Gikas, V. (2005) Geodetic Survey And Track Recording Vehicle Data Combined For The Accurate Setting Out Of Rails On Slab Track, Journal of Spatial Science, Vol 50, No. 2.  

Rocchini, D. (2005) Resolution Problems In Calculating Landscape Metrics, Journal of Spatial Science, Vol 50, No. 2. 

Wang, Y., Rizos, C., Ge, L., Tanner, M., & Dwyer, M. (2005) Distributed Artificial Intelligence in GIS - Geolet: A Distributed Geo-Spatial Information Retriever, Journal of Spatial Science, Vol 50, No. 2.  

Williamson, I., Wallace, J. & Enemark, S. (2005) Building Modern Land Administration Systems In Developed Economies, Journal of Spatial Science, Vol 50, No. 2.  

Rajabifard, A., Binns, A. & Williamson, I. (2005) Administering the Marine Environment – The Spatial Dimension, Journal of Spatial Science, Vol 50, No. 2.  

Gibbings, P. & McDougall, K. (2005) Are Equipment Simulators Effective When Used For Technology-Based Training?, Journal of Spatial Science, Vol 50, No. 2. 

Abstracts

Refereed Papers

Monoplotting applied to high-resolution satellite imagery

J. Willneff, J. Poon and C. Fraser

Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information &

Department of Geomatics,

University of Melbourne

Melbourne VIC 3010

Australia

jochenw@unimelb.edu.au

joanne@sli.unimelb.edu.au

c.fraser@unimelb.edu.au

Abstract

Monoplotting is a well-known photogrammetric technique for extracting 3D spatial information from single aerial imagery of terrain described by a digital elevation model. The method also offers potential for single-image analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery (HRSI). This paper investigates the prospects of single IKONOS and QuickBird images for 3D feature point collection and the generation of 3D building models. The implementation of monoplotting functions in the photogrammetric software package ‘Barista’ is described and an experimental determination of the accuracy of monoplotting from IKONOS and QuickBird imagery is reported. 

Geodetic survey and track recording vehicle data combined for the accurate setting out of rails on slab track

V. Gikas

Department of Rural and Surveying Engineering

National Technical University of Athens

9 Heroon Polytechniou Str.

GR-15780

vgikas@central.ntua.gr

Abstract

Track geometry quality is a critical factor for the safety of modern railway systems.  It is achieved through a number of track surveying parameters that, in essence, characterize the quality of the  absolute and relative rail locations.  Nowadays, two methods are widely used for acquiring accurate track surveying data; stand-alone geodetic surveys and kinematic track measuring systems. Despite the rapid growth in the use of track recording trolleys in the past few years, it has become clear that, depending on the special features of a construction project, the combined use of both systems can increase the reliability of track geometry quality with profound effects on construction costs and operational safety.  This paper presents the basic concept of track geometry surveying, describes the surveying techniques and compares the rail laying quality measures obtained from the implementation of the two methods during the construction of the modern tramway of Athens.

Resolution problems in calculating landscape metrics

D. Rocchini

Department of Environmental Science

University of Siena

via P.A. Mattioli 4

53100 Siena, Italy

rocchini@unisi.it

Abstract

The variation of landscape metrics caused by varying the map input resolution has been investigated. Landscape metrics are spatial indicators used to link spatial patterns with the ecological processes that generate them. An aerial photograph was semi-automatically classified at different resolutions by superimposing a grid with a variable cell dimension (10, 20 and 40 metres) in a GIS environment. The variation of the mostly used landscape metrics was investigated. This approach allows the up-scaling of spatial indices, thanks to the objective (‘a priori’) definition of the Minimum Mapping Unit. Some metrics showed linear trends over the range of examined scales, and other metrics had non-linear response curves. For the first type of metrics, the translation of information over a wide range of spatial scales seems to be very simple, while for the second this translation appears to be impossible.

Distributed Artificial Intelligence in GIS

- Geolet: A Distributed Geo-Spatial Information Retriever

Y. Wang, C. Rizos and L. Ge

School of Surveying and Spatial Information Systems

The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia

yufei.gis@gmail.com

M. Tanner and M. Dwyer

Transport and Population Data Centre

Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, NSW Government

GPO BOX 3927 2001 NSW

Michael.tanner@dipnr.nsw.gov.au

Abstract

The advantages of ‘Distributed GIS’ have long been realised by GIS practitioners and researchers, for its strengths of system flexibility, reliability, scalability, processing efficiency and resources sharing. However, due to the complex network architecture and software structure, current distributed GIS (DGIS) still cannot fully accommodate distributed, heterogeneous and speedy development in dynamic computing environments. Hence, the development of a high performance DGIS system is still a challenging task. In this paper, an Agent-based Distributed Artificial Intelligent GIS paradigm will be discussed and a Geolet-based DGIS prototype system is provided.

 Building modern land administration systems

 in developed economies

S Enemark

Department of Development and Planning

Aalborg University

Denmark

enemark@land.auc.dk

I Williamson and J Wallace
Centre for Spatial Data Infrastructures and Land Administration
Department of Geomatics
The University of Melbourne
Victoria Australia 3010
j.wallace@unimelb.edu.au

ianpw@unimelb.edu.au

Abstract

Land Administration Systems (LAS) are institutional frameworks complicated by the tasks they must perform, by national cultural, political and judicial settings, and by technology.  This paper assists sharing LAS capacity among countries with diverse legal systems and institutional structures by identifying an ideal and historically neutral LAS model for -:

·          servicing the needs of governments, business and the public,

·          utilising the latest technologies,

·          servicing rights, responsibilities, restrictions and risks in relation to land, and

·          delivering much broader information about sustainable development.

Case studies of Denmark and Victoria are used to test existing systems against the model.

Administering the Marine Environment –

The Spatial Dimension

A. Rajabifard, A. Binns and I. Williamson

Centre for Spatial Data Infrastructures and Land Administration

Department of Geomatics

The University of Melbourne

Victoria AUSTRALIA 3010

abbas.r@unimelb.edu.au

a.binns@unimelb.edu.au

ianpw@unimelb.edu.au

Abstract

Administering the spatial dimension of the marine environment is very important as decision-makers in both land and marine related areas of the coastal zone need to access marine related datasets in order to effectively achieve their economic, social and environmental objectives. There is also the challenge of managing the complex interactions between, and competing rights of, stakeholders within the marine environment.

 This paper aims to discuss both the current and future direction of marine administration, including the development of a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) as a tool to achieve efficient management, concentrating on Asia and the Pacific region. This includes the socio-economic, policy and technical challenges and issues faced by countries within this jurisdiction, as well as an overview of the objectives, principle tasks and results of the ‘International Workshop on Administering the Marine Environment – the Spatial Dimensions’, held in Malaysia in 2004. Although focusing on Asia and the Pacific region, the results and conclusions drawn from this paper can also be applicable to other marine jurisdictions.

Are equipment simulators effective when used for technology-based training?

P. Gibbings and K. McDougall

Faculty of Engineering and Surveying

University of Southern Queensland

TOOWOOMBA

QLD    4350

Peter.Gibbings@usq.edu.au

Kevin.McDougall@usq.edu.au

Abstract

Formal technology-based training can be costly for all concerned.  Efficient and effective alternatives to face-to-face training need to be found.  One option is to use equipment simulators before undertaking formal training so that hands-on training can be conducted at a more advanced level and thereby increase efficiency.

Case studies using Global Positioning System (GPS) simulations were conducted to determine their effectiveness in technology-based training.  This paper demonstrates that it is possible to use equipment simulators to deliver effective training in the use of complicated technical equipment, and that the simulators can replace at least some of the conventional hands-on training.

Professional Paper  

A Rigorous Rangefinder Calibration Method for Terrestrial Laser Scanners

S. Gordon

AAMHatch

Western Australia

S.Gordon@aamhatch.com.au

N. Davies

Lester Franks Survey and Geographic

South Australia

D. Keighley

McMullen Nolan and Partners

Western Australia

D. Lichti and J. Franke

Department of Spatial Sciences, Curtin University

Western Australia

Abstract

This paper describes a method for calibrating the rangefinder of terrestrial laser scanners using an EDM calibration baseline. The methodology addresses target observation schema, target design, observational technique, reduction of observations and the calibration correction model. Results from five different terrestrial laser scanners are given.