Spatial Science Research Articles

Towards efficient mobile image-guided navigation through removal of outliers

A novel approach for positioning using smartphones and image processing techniques is developed. Using structure from motion, 3D reconstructions of given tracks are created and stored as sparse point clouds. Query images are matched later to these 3D models. High computational costs of image matching and limited storage require compressing point clouds without loss of positioning performance. In this work, localization is improved and memory and storage requirements are minimized. We assumed that the computational speed and, at the same time, storage requirements benefit from reducing the number of points with appropriate outlier detection. In particular, our hypothesis was that positioning accuracy is maintained while reducing outliers in a reconstructed model. To evaluate the hypothesis, three methods were compared: (i) density-based (Sotoodeh, International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences XXXVI-5, 2006), (ii) connectivity-based (Wang et al. Comput Graph Forum 32(5):207–10, 2013), and (iii) our distance-based approach. In tenfold cross-validation, applied to a pre-reconstructed reference 3D model, localization accuracy was measured. In each new model, the positions of test images were identified and compared to the according positions in the reference model. We observed that outlier removal has a positive impact on matching run-time and storage requirements, while there are no significant differences in the localization error within the methods. That confirmed our initial hypothesis and allows mobile application of image-based positioning.

Demarcation of Prime Farmland Protection Areas around a Metropolis Based on High-Resolution Satellite Imagery.

Prime farmland (PF) is defined as high-quality farmland and a prime farmland protection area (PFPA, including related roads, waters and facilities) is a region designated for the special protection of PF. However, rapid urbanization in China has led to a tremendous farmland loss and to the degradation of farmland quality. Based on remote sensing and geographic information system technology, this study developed a semiautomatic procedure for designating PFPAs using high-resolution satellite imagery (HRSI), which involved object-based image analysis, farmland composite evaluation, and spatial analysis. It was found that the HRSIs can provide elaborate land-use information, and the PFPA demarcation showed strong correlation with the farmland area and patch distance. For the benefit of spatial planning and management, different demarcation rules should be applied for suburban and exurban areas around a metropolis. Finally, the overall accuracy of HRSI classification was about 80% for the study area, and high-quality farmlands from evaluation results were selected as PFs. About 95% of the PFs were demarcated within the PFPAs. The results of this study will be useful for PFPA planning and the methods outlined could help in the automatic designation of PFPAs from the perspective of the spatial science.

Evaluating Interactive Transect Area Assessments Hands-On Instruction for Natural Resource Undergraduate Students

<p>Undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Spatial Science degree at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) receive instruction in the spatial sciences with a focus on hands-on applications. All undergraduate students take the course Introduction to Spatial Science which includes a comprehensive overview of spatial science incorporating a comparison of standard inexpensive area assessment techniques with high-end computer based area assessment methodologies. Students within this course were instructed how to assess the area of a surface feature on an aerial image with a ruler applying the transect method. Student’s average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between a student’s transect derived area and surveyed area was 0.45, 0.13, 0.07, and 0.02 acres for 5, 10, 15, and 20 transect lines, respectfully. An ANOVA analysis of area assessment and area error assessment indicated that mean area and mean absolute area error were statistically different between transect line groups. In addition, the accuracy of area measured increased significantly as the number of transect lines increased which: (1) indicates students receiving hands-on instruction in estimating area using the transect method can record accurate area measurements after only a limited 2 hour introduction; (2) reveals the accuracy of the transect method is not user dependent; (3) shows area accuracy increases as the number of transects increases; and, (4) validates the interactive hands-on instruction methodology employed at SFASU.</p>

A Supervised Approach to Delineate Built-Up Areas for Monitoring and Analysis of Settlements

Monitoring urban growth and measuring urban sprawl is essential for improving urban planning and development. In this paper, we introduce a supervised approach for the delineation of urban areas using commonly available topographic data and commercial GIS software. The method uses a supervised parameter optimization approach along with buffer-based quality measuring method. The approach was developed, tested and evaluated in terms of possible usage in monitoring built-up areas in spatial science at a very fine-grained level. Results show that built-up area boundaries can be delineated automatically with higher quality compared to the settlement boundaries actually used. The approach has been applied to 166 settlement bodies in Germany. The study shows a very efficient way of extracting settlement boundaries from topographic data and maps and contributes to the quantification and monitoring of urban sprawl. Moreover, the findings from this study can potentially guide policy makers and urban planners from other countries.

Geographical thinking in nursing inquiry, part one: locations, contents, meanings.

Spatial thought is undergoing somewhat of a renaissance in nursing. Building on a long disciplinary tradition of conceptualizing and studying 'nursing environment', the past twenty years has witnessing the establishment and refinement of explicitly geographical nursing research. This article - part one in a series of two - reviews the perspectives taken to date, ranging from historical precedent in classical nursing theory through to positivistic spatial science, political economy, and social constructivism in contemporary inquiry. This discussion sets up part two, which considers the potential of non-representational theory for framing future studies.

Integrating Faculty Led Service Learning Training to Quantify Height of Natural Resources from a Spatial Science Perspective

Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture (ATCOFA) faculty members were trained how to integrate service learning activities within senior level classes at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) in Nacogdoches, Texas. The service learning training, taught under the acronym Mentored Undergraduate Scholarship (MUGS), involved meeting with fellow faculty members over the course of an academic year during the fall semester to first learn how to incorporate service learning activities in a senior level class followed by its incorporation into a class the following spring semester. The service learning model was applied to students in GIS 420, a senior level Landscape Modeling, Spatial Analysis, and Quantitative Assessment course within ATCOFA. The students were instructed within a hands-on interactive environment on how to use geospatial analysis to quantify natural resources. The overall goal was for a student to demonstrate proficiency in understanding how to apply aerial photo interpretation, satellite remote sensing, global positioning system and geographic information systems technology to quantify, qualify, map, monitor and manage natural and environmental resources at the local and landscape scales. Students applied this concept within a quantitative resource assessment, whereby students compared the conventional methodology of measuring height of vertical features within a landscape using a clinometer with the newer ways of measuring height using Pictometry hyperspatial imagery and drone acquired digital imagery. Conventional results were compared to newer technological methodologies to determine the most efficient and accurate way to quantify vertical resources from a spatial perspective.

CONTEST OF WEB-BASED GEOSPATIAL APPLICATIONS FOR STUDENTS AND YOUNG SCIENTISTS

The Asian Association on Remote Sensing (AARS) organizes a web contest (WEBCON) of photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences in the annual meeting of Asian Conference on Remote Sensing (ACRS) every year. The purpose of WEBCON is to promote the development of web and other forms of internet services of the internet related to geo-information sciences and to attract more students and young scientists participating in the related fields of study and applications. Since 2011, WEBCON has become one of the major events in ACRS and successfully increased the interest in the research, development and applications of photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences among students and young scientist. The success of WEBCON is an excellent example of promoting the profession of spatial information to young people.

MULTISPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF INDIGENOUS ROCK ART USING TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING

Multispectral analysis is a widely used technique in the photogrammetric and remote sensing industry. The use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) in combination with imagery is becoming increasingly common, with its applications spreading to a wider range of fields. Both systems benefit from being a non-contact technique that can be used to accurately capture data regarding the target surface. Although multispectral analysis is actively performed within the spatial sciences field, its extent of application within an archaeological context has been limited. This study effectively aims to apply the multispectral techniques commonly used, to a remote Indigenous site that contains an extensive gallery of aging rock art. The ultimate goal for this research is the development of a systematic procedure that could be applied to numerous similar sites for the purpose of heritage preservation and research. The study consisted of extensive data capture of the rock art gallery using two different TLS systems and a digital SLR camera. The data was combined into a common 2D reference frame that allowed for standard image processing to be applied. An unsupervised k-means classifier was applied to the multiband images to detect the different types of rock art present. The result was unsatisfactory as the subsequent classification accuracy was relatively low. The procedure and technique does however show potential and further testing with different classification algorithms could possibly improve the result significantly.

MULTISPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF INDIGENOUS ROCK ART USING TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING

Abstract. Multispectral analysis is a widely used technique in the photogrammetric and remote sensing industry. The use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) in combination with imagery is becoming increasingly common, with its applications spreading to a wider range of fields. Both systems benefit from being a non-contact technique that can be used to accurately capture data regarding the target surface. Although multispectral analysis is actively performed within the spatial sciences field, its extent of application within an archaeological context has been limited. This study effectively aims to apply the multispectral techniques commonly used, to a remote Indigenous site that contains an extensive gallery of aging rock art. The ultimate goal for this research is the development of a systematic procedure that could be applied to numerous similar sites for the purpose of heritage preservation and research. The study consisted of extensive data capture of the rock art gallery using two different TLS systems and a digital SLR camera. The data was combined into a common 2D reference frame that allowed for standard image processing to be applied. An unsupervised k-means classifier was applied to the multiband images to detect the different types of rock art present. The result was unsatisfactory as the subsequent classification accuracy was relatively low. The procedure and technique does however show potential and further testing with different classification algorithms could possibly improve the result significantly.

Shape similarity measurement model for holed polygons based on position graphs and Fourier descriptors

ABSTRACTIn geographic information retrieval and spatial data mining, similarity is used to resolve shape matching and clustering. Many approaches have been developed to calculate similarity between simple geometric shapes. However, complex spatial objects are common in spatial database systems, spatial query languages and Geographic Information Science (GIS) applications. With holed polygons, many similarity measurement approaches are restricted to address the relationships between holes or between the holes and the entire complex geometric shape. A successful method should remove the restrictions due to these complex relations and retain invariant during geometric translation (rotation, moving and scaling). To overcome these deficiencies, we utilize position graphs to describe the distribution of holes in complex geometric shapes by storing invariants, such as angles and distances. In addition, Fourier descriptors and the position graph-based method are used to measure the similarity between holed polygons. Experiments show that the proposed method takes into account the relationships in an entire complex geometric shape. It can effectively calculate the similarity of holed polygons, even if they contain different numbers of holes.

The Emergence of Lightning in Severe Thunderstorm Prediction and the Possible Contributions from Spatial Science

Thunderstorms capable of producing dangerous weather are common in different regions throughout the world. Identifying particular thunderstorms that will become hazardous is a considerable forecasting challenge for meteorologists making warning decisions. The goal of more accurate and earlier severe thunderstorm warning has led to the idea of using a storm's lightning behavior – a reflection of storm intensity to predict imminent storm severity. Researchers have found that storms producing severe weather are often preceded by a rapid increase in lightning frequency, or a “jump”, prompting attempts to develop a quantitative lightning-based indicator of storm severity as a forecasting aid. Although recent studies have produced promising results, this initiative is rife with opportunities for geographers as lightning continues to evolve into a reliable operational tool. Technological advances in lightning detection have enabled the research, but the inherent volume of lightning data and their time-space nature represent an obstacle and an opportunity for spatial scientists. Increasingly robust lightning-jump algorithms will require extensive thunderstorm databases, the development of which involves identification of time-space clusters of lightning that represent discrete thunderstorms of varying types, which need to be aligned with geo-referenced severe weather reports. The spatial analytical tools and techniques inherent to geography can facilitate the meteorological analyses that are needed to advance the lightning jump concept toward an operational tool. Forecasters within the USA are particularly hopeful, as they look to capitalize on data generated by the Geostationary Lightning Mapper sensor mounted aboard a key satellite for weather and climate monitoring expected to be launched in 2016.

Bases para el establecimiento de las Ciencias Aeronáuticas en la Facultad de Ciencias Espaciales de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras

Esta publicación refleja lo esencial del trabajo de investigación desarrollado por un Equipo Interinstitucional integrado por representantes de la Dirección de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) y la Asociación para el Desarrollo Aeronáutico y Educativo de Honduras (ADAEH) junto con profesionales de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH).El panorama general de la investigación sitúa el desarrollo de la aeronáutica civil en Honduras en el contexto del desarrollo internacional del rubro, enfatizando en su estatus científico, los contenidos con los cuales se forma a los profesionales del campo, su evolución histórica, las características propias de la aeronáutica en Honduras y, la oferta y la demanda existente de profesionales aeronáuticos a nivel mundial.Los resultados de esta investigación han orientado el posterior desarrollo del Departamento de Ciencias Aeronáuticas en la Facultad de Ciencias Espaciales, influyendo sobre la definición de los recursos necesarios para el funcionamiento del Departamento, la elaboración del diagnóstico para la Carrera de una Licenciatura en Ciencias Aeronáuticas y la composición del su Plan de Estudios y Plan de Sostenibilidad; así como en el montaje del Primer Diplomado en Gestión de Sistemas Aeroportuarios.Revista Ciencias Espaciales, Vol.6(1) 2013, 126-148

El tránsito de Venus en el Observatorio Astronómico Centroamericano de Suyapa (OACS)”

Este documento tiene como objetivo describir la forma en que se vivió el evento TRÁNSITO DE VENUS en el Observatorio Astronómico Centroamericano de Suyapa de la Facultad de Ciencias Espaciales (OACS/FACES/UNAH), un evento astronómico que sucede cuando venus pasa directamente entre el sol y la Tierra y luce como un pequeño punto negro que atraviesa la cara visible del sol durante un tiempo de entre 5 y 8 horas. Este evento se observó el día martes 5 de Junio de 2012 entre las 16 y las 18 horas. Los medios de comunicación llegaron al OACS para obtener y dar a conocer al público información acerca del evento. Debido a que las condiciones climatológicas no parecían favorables para Tegucigalpa, un equipo de astrónomos viajó a la aldea de mbo Creek, Ciudad de la Ceiba y otro equipo se quedó en Tegucigalpa. Ambos equipos trabajaron en forma coordinada para lograr los objetivos propuestos.Revista Ciencias Espaciales, Vol.5(2) 2012, 44-47

Diálogos sobre Ciencias Aeronáuticas en Honduras

Una de las primeras actividades del Departamento de Ciencias Aeronáuticas (DCA), luego de su conformación, ha sido la presentación de conferencias dirigidas a la población hondureña en general y al gremio aeronáutico en especial. Durante los años 2013 y 2014 se han desarrollado diez y siete conferencias distribuidas en tres espacios de divulgación: 1) un proyecto de vinculación Universidad-Sociedad del DCA denominado “Ciclo de conferencias sobre Aeronáutica Civil en Honduras”, 2) los congresos de investigación científica que desarrolla cada año la Dirección de Investigación Científica y Posgrado (DICYP) y, 3) las Jornadas Científicas de la Facultad de Ciencias Espaciales (FACES). El presente artículo hace un breve recorrido por los temas tratados, los conferencistas y el público participante para finalizar proponiendo una serie de conclusiones desde las cuales se pueden mejorar estas prácticas de divulgación científica.Revista Ciencias Espaciales, Vol.7(1) 2014, 6-19

Towards A Regional Science Academy: A Manifesto

<p>This Manifesto provides a joint proposal to create a <strong><em>Regional Science Academy</em></strong> as a think-tank support platform for a strategic development of the spatial sciences. The <strong><em>Regional Science Academy</em></strong> is a strategic spatial knowledge catalyst: it acts as a global intellectual powerhouse for new knowledge network initiatives and scholarly views on regions and cities as vital centrepieces of interconnected spatial systems. This contribution highlights its role and presents various activity plans.</p><br clear="all" /><p> </p>

A virtual aged care system: when health informatics and spatial science intersect.

Healthcare systems are increasingly adapting to address the issues associated with population ageing. The shift to chronic diseases and a rise in neuroepidemiological conditions, associated with rising life expectancies, means that continued change and accommodation will be required of our health and social support systems. Current social policy environments developed out of early approaches to state-supported health and welfare service provision, most now a century or more old. A feature of these systems has often been a formal separation between them, into silos, that does not and cannot effectively address the issues raised by a growing population of older people. This is especially true in the context of community-based care where the majority of older people currently live and where governments hope to keep more elderly people living into the future. This objective will require a far more sophisticated and responsive approach to the health information environment than is currently the case. One strategy for improving this scenario is the development of augmented and virtual environments that collect and analyse real-time data on which health professionals and support staff can act in a timely manner. In this paper we explore some aspects of a virtualised aged care system and provide some examples of how this would enhance our current strategies for aged care.

Regional Economic Impacts of Terrorist Attacks, Natural Disasters and Metropolitan Policies, edited by Harry W.Richardson, QishengPan, JiYoungPark, and James E.Moore II. 2015. Series: Advances in Spatial Science. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. 224 + x. ISBN 9783319143224, $179.00.

Regional Economic Impacts of Terrorist Attacks, Natural Disasters and Metropolitan Policies, edited by Harry W.Richardson, QishengPan, JiYoungPark, and James E.Moore II. 2015. Series: Advances in Spatial Science. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. 224 + x. ISBN 9783319143224, $179.00.

Incorporating Applied Undergraduate Research in Senior to Graduate Level Remote Sensing Courses

An Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture (ATCOFA) senior spatial science undergraduate student engaged in a multi-course undergraduate research project to expand his expertise in remote sensing and assess the applied instruction methodology employed within ATCOFA. The project consisted of performing a change detection land-use/land-cover classification for Nacogdoches and Angelina counties in Texas using satellite imagery. The dates for the imagery were spaced approximately ten years apart and consisted of four different acquisitions between 1984 and 2013. The classification procedure followed and expanded upon a series of concrete theoretical remote sensing principles, transforming the four remotely sensed raster images into corresponding classified vector maps. The progression of the research project is layed out in a step-by-step process identifying settings and addressing issues that may commonly be encountered. The results indicate that the digital imagery acquired by the Landsat 8 sensor may have resulted in more precise and consistent spectral recognition of the image pixels, and distributed them more accurately in their clusters. The results from the study validate the applied instruction methodology employed in the remote sensing curriculums and reinforce ATCOFA’s mission by guiding and empowering undergraduate students with the capability of employing sophisticated remote sensing technology to accurately quantify, qualify, map, and monitor natural resources.

Opening up das Schloβ: Creating Room for Thinking by Combining the Territorial Cohesion Discourse and the Debate on the European Union Polity

To widen the debate about territorial cohesion, one can have a look at political science. We can namely critique the territorial cohesion discourse’s exclusion of reasoning about the political by showing the relevance of the simultaneous debate on the European Union polity. It thereby also comes forward that the concept’s power practices illustrate the bureaucratic, multi-level, polycentric, and network governance in flux that characterizes this polity. The territorial cohesion discourse might then exemplify how this opaque organization of governing leads to and is made possible by an associated form of expertise, which raises new questions on the role of social and spatial science in our society.

Curriculum Design for Upper- and Advanced-Level GIS Classes: Are New Skills being Taught and Integrated?

Geographic Information System (GIS) skills are increasingly marketable across a wide range of industries, subject areas and specialized fields. As a result, GIS courses draw students from a plethora of disciplines beyond geography, including business, social sciences, agriculture, geology, natural resources and computer science. At advanced teaching levels, this disciplinary diversity generates questions about how complex GIS skills are being taught to students who do not necessarily have a background in geography or the spatial sciences. This study compares undergraduate and graduate course curricula to determine what topics, techniques and theory are being addressed and prioritized in GIS courses across pedagogical levels. We surveyed 1,698 courses being taught at 126 research universities in the United States. Our findings point towards a shift in pedagogy that favours technique- or application-centred lessons at advanced levels that require less background knowledge in geography than more theory-centred teaching methods. Our findings also suggest that a large number of graduate courses, even introductory courses ones, fail to address many fundamental GIS concepts and theories. Together, the results suggest a need for standards to ensure that students enrolled in GIS classes are properly trained to enter the workforce with appropriate skills.