June, 2002 (Vol. 31, No. 1)
Please note: The dispatch date for the June 2002 edition of CARTOGRAPHY will be late July.
Refereed Papers
Pullar, D. (2002) Using VRML To Visualise Landscape Change and Process, Cartography, Vol. 31, No. 1.
Leung, L-F. and Li, Z. (2002) Experimental Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Graphic Symbols on Tourist Maps, Cartography, Vol. 31, No. 1.
Rajabifard, A., Feeney, M-E. and Williamson, I. P. (2002) The Cultural Aspects of Sharing and Dynamic Partnerships Within an SDI Hierarchy, Cartography, Vol. 31, No. 1.
Lamble, P. and Fraser, D. (2002) Creation of a GIS-based Predictive Model for Groundwater in the Murray Valley Irrigation Region (NSW), Cartography, Vol. 31, No. 1.
Evelpidou, N. (2002) GIS Database for the Geomorphological Study of Paros Island, Cartography, Vol. 31, No. 1.
Arrowsmith, C. and Ntuwah, W. (2002) Mapping Potential for Tourist Segments, Cartography, Vol. 31, No. 1.
Smith, C., Aberline, P. and Bellman, C. (2002) Investigation and Prototyping of Emerging Web
Standards for Web GIS, Cartography, Vol. 31, No. 1.
Cartwright, W. (2002) Building a Better Mousetrap: Considerations for the Provision of Appropriate New Media Artifacts for Enhancing the Access to and Use of Geospatial Information, Cartography, Vol. 31, No. 1.
Weiter, H. and Metternicht, G. (2002) Exploring the Feasibility of a Web-based System for Farmers Access to Current Agricultural Research Information in Western Australia, Cartography, Vol. 31, No. 1.
Xiao, B. and Zhang, K. (2002) Handheld GPS and Mobile Mapping, Cartography, Vol. 31, No. 1.
Adsett, K., Leslie, M., Hewavisenthi, S. and Hewavisenthi, C. (2002) A Digital Elevation Model for the Nogoa River Catchment, Queensland: Challenges and Solutions, Cartography, Vol. 31, No. 1.
Using VRML To Visualise Landscape Change and Process
D. Pullar
Geographical Sciences and Planning
The University of Queensland
Queensland Australia 4072
d.pullar@mailbox.uq.edu.au
Abstract
The paper describes the development of a spatial modeling language and visualisation environment that simulates landscape processes. The virtual reality modeling language (VRML) is evaluated as a suitable technology for visualising landscape models. Examples for water runoff and landform evolution are given.
Experimental Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Graphic Symbols on Tourist Maps
L-F. Leung and Z. Li
Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Lszlli@polyu.edu.hk
Abstract
This paper describes a series of tests on the effectiveness of graphic symbols on Hong Kong tourist maps produced by three different organisations. One test is on isolated symbols on white background, another test is on symbols in map context, and the third test is on the effect of some selected factors on symbol interpretation. Results show that more than 50 percent of the tested symbols fail to attain the criteria. These ineffective symbols were found to be mainly abstract and geometric, so that they bear a poor resemblance to the object. It was found that the size of a symbol has an important influence upon the recognition and time required for searching symbols. It is also found that inadequate use of text (letters) in the context of a symbol may confuse map users and increase the required searching time.
The Cultural Aspects of Sharing and Dynamic Partnerships Within an SDI Hierarchy
A. Rajabifard, M-E. Feeney and I P. Williamson
Centre for Spatial Data Infrastructures and Land Administration
Department of Geomatics, The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010, Australia
abbas@sunrise.sli.unimelb.edu.au
mef@eng.unimelb.edu.au
i.williamson@eng.unimelb.edu.au
Abstract
The need to create multi-participant, decision-supported environments to address the issues of sustainable development and improving the quality of life creates a growing need to organise data across disciplines and organisations through different forms of spatial data infrastructure (SDI). This infrastructure is fundamentally a concept about facilitation and coordination of the exchange and sharing of spatial data between stakeholders from different jurisdictional levels in the spatial data community. The concept is well explained as an integrated, multi-levelled hierarchy of interconnected SDIs based on partnerships at corporate, local, state/provincial, national, regional (multi-national) and global (GSDI) levels. The creation of such an infrastructure and understanding the role of dynamic partnerships within an SDI hierarchy are essential to develop any SDI initiative.
This paper reviews the nature and concept of SDIs, including the SDI hierarchy, which has helped to build understanding about the importance of the relationships within different levels of SDI, to support the interactions and dynamic nature of partnerships between spatial data communities. The role that human nature plays in any endeavour based on interaction and sharing makes cultural and social factors within a business environment important to the acceptance of the SDI concept and its alignment with spatial industry objectives. Further, the importance of establishing a culture for sharing as well as understanding the dynamic partnerships necessary to support such a culture is highlighted, and three classes of factors influencing SDI development are identified. It is argued that the adoption and implementation of these factors and selection of a proper model for SDI development can assist SDI coordinating agencies to overcome the problem of low participation and speed up the progress in the development of SDI initiatives.
Creation of a GIS-based Predictive Model for Groundwater in the Murray Valley Irrigation Region (NSW)
P. Lamble and D. Fraser
Department of Geospatial Science
RMIT University
GPO Box 2476V, Melbourne 3001
x00995@ems.rmit.edu.au
david.fraser@rmit.edu.au
Abstract
This paper presents the findings thus far of a study in the Murray Valley Irrigation Region of New South Wales. The project aims to build a GIS-based predictive model for groundwater using satellite imagery and ancillary data, enabling the prediction of areas at risk of salinity due to rising and high groundwater levels.
A regression-based model is showing great promise in predicting the total area of high groundwater in one of the three irrigation districts. An alternative approach of predicting the change in groundwater based on the concentration of irrigated land has little predictive power without the inclusion of other variables.
GIS Database for the Geomorphological Study of Paros Island
N. Evelpidou
Remote Sensing Laboratory
Department of Geology, Athens University
Panepistimiopolis Zographou, 157-84, Athens, Greece
evelpidou@geol.uoa.gr
Abstract
In this paper a geomorphological GIS-based database was developed under the MapInfo Professional environment in order to systematically store information such as the exact coordinates and the corresponding fields of each geomorphological element. Apart from MapInfo's internal database, Microsoft Access was used as an external database, connected to MapInfo, through ODBC drivers.
Paros island (Cyclades/Greece) was used as a case study. This island has a variety of morphological characteristics, many of them formed as a result of its complex lithological and tectonic structure that enforce differential erosion processes. All primary data of this geomorphological study were acquired via photointerpretation and fieldwork supported by the combined use of GIS and GPS in order to increase the accuracy and to speed up fieldwork. GIS also provided the opportunity for further spatial and quantitative analysis of the geographical database and the creation of a GIS - based geomorphological map.
Mapping Potential for Tourist Segments
C. Arrowsmith and W. Ntuwah
Department of Geospatial Science
RMIT University
GPO Box 2476V
Melbourne, Vic 3001, Australia
colin.arrowsmith@rmit.edu.au
wntuwah@ihug.com.au
Abstract
Nature-based tourism is an increasingly popular activity within the tourism industry in Australia. The economic value of nature-based tourism was estimated to be $850 million in 1995. Of the 3.4 million international visitors to Australia, approximately 50% visited at least one national park during their stay.
This paper will discuss an approach to mapping tourism potential throughout nature-based tourism destinations. These maps are outputs from a tourism potential model. The model has been founded on principles of environmental sustainability, that is minimizing environmental degradation, as well as maximizing tourist appeal by identifying tourism attractiveness, diversity and spatial distribution of these attractions within a nature-based tourism destination.
It is anticipated that through these resultant maps, park and natural resource managers, as well as tourism operators, are able to offer enhanced nature-based tourism products that target different tourist market segments. It is also envisaged that using the model, new opportunities can be determined that will enable increasing numbers of tourists to visit particular nature-based tourism destinations without actively degrading the environment for which the tourists are coming to see, and without degrading the tourist experience through effectively redistributing social carrying capacities.
Investigation and Prototyping of Emerging Web Standards for Web GIS
C. Smith and P. Aberline
SPATIALinfo Pty Ltd
459 Little Collins St, Melbourne, Australia
chriss@spatialinfo.com
peter_aberline@bitsmart.com
C. Bellman
Department of Geospatial Science
RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
chris.bellman@rmit.edu.au
Abstract
Recent trends in GIS have seen the widespread development of web-based products. Current implementations consist of either static, pre-rendered systems offering little interaction, or vector-based systems with limited functionality. All offer limited scope for data exchange.
This paper reports on findings of a cooperative research project between spatial systems developer, SPATIALinfo, and the RMIT Department of Geospatial Science, to prototype a system to address these limitations.
The project involved an investigation into current data representation formats, followed by the design and production of a functioning example system that integrated several of the emerging web standards identified, including GML and SVG.
Building a Better Mousetrap: Considerations for the Provision of Appropriate New Media Artifacts for Enhancing the Access to and Use of Geospatial Information
W. Cartwright
Department of Geospatial Science
RMIT, GPO Box 2476V
Melbourne, VIC 3001 Australia
william.cartwright@rmit.edu.au
Abstract
In the teaching of geography, the general method for the depiction of the attributes that combine to present a picture of the real world is to use the map metaphor. Whilst still an effective means for the portrayal of geographic information, the map metaphor can be enhanced using other metaphors, which can be readily delivered using contemporary technology and communications, including CD-ROM and Web resources. The use of just the map metaphor to access geographic information limits the flexibility particular users have in retrieving relevant and current data.
Other metaphors have been discussed as possible adjuncts to the map metaphor and can be used in tandem with the traditional map metaphor to enhance the interface of the system. These can perhaps contribute to allowing users to appreciate the "Why?" element of spatial data. Whilst the map is an effective means of access, its use should not be considered in isolation. Interface designers working on appropriate access metaphors for geographical information have looked at things like multidimensional, immersive, 'inhabitable' virtual world 'space', and using it to convey the sense of space (concrete and abstract) as no other interface can. As geographic information products seek out a wider audience, many of whom can be considered to not be 'elite' scientific users or even 'map literate', other forms of access are of great interest to geographical educational package designers.
This paper provides an overview of the issues that need to be addressed if proper evaluation of different geospatial information access and interaction tools is to be made. It proposes a number of areas where research is needed to ensure the use of New Media cartographic artifacts delivers appropriate and usable tools.
Exploring the Feasibility of a Web-based System for Farmers Access to Current Agricultural Research Information in Western Australia
H. Weiter and G. Metternicht
Department of Spatial Sciences
Curtin University of Technology
GPO Box U1987 Perth
Western Australia 6845
hana_weiter@hotmail.com
graciela@vesta.curtin.edu.au
Abstract
This paper discusses the phases of design, development and evaluation of a Web-based information system for easy tracking of current agricultural research information. This system comes in the form of a web site, linked to a database that stores agricultural research information, which can be interrogated by farmers and researchers using simple search tools. The value of this system relies in its ability to provide up-to-date agricultural research information, delivered in a readily accessible form and specifically designed for an audience with rather poor communication links to Web-based information.
The development of the AgResearch prototype arose from discussions with a group of Western Australian farmers and researchers in regards to the need for increased communication between the two groups in relation to agricultural research projects. The development of a system with characteristics similar to the prototype designed in this research would benefit the agricultural industry in Western Australia, as currently there is no farmer focused, state wide, mass distribution system in place for the dissemination of up-to-date agricultural research information.
Handheld GPS and Mobile Mapping
B. Xiao and K. Zhang
Department of Geospatial Science
RMIT University
GPO Box 2476V Melbourne 3000
Abstract
Significant developments in the hardware and software of the Global Positioning System (GPS) in recent years have resulted in the extensive use of less expensive, integrated, extremely small GPS units/chips for positioning, navigation and location management. The latest progress and development of handheld GPS technology have opened new application avenues from positioning and navigation into other application domains. Through their mobility, standard interfaces and high software compatibilities, handheld GPS systems can be used not only for traditional surveying purposes such as topographical date collection, but also in real-time systems such as GIS data collection and maintenance.
The adoption of GPS technology in Mobile Mapping System (MMS) is a big step forward for MMS technologies. With the employment of differential GPS the MMS have been innovated significantly and their positioning accuracy has greatly improved. The MMS have revolutionized traditional mapping processes.
This paper outlines recent developments of handheld GPS technology and integrated mapping systems, including accuracy, and integration with GIS and communication techniques. Advancements in GPS mapping technologies are emphasized. The definition and history of the MMS have been briefed. Some new advancement of the current MMS will be reviewed to demonstrate recent progress and future trends of development. A few commercial MMS will also be assessed.
A Digital Elevation Model for the Nogoa River Catchment, Queensland: Challenges and Solutions
K. Adsett, M. Leslie and S. Hewavisenthi
Central West GIS Group
Department of Natural Resources and Mines
Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
C. Hewavisenthi
Environmental Protection Agency
61 Yeppoon Road
Parkhurst, Rockhampton
Queensland, Australia
Abstract
The Nogoa River catchment in the Fitzroy Basin is a very significant contributor to the Queensland economy. The topographical complexity of this catchment requires efficient and effective management of the environment to sustain both economic and ecological benefits. Information on terrain shape and drainage structure is important in developing sustainable management practices. This paper outlines the methods used and the challenges faced during the development of a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the Nogoa River catchment. It is also intended to assist those involved in DEM creation to understand potential problems and to plan ahead to maximise efficiency.
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