Online Map Services Research Articles

Local and Global Path Generation for Autonomous Vehicles Using Splines

Context: Before autonomous vehicles being a reality in daily situations, outstanding issues regarding the techniques of autonomous mobility must be solved. Hence, relevant aspects of a path planning for terrestrial vehicles are shown.Method: The approached path planning technique uses splines to generate the global route. For this goal, waypoints obtained from online map services are used. With the global route parametrized in the arc-length, candidate local paths are computed and the optimal one is selected by cost functions.Results: Different routes are used to show that the number and distribution of waypoints are highly correlated to a satisfactory arc-length parameterization of the global route, which is essential to the proper behavior of the path planning technique.Conclusions: The cubic splines approach to the path planning problem successfully generates the global and local paths. Nevertheless, the use of raw data from the online map services showed to be unfeasible due the consistency of the data. Hence, a preprocessing stage of the raw data is proposed to guarantee the well behavior and robustness of the technique.

Crowdsourcing turning-restrictions from map-matched trajectories

The availability of GPS-enabled devices has generated massive amounts of GPS tracking data produced by vehicles traversing the road-network. While initially used for improving traffic estimation and routing, only recently has this data been used for map-construction efforts. This work focuses on the specific aspect of identifying turning restrictions in the underlying road-network graph. We propose a novel, efficient and straightforward method to deduce turning restrictions for OpenStreetMap data, by mining historic map-matched trajectories from an existing fleet-management service. Our extensive experimental evaluation and verification process utilizing online map-services, satellite imagery, street view and public map-data APIs proves the efficiency and reliability of the proposed method.

3D reconstruction of buildings and landscapes – Evaluation of quality parameters and optimization of mission planning using RPAS

This paper provides an overview over different aspects of photogrammetry in combination with RPAS and mission planning. Video material captured with the help of a RPAS is used, to reconstruct 3D-models of buildings and landscapes. Overlap values are examined to find limits where the quality of the reconstruction can be preserved although the overlap is considerably smaller. The effects of different file formats for the reconstruction is investigated as well. Also georeferencing with the help of online map services is used to rectify the 3D-reconstruction.

Perceptions and Attitudes toward Online Mapping Services

ABSTRACTOnline mapping services, such as Google Maps and Bing Maps, have become increasingly popular. In addition to providing map, navigation, and directory information, such services provide third-party applications with a technology framework including geospatial-visualization capabilities. For instance, consumers often use location-based services and spatial decision support systems (SDSS) to locate the nearest restaurants, search for ideal homes, navigate specific routes, and effectively participate in car and bike sharing programs. Organizations utilize SDSS to perform retail site selection, manage global assets, and optimize supply chains. While geospatial-visualization is a vital capability of online mapping services, little is understood about how it impacts the acceptance of technology. Through a partial least squares analysis of 577 subject responses, this paper demonstrates that the user-acceptance of geospatial-visualization is influenced by utilitarian, hedonic, and cognitive measures. This paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of these results to research and practice.

Satellite-aided survey sampling and implementation in low- and middle-income contexts: a low-cost/low-tech alternative.

BackgroundThe increasing availability of online maps, satellite imagery, and digital technology can ease common constraints of survey sampling in low- and middle-income countries. However, existing approaches require specialised software and user skills, professional GPS equipment, and/or commercial data sources; they tend to neglect spatial sampling considerations when using satellite maps; and they continue to face implementation challenges analogous to conventional survey implementation methods. This paper presents an alternative way of utilising satellite maps and digital aides that aims to address these challenges.ResultsThe case studies of two rural household surveys in Rajasthan (India) and Gansu (China) compare conventional survey sampling and implementation techniques with the use of online map services such as Google, Bing, and HERE maps. Modern yet basic digital technology can be integrated into the processes of preparing, implementing, and monitoring a rural household survey. Satellite-aided systematic random sampling enhanced the spatial representativeness of the village samples and entailed savings of approximately £4000 compared to conventional household listing, while reducing the duration of the main survey by at least 25 %.ConclusionThis low-cost/low-tech satellite-aided survey sampling approach can be useful for student researchers and resource-constrained research projects operating in low- and middle-income contexts with high survey implementation costs. While achieving transparent and efficient survey implementation at low costs, researchers aiming to adopt a similar process should be aware of the locational, technical, and logistical requirements as well as the methodological challenges of this strategy.

Database and online map service on unstable rock slopes in Norway — From data perpetuation to public information

The unstable rock slope database is developed and maintained by the Geological Survey of Norway as part of the systematic mapping of unstable rock slopes in Norway. This mapping aims to detect catastrophic rock slope failures before they occur. More than 250 unstable slopes with post-glacial deformation are detected up to now. The main aims of the unstable rock slope database are (1) to serve as a national archive for unstable rock slopes in Norway; (2) to serve for data collection and storage during field mapping; (3) to provide decision-makers with hazard zones and other necessary information on unstable rock slopes for land-use planning and mitigation; and (4) to inform the public through an online map service. The database is organized hierarchically with a main point for each unstable rock slope to which several feature classes and tables are linked. This main point feature class includes several general attributes of the unstable rock slopes, such as site name, general and geological descriptions, executed works, recommendations, technical parameters (volume, lithology, mechanism and others), displacement rates, possible consequences, as well as hazard and risk classification. Feature classes and tables linked to the main feature class include different scenarios of an unstable rock slope, field observation points, sampling points for dating, displacement measurement stations, lineaments, unstable areas, run-out areas, areas affected by secondary effects, along with tables for hazard and risk classification and URL links to further documentation and references. The database on unstable rock slopes in Norway will be publicly consultable through an online map service. Factsheets with key information on unstable rock slopes can be automatically generated and downloaded for each site. Areas of possible rock avalanche run-out and their secondary effects displayed in the online map service, along with hazard and risk assessments, will become important tools for land-use planning. The present database will further evolve in the coming years as the systematic mapping progresses and as available techniques and tools evolve.

Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity is Associated With the Size of Schools Outdoor Playing Area

Regular physical activity (PA) is necessary for the normal growth and development in children. Although many studies measuring PA have methodological limitations, and results are difficult to compare, it appears that a considerable proportion of children and youth do not meet current PA guidelines. Because a large part of childhood is spent in school, and the unique opportunity schools give policy makers to reach “everybody”, schools outdoor playing area (SOPA) has been hypothesized to play an important role for schoolchildren’s PA level. PURPOSE: To determine whether the size of SOPA was associated with time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) during school hours. METHODS: Data on a nationally representative sample of 6-, 9- and 15-year-olds were collected in 2011/12 in the second Physical Activity among Norwegian Children study (PANCS2). Time spent in MVPA was assessed using ActiGraph accelerometers (models GT1M (22%) and GT3X+ (78%)). School days were defined from 9 AM - 1 PM for 6- and 9-year-olds, and from 9 AM - 2 PM for 15-year-olds. The SOPA (m2) was assessed using an online map service. Linear regression was used to study the associations between SOPA and MVPA. ANOVA was used to study the difference in MVPA between the quartiles of schools with the biggest (Q4) and smallest (Q1) SOPA. RESULTS: Data comprised 2,922 participants from 99 schools who had valid measurement of SOPA and ≥3 valid school days of PA data. The mean (SD) SOPA per child was 65.5±45.3, 62.8±42.9 and 49.9±36.1 m2 for 6-, 9- and 15-year-olds, respectively. In 6- and 9-year-old girls, but not boys, we found a significant association between 10m2 increments of SOPA and minutes of MVPA (both with b=0.2, 95% CI: 0.0, 0.4). A significant negative association between SOPA and minutes of MVPA was found for 15-year-old girls and boys (b=-0.3, CI: -0.5, -0.0 (girls) and -0.6, -0.1 (boys)). Six and 9-year-old girls within Q4 of SOPA spent 16 and 20 minutes more in MVPA per week than girls in Q1 (P<0.02). The opposite was true for 15-year old girls and boys (-18 and -22 min per week, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Although the association was weak, MVPA was positively associated with SOPA for 6- and 9-year-old girls, and negatively associated for 15-year-old girls and boys. Further work investigating the association between MVPA and the quantity and quality of SOPA is needed.

Geospatial Reasoning Ability: Definition, Measurement and Validation

An understanding of geospatial reasoning ability (GRA) is essential to human–computer interaction research, as many recent consumer and commercial technologies require an ability to interpret complex geospatial data. Individuals, as well as government, commercial, and military organizations, use such technologies regularly. For instance, consumer technologies including online mapping services and in-vehicle navigation systems are increasingly prevalent. Business leaders rely on geospatial data when making strategic and operational decisions. Military strategists leverage geospatial systems during mission planning and battlefield operations. Although there has been research into the significance of user characteristics when making decisions using geospatial data, there is conflicting evidence on the impact of GRA on the decision-making process. This article suggests applying a multidimensional measure of GRA to facilitate a better understanding of such interactions. Furthermore, this article proposes a new measurement instrument developed through a rigorous scale development procedure and validated through an exploratory (n = 300) analysis.

Cartographic sign as a core of multimedia map prepared by non-cartographers in free map services

Abstract The fundamental importance of cartographic signs in traditional maps is unquestionable, although in the case of multimedia maps their key function is not so obvious. Our aim was to search the problem of cartographic signs as a core of multimedia maps prepared by non-cartographer in on-line Map Services. First, preestablished rules for multimedia map designers were prepared emphasizing the key role of the cartographic signs and habits of Web-users. The comparison of projects completed by a group of designers led us to the general conclusion that a cartographic sign should determine the design of a multimedia map in on-line Map Services. Despite the selection of five different map topics, one may list the general characteristics of the maps with a cartographic sign in the core.

Applications of surveying in land management

The origin of Surveying has a close connection with the designation of the land boundary, and cadastral surveying is the basis for a country’s land management, serving as an important tool to gather, assess, and update geographical spatial data (Schofield and Breach 2007). In the contemporary era, Surveying is more widely used in different branches of land management. Moreover, the number of techniques and data acquisition methods has dramatically increased in the last 30 years. On the one hand, traditional optical instruments have developed thanks to the integration to computers and electronic devices. On the other, new sensor techniques became available to be used from ground-based stations, mobile terrestrial vehicles, and low-altitude aerial platforms (e.g., helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – UAV, see Eisenbeiss and Sauerbier 2011). The diffusion of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS – see Hofmann-Wellenhof et al. 2008) for precise positioning and navigation has not only completely changed the approach to land surveying, but also had an impressive impact on day-by-day life and the entire society. Mobile mapping technology (Tao and Li 2007) allowed an increase in the productivity of high-resolution mapping of communication roads and urban environments, thanks to the integration of different sensing and positioning systems. Digital photogrammetry (Luhmann et al. 2013) and laser scanning sensors (Vosselman and Maas 2010) can be used for fast acquisition of dense point clouds useful to model terrain, buildings, civil constructions and infrastructures, as well as any other natural or man-made objects. While some main surveying instruments were used for the full data collection process in the past, data and sensor integration play a fundamental role today. In particular, the availability of digital data has changed the operational workflows for data acquisition, production, distribution, andmanagement of surveying outputs. On the other hand, the concept of land management also developed its content, going in several other directions rather than traditional cadastral and topographic applications. Detailed 3D digital mapping is now more important because more aspects of buildings and the urban environment have to be considered, for example the ones related to energy efficiency.Also changes of buildings and land over time have attracted great interest in the mapping process, not only to have up-to-date three-dimensional spatial databases, but also to keep record of the evolution process in 4D digital maps. In some cases and when available, historical maps are integrated in the archives. Geographic data need to be accessible to a wider number of users through the Internet, where web services have been developed to allow people to interact with maps and geocoded data. In addition, the availability of several online map services allowed to create added value by supporting commercial applications and location based services (LBS). Crowdsourcing information (Heipke 2012) can be continuously uploaded by the users in order to validate, integrate and update existing geographic data. The development of large facility management networks requires the precise survey for their geo-referencing and overlap to other digital map archives adopted for land management. In such applications, Communicated by: M. Scaioni

Areeda-Turner in Two-Sided Markets

Areeda and Turner (1975) were the first to argue that a price below marginal costs should be considered a sign of predation. Recognizing that marginal cost data were typically unavailable, the authors concluded that a price below average variable cost should be presumed unlawful. This socalled Areeda-Turner Rule has become the standard to assess claims of predation. We first show that in two-sided markets price cost margins on the two-sides of the market are interrelated and that a monopolist, even in the absence of actual or potential competition, may find it optimal to charge a price below marginal cost on one side of the market. As a result, showing that the price is below average variable cost on one side of the market cannot be considered a sign of predation in such markets. This is in contrast to a recent decision of the Commercial Court of Paris that sanctioned Google for giving away for free its online mapping services. We thus extend the Areeda-Turner rule to two-sided markets. We argue that one should apply the rule by taking into account revenues and costs from both sides of the market. As applications, we analyse three alleged cases of predatory behaviour in the market for daily newspapers. Our examples highlight that applying a one-sided Areeda-Turner rule may lead to assess a perfectly legitimate profit maximizing pricing policy as a predatory attempt.

Virtual Sensors

Recent advances in mobile networks and an increase in the number of GPS-equipped vehicles have led to exponential growth in real-time data generation. In the past decade, several online mapping and vehicle tracking services have made their data available to third-party users. This paper explores opportunities for use of real-time traffic data provided by online services and introduces a virtual sensor methodology for collecting, storing, and processing large volumes of network-level data. To assess the validity of the collected data with the proposed methodology, this paper compares these data with data from physical loop detectors and electronic toll tag readers. Statistical analyses show a strong correlation between the travel time measurements from infrastructure-based sensors and virtual sensors. A travel time reliability analysis is then conducted with the virtual sensor data methodology. The results are promising for future research and implementation.

Interpretation of Medical Imaging Data with a Mobile Application: A Mobile Digital Imaging Processing Environment

Digital Imaging Processing (DIP) requires data extraction and output from a visualization tool to be consistent. Data handling and transmission between the server and a user is a systematic process in service interpretation. The use of integrated medical services for management and viewing of imaging data in combination with a mobile visualization tool can be greatly facilitated by data analysis and interpretation. This paper presents an integrated mobile application and DIP service, called M-DIP. The objective of the system is to (1) automate the direct data tiling, conversion, pre-tiling of brain images from Medical Imaging NetCDF (MINC), Neuroimaging Informatics Technology Initiative (NIFTI) to RAW formats; (2) speed up querying of imaging measurement; and (3) display high-level of images with three dimensions in real world coordinates. In addition, M-DIP provides the ability to work on a mobile or tablet device without any software installation using web-based protocols. M-DIP implements three levels of architecture with a relational middle-layer database, a stand-alone DIP server, and a mobile application logic middle level realizing user interpretation for direct querying and communication. This imaging software has the ability to display biological imaging data at multiple zoom levels and to increase its quality to meet users’ expectations. Interpretation of bioimaging data is facilitated by an interface analogous to online mapping services using real world coordinate browsing. This allows mobile devices to display multiple datasets simultaneously from a remote site. M-DIP can be used as a measurement repository that can be accessed by any network environment, such as a portable mobile or tablet device. In addition, this system and combination with mobile applications are establishing a virtualization tool in the neuroinformatics field to speed interpretation services.

COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS OF CHINA’S MAINSTREAM ONLINE MAP SERVICE WEBSITES

Abstract. With the flourish development of China's Internet market, all kinds of users for map service demand is rising continually, within it contains tremendous commercial interests. Many internet giants have got involved in the field of online map service, and defined it as an important strategic product of the company. The main purpose of this research is to evaluate these online map service websites comprehensively with a model, and analyse the problems according to the evaluation results. Then some corresponding solving measures are proposed, which provides a theoretical and application guidance for the future development of fiercely competitive online map websites. The research consists of three stages: (a) the mainstream online map service websites in China are introduced and the present situation of them is analysed through visit, investigation, consultant, analysis and research. (b) a whole comprehensive evaluation quota system of online map service websites from the view of functions, layout, interaction design color position and so on, combining with the data indexes such as time efficiency, accuracy, objectivity and authority. (c) a comprehensive evaluation to these online map service websites is proceeded based on the fuzzy evaluation mathematical model, and the difficulty that measure the map websites quantitatively is solved.

College students’ consumption, contribution, and risk awareness related to online mapping services and social media outlets: does geography and GIS knowledge matter?

Location-enabled online tools and/or services (i.e. Google Earth/Maps, Flickr, Facebook check-ins, etc.) have been widely used for distributing and processing geospatial-related data. They attract diverse users to consume and contribute geographic information (GI) in many different forms. This study examines college students’ consumption and contribution of GI through these tools and/or services as well as their perception of risk and privacy. It evaluates the impact of Geographic information systems (GIS) and geography knowledge on the related behavior and perception. Through conducting a survey, it was found that college students’ consumption frequency of GI through the investigated tools and services is positively related to their knowledge in GIS and geography, but their GI contribution is not related. GIS knowledge was found to help raise students’ awareness level of risk. However, this relationship does not translate into students’ concern about potential privacy disclosure or their willingness to share personal location information through using location-enabled online tools and/or services. Discussions on the gap between students’ consumption and contribution of GI through the tools and/or services are shared in the paper as well as possible explanations on the disconnection between their risk awareness, privacy concern, and willingness to share personal information. Future research directions are discussed.

인터랙티브 스케치맵을 활용한 스마트 소셜 그리드 시스템

Recently, one of the received attraction fields in web based service is `Human Relationship Service` that is called SNS. This relationship map service is able to deliver information to user more easily and visually because it is intuitive data that is linked with offline real world. While past map service put physical real information in the map, present map service is evolving into new communicative platform that expresses social relationship beyond simple search platform that shows real world. In this paper, we propose smart social grid system using sketch map that is based on online map service structure. This system has features such as standardized interface provision for various SNS, use to governance hub tool in case of establishing a personal network through expanded social grid, a role of bridge to mashup software linked with other SNS, user environment construction that reproduces social grid data, and the faster service setup by improved search technology.

Cartography I

This report focuses on the growing interest in the relationship between maps, narratives and metanarratives. Following a brief historical contextualization of these relationships, this report explores their current state in the Geoweb era. Using the distinction between story maps and grid maps as an analytical framework, I review emerging issues around the extensive use of technologies and online mapping services (i.e. Google maps) to convey stories and to produce new ones. Drawing on literature in film studies, literary studies, visual arts, computer science and communication, I also emphasize the emergence of new forms of spatial expressions interested in providing different perspectives about places and about stories associated to places. In sum, I argue that mapping both vernacular knowledge and fiction is central to understanding places in depth.

GIScience Research at the Thirtieth Annual ESRI International User Conference

GIScience Research at the Thirtieth Annual ESRI International User Conference

Cartoblography: Experiments in Using and Organising the Spatial Context of Micro‐blogging

AbstractBlogs, micro‐blogs and online forums underpin a more interconnected world. People communicate ever more and are increasingly keen to explain and illustrate their lives; showing where they are and what they are doing. Desktop, online and mobile mapping landscapes have never been as rich or diverse yet this challenges cartography to adapt and remain relevant in the modern mapping world. We explore the spatial expression and potential value of micro‐blogging and Twitter as a social networking tool. Examples of “twitter maps” are reviewed that leverage the Twitter API and online map services to locate some component of the “tweet”. Scope, function and design are illustrated through development of two proof‐of‐concept map mashups that support collaborative real‐time mapping and the organisation and display of information for mass user events. Through the experiments in using and organising data in this way we demonstrate the value of “cartoblography”– a framework for mapping the spatial context of micro‐blogging.

A community-based urban forest inventory using online mapping services and consumer-grade digital images

Community involvement in gathering and submitting spatially referenced data via web mapping applications has recently been gaining momentum. Urban forest inventory data analyzed by programs such as the i-Tree ECO inventory method is a good candidate for such an approach. In this research, we tested the feasibility of using spatially referenced data gathered and submitted by non-professional individuals through a web application to augment urban forest inventory data. We examined the use of close range photogrammetry solutions of images taken by consumer-grade cameras to extract quantitative metric information such as crown diameter, tree heights and trunk diameters. Several tests were performed to evaluate the accuracy of the photogrammetric solutions and to examine their use in addition to existing aerial image data to supplement or partially substitute for standard i-Tree ECO field measurements.Digital images of three sample sites were acquired using different consumer-grade cameras. Several photogrammetric solutions were performed using the acquired image sets. Each model was carried out using a relative orientation process followed by baseline model scaling. Several distances obtained through this solution were compared to the corresponding distances obtained through direct measurements in order to assess the quality of the model scaling approach. Measured i-Tree ECO field plot inventory data, online aerial image measurements and photogrammetric observations were compared. The results demonstrate the potential for using aerial image digitizing in addition to ground images to assist in participatory urban forest inventory efforts.