile GIS provides an adequate system for field workers to collect data with increased efficiency and ease. This research aims to design and implement a pavement-distress data collection prototype for inspecting airport pavement condition, with the aid of mobile GIS. Unlike the traditional paper forms, the data collection system seeks to offer a customized user interface for distress data entry and a spatial query service. Initial preparation of the airport map layers was carried out on desktop computer using a variety of off-the-shelf software. The required files were then transferred to the personal digital assistant (PDA) for field trials. Two other handheld devices, namely the GPS receiver and digital camera, are attached to the PDA to capture precise location coordinates and digital photos, respectively, of the identified distress. The users are also able to obtain comprehensive search results of the distresses, in both an attribute table and map visualization form. To increase the search efficiency, an indexing method was implemented for the data collected. Trial experimental results show that the applied indexing method has significantly improved the search efficiency over the conventional exhaustive search method.

Developing Location-Aware Navigation Guides That Use Mobile Geographic Information Systems

A prototype of a location-aware travel guide for pedestrians was designed and implemented with the aid of mobile geographical information systems. Unlike traditional paper maps, the digital travel guide offers a customized user interface and a location-specific travel service. Development was done on a desktop computer, and the essential files subsequently were transferred to a personal digital assistant for field trials. By using the Global Positioning System, the prototype can accurately pinpoint a user's location to a certain tolerance. This detection is performed at specific intervals, and a list of landmarks is furnished to the user through a Visual Basic script-based interactive graphical user interface. The user can obtain comprehensive information on surrounding buildings or sights, in both textual and digital image forms. A novel indexing method built on road segmentation was implemented to increase search efficiency. Experimental results show that this indexing method has made a significant improvement in system response over the exhaustive search method and thereby helps travelers to find the right way and enjoy their trips.

Geo-data acquisition through mobile GIS and digital video: an urban disaster management perspective

For the management of urban disaster risk, periodic updating of building and lifeline geo- databases is crucial, particularly in developing countries where urbanisation rates are very high. However, collecting information on the characteristics of buildings and lifelines through full ground surveys can be very costly and time-consuming. Research into more cost-effective surveying alternatives should be therefore high on the agenda. This paper explores the use of an off-the-shelf low-cost and rapid method of data collection for the development of a building inventory based on the combination of remote sensing (RS), global positioning systems (GPS), digital video (DV) and geographic information systems (GIS). The method developed consists of a sequence of stages, the first stage involves the use of RS and GIS for stratification and mission planning purposes. The second stage consists of using GPS and DV for the creation of spatially referenced images and the third stage involves the use of GIS for display and analysis. The methodology developed was tested on the Costa Rican city of Cartago and its advantages and disadvantages identified.

Telegeoprocessing: The integration of remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and telecommunication

This paper aims to bring together most of the key issues involved in research in novel systems in telegeoprocessing. Telegeoprocessing can be defined as a new discipline based on real-time spatial databases updated regularly by means of telecommunications systems in order to support problem solving and decision-making at any time and any place . It involves the integration of remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and telecommunications. Telegeoprocessing can be categorized as WebGIS (an integration of Internet and GIS), Mobile Geoprocessing (Wireless Mapping - an integration of mobile computing and GIS) and TeleGIS (an integration of GIS and other telecommunication techniques). This paper presents a comprehensive introduction to the problems encountered in telegeoprocessing engineering and the major technologies and standards related to designing an integrated, fully functional telegeoprocessing system based on the latest multimedia and telecommunication technologies. Overall attention will be given to systems based on remote sensing and GPS and all other technologies for sending data from sensors to GIS systems by means of multimedia telecommunications. Finally, we describe our pilot telegeoprocessing programme, which is currently being carried out in the Laboratory of Remote Sensing Information Sciences, Institute of Remote Sensing Applications, Chinese Academy of Science, China.