December, 2003 (Vol. 32, No. 2)

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Refereed Papers

C Zhang C., Li W., Day M. J., Peng Z-R., (2003) GML-Based Interoperable Geographical Databases Cartography, Vol. 32, No. 2.

Pun-Cheng L. C. S., Li Z., Gao W., Z Li W. Gao (2003) Integration of Generalisation Operators for Vegetation Maps Based on Bio-Geographical Principles , Cartography, Vol. 32, No. 2.

Peters N. H.., (2002) Eredia Map 1602. Ouro and Luca.Antara Islands: A Case for determining that Ouro and Luca.Antara Islands shown on the Eredia Map are, respectively, Melville and Bathurst Islands of the Tiwi Islands of Australia, Cartography, Vol. 32, No. 2.

Medynska-Gulij B., (2002) The Effect of Cartographic Content on Tourist Map Users, Cartography, Vol. 32, No. 2.

Contemporary Cartography Papers

Stiebel L., (2003) A Suitable Match: Marrying Technology to the Past in the Thomas Baines and the ‘Great Map’ CD-ROM Project),, Cartography, Vol. 32, No. 2.

Hassan M. A., (2003) Automatic Mobile Communications Network Planning Using

Geographical Information System, Cartography, Vol. 32, No. 2.

Rangzan1K., Ahmad Ali S., Pirasteh S., (2003) Use of Digital Elevation Model for Study of  Drainage Morphometry and Identification Stability and Saturation Zones in Relations to Landslide Assessments in Parts of the Shahbazan Area, SW Iran, Cartography, Vol. 32, No. 2.

GML-Based Interoperable Geographical Databases

C Zhang, W Li and M J Day

Department of Geography

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

czhang@uwm.edu

weidong6616@yahoo.com

mickday@uwm.edu

Z-R Peng

Department of Urban Planning

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

zpeng@uwm.edu

Abstract

Many geographical databases have been developed for different programs and applications, but data acquisition and data sharing are still a big problem because no interoperability exists among these different databases. This study presents a GML (Geography Markup Language) approach to build a geographical database in order to enable interoperability. As an open, non-proprietary industry standard, GML overcomes the problems of current GIS software proprietary data models and database structures. Compared with other standards, such as the Geographic Data File (GDF) and Spatial Data Transfer Standard (SDTS), the GML approach has the advantage of enabling on-line data exchange. GML holds promise in providing a standard way to share and use existing spatial data over the World Wide Web. A GML-based interoperable geographical database for the conservation of the Stone Forest Landscape is implemented as a case study. It shows how the public can access and use the GML-based spatial database through a user-friendly interface and that GML can deliver high quality vector data on the Web.  

Integration of Generalisation Operators for Vegetation Maps Based on Bio-Geographical Principles

Abstract

Two serious problems that often arise in map generalization are “what should be aggregated” and “when to aggregate”.  This very much depends on the knowledge of the theme to be mapped.  In the case of vegetation mapping at different scales, some inherent rules on vegetation, such as their biological characteristics and spatial distribution, must be incorporated in addition to existing generalisation algorithms, so that automated generalisation can be achieved.  This paper describes the development of such rules based on bio-geographical principles for the implementation of existing generalisation operators and, in particular, the integration of these operators.  

Abstract

Europeans, the Dutch, ‘first discovered’ Australia in 1606.  This paper claims there was probably an earlier Portuguese exploration of the Tiwi Islands in northern Australia around 1600.  And it puts forward a novel bearing technique for comparing antique maps to corresponding modern publications. The technique is used to demonstrate that a 1602 map, by Emanuel Godinho de Eredia, then a leading cartographer, probably depicts these islands.  Some background to Eredia and his map, plus the political background necessitating the survey, is outlined along with an assessment of the identity of the likely surveyor. Finally, detailed cartographical and topographical results are presented with a summary indicating their significance.

Abstract

To determine the effect of cartographic visualisation of tourist maps on their users, a survey was conducted among geography students. One of the aims of the study was to analyse the effect of a particular type of visualisation of a tourist map on decisions made by its users (e.g. a change in his/her tourist preferences).

The analysis of the questionnaire suggests that the type of cartographic content has a profound effect on the choice of potential tourist attractions and planning tourist routes.

Contemporary Cartography Papers

Abstract

“Thomas Baines and the ‘Great Map’”, a CD-ROM published by Campbell Collections, University of Natal in 2001, is the result of a joint project comprising South African and Australian scholars working on Thomas Baines’s “Map of the Gold Fields of South Eastern Africa (1872)”. Baines, the well known artist and explorer who died in Durban, South Africa, in 1875, made two trips to modern day Zimbabwe in search of gold bearing sites for the Natal Land and Colonisation Company. One of the large maps which he drew on this trip is the subject of study for this interdisciplinary team coordinated by Lindy Stiebel (Professor of English Studies, University of Durban-Westville). The other team members are Jane Carruthers (History,  University of South Africa), Vivian Forbes (Chief Cartographer, University of Western Australia), Norman Etherington (Professor of History, University of Western Australia) and staff of the Campbell Collections, Durban, South Africa. The CD aims to make Baines’s manuscript map of 1872, which is owned by the Campbell Collections, more accessible to scholars and the general public alike.  The CD reproduces the map in digital form, plus accompanies the map with three essays that situate the map historically, cartographically and discursively.  Four of Baines’s paintings relevant to the Gold Fields expedition also appear on the CD. All legible place names on the map have been bookmarked for easy click-and-find access and the accompanying essays extensively hyperlinked. This paper discusses and assesses this pioneering project; plus points the way to other potential projects in which a similar ‘marriage’ of technology to the past can be implemented.  

Abstract

The transmission quality of a mobile communication network is heavily influenced by terrain coverage, topography and human-made obstacles such as high rise buildings. All these result in multiple reflections and subsequent interference between radio transmitters and receivers, which will be reflected in the quality of the network. This research introduces a solution based on the application of commercial Geographical Information System and remote sensing software tools for automatic planning of Global System for Mobile Telecommunications networks by optimizing the location and number of radio base station  .This approach will enhance network coverage and quality with minimal cost.

Abstract

The south-western trans Iranian railway line connecting Tehran, Iran to Khoramshahr in the southwest crosses the great Zagros range. One of the localities on this line is the Shahbazan railway station. Shahbazan station is located in the Alwar section of the central Zagros belt in the southwest of Iran. Complex geological-geomorphological activities have created an immature and rugged landscape which in turn imposes various natural hazards (landslide, erosion and flash flooding) to both people and the railway infra-structure. In order to address these problems on a regional scale, a digital elevation  model (DEM) was used in conjunction with selected field visits during which various parameters related to lithology (dip, strike and rock types), structures (joints, fractures, faults and folds), soil types, landuse and land cover were observed and measured. For the creation of a DEM, a digital topographic map prepared by the Iranian Surveying Organization was used.  The DEM was computed using x, y, z attributes in text format.

The methodology includes an interactive visual calibration that adjusts parameters while referring to observed landslides. Based on field data collected, the DEM was calibrated to generate stability zone map and saturation zone map of the study area which address to natural hazards like landslide. The analyses of drainage morphometery, relief and saturation maps reveals zones of stability-instability and saturation within the study area which are in harmony with landslide and rock fall zones.  However, the study also indicates that the DEM provides a useful tool for rapid evaluation of natural hazards and mapping of large areas with less time and good results.