Cabuk, A., Karademirler, S. N., Eren, K., Turkbay, V., Al Khedheiri, A. (2004) The Use of GIS Capabilities for Establishing a Planning Infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, Cartography, Vol. 33, No. 1.

Abstracts

Refereed Papers

Abstract

In line simplification the overlay of the original and the derived line produces a certain number of polygons. The area of these polygons is related to the areal distortion between the original and the derived line caused by simplification. A new cartometric measure of displacement associated with each polygon (sp-displacement) is introduced and tested, expressing the displacements caused by line simplification. Data consisting of ten coastlines are processed under successive simplification tasks over a wide range of tolerances by applying the Douglas and Peucker algorithm. All derived lines were overlaid with the original ones by applying a typical GIS function of union. The new measure is compared with other measures suggested in the literature.

Abstract

Abstract

Geographical Visualization has formalised the use of New Media and digital technologies for depicting geography.  Powerful and innovative tools enable users to explore geographical information and to appreciate both ‘broadbrush’ geographical concepts and discrete and associated geographical phenomena.  Since the late 1980s interest has grown in developing geographical visualization tools to assist in personal and collaborative use of the myriad of data sets available about things geographical.  This has resulted in the conceptualisation of different theoretical approaches to what we do, and new ways for viewing and using geographical information.  This paper provides an overview of geographical visualization and how it has, is and can be used.  It also addresses the need for geographical visualization producers to embrace a closer collaboration with the GIScience community so as to provide tools that are based on the strong analytical applications of GIS packages. And, it highlights the need for applying the techniques of user-centered design to ensure that usable geospatial products are created and delivered.

Abstract

The Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) was created for visualizing interactive 3D objects and worlds over the Internet. For cartography, VRML has proved to be a useful tool for modelling reality, producing 3D animations and interactive mapping. Another useful and emerging VRML capability for cartographers is database connectivity. Databases can be used to store object characteristics such as geographic coordinates, object geometry and object textures. The object characteristics stored in the database can be used to generate a VRML world. This is particularly useful for improving the efficiency of data maintenance and reducing the download rates of large VRML worlds.

The main objective of this paper is to inform readers of how VRML can be generated from a database. An example of a VRML world that is being generated by the scripting language PHP from a text database will be provided. This example is a part of prototype, geographic visualization (GeoVis) tools being developed by the authors for a research project. The research project is motivated by the idea that visuals can be used alongside traditional warning methods as a way of improving flood risk communication to the public. This paper is a good starting point for those wanting to link a database to a VRML world but lack the experience in VRML and database connectivity to do so.

Abstract

Abstract

This paper offers a framework for delivering on-line resources to assist community participation in decision-making associated with land management. Traditionally, community consultation has involved focus groups and community meetings. Within the last decade the World Wide Web (WWW) has grown prolifically to provide the wider public with spatial knowledge in digital form. Subsequently, the WWW offers a medium for community discussion that transcends traditional communicative boundaries. A range of on-line multimedia and geovisualisation resources are readily available to assist community management. These include discussion forums, electronic documentation and interactive GIS mapping tools. This paper discusses the development of an interactive web based public participatory planning support system applied to the first stage of a community forest management pilot project in the Wombat State Forest, Victoria (Australia). The website provides a record of the activities undertaken May to December 2002 and offers a vehicle for group discussion and feedback, document exploration and interactive mapping. The paper examines the development of the on-line interactive public participatory planning support system and lessons learnt.  The research is a basis for developing a generic framework for democratising information to improve community management decision-making. 

Abstract

Australian telecommunications providers are preparing to follow the lead of their European, Asian and American counterparts in offering to the broader community one of the most innovative trends in wireless mobile application development – Location-Based Services (LBS). Outside of Australia, the deployment of LBS has led to a range of different cartographic representations providing everyday users with access to geospatially-related information. However, it can be argued that the usability and utility of the services and their component representations has not been a priority during development and thus the usefulness of the applications for everyday users cannot be assured. The LBS situation in Australia may turn out to be different from that of the European and US contexts, particularly in terms of user needs, indicating that overseas research findings may not be applicable in the Australian context.

This paper details the rationale behind a research program that intends to challenge current methods for the representation of geospatial information in LBS, by trialling new presentation and interaction techniques that may be more appropriate and effective for Australian users. A proposed methodology is presented, based on the application of User-Centred Design techniques, including an extensive user task analysis, construction of a prototype service and a rigorous target user evaluation. Finally, anticipated benefits for the Australian LBS industry, geospatial community and end users are discussed.

Building a Three-Dimensional Geospatial Virtual Environment on Games Technology

T. Germanchis, C. Pettit and W. Cartwright

School of Mathematical and Geospatial Science RMIT University

Australia

Abstract

Three-dimensional representations of geographic data on computer are known as Geospatial Virtual Environments or GeoVEs. Previous work in the display of GeoVEs utilises a conventional hypermedia/multimedia approach. However, in recent times, large technological advances have seen computer games technology offer a fitting environment for serious academic study (Laird, 2001). Much literature has argued that GeoVEs lack meaningful interaction and realism, especially as compared to games (Champion 2002). Therefore, research into applying games technology to GeoVEs may be satisfactorily used to create more interactive, realistic learning environments for ‘non-expert’ users, therefore providing high levels of engagement and knowledge formation.

This paper examines the development of a desktop, three-dimensional GeoVE built on games technology. It will explain the current processes undertaken and those that need to be completed to visualise the full model. The gaming environment is a non-traditional approach to geographical information provision and may provide different images of reality, fulfil the need for accurate representations of the world and aid in catering to the user’s specific mental perceptions of place and space. This research will also explore methods to extend the user ’s geographical knowledge through the use of multimodal metaphors, as proposed by Cartwright (1997; 1999).

Visualisation of Spatial Data Quality for Internet and Mobile GIS Applications

T. Yang and J. Wang

School of Surveying and Spatial Information Systems

The University of New South Wales

ting.yang@student.unsw.edu.au

jinling.wang@unsw.edu.au

Abstract

GIS platforms are increasingly extending into rapidly developing technologies such as the Internet and mobile telecommunications. Spatial data quality is critical to these applications.

This paper reviews issues relating to the visualisation of spatial data quality, and discusses the characteristics of Internet GIS and mobile GIS. The design and implementation issues of data model and visualisation methods of spatial data quality for Internet and mobile GIS applications are then addressed. Finally, a prototype implementation is given based on sample data.

Professional Papers

A Calibration System for Barcode Staves

J. Klinge

B. Hugessen

Abstract

This paper describes a staff calibration range constructed on the Darling Scarp in Perth for the calibration of barcode staves by the Department of Land Information and the formulae used for the calibration of the range with precise equipment.

GIS in SEQ 2021 – More than maps

R. J. Bischof and C. Wade

Department of Local Government and Planning,
Brisbane
seq2021@dlgp.qld.gov.au

Abstract

SEQ 2021 is the three-year regional planning process for South East Queensland (SEQ), which is jointly funded by the South East Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils and the Queensland State Government.  The aim of the program is to develop a new regional plan by late-2004, which will guide the actions of all levels of Government, Community and Industry to 2026 to achieve a sustainable future for the region.  This includes balancing the natural, built, social and economic environments so that they can be enjoyed by future generations.

The use of spatial information has been an integral part of SEQ regional planning since 1990 - providing a valuable resource for the planning process.  In the current round of SEQ regional planning, the SEQ 2021 GIS Unit provides a service, which facilitates, coordinates and leads the use of spatial information to increase SEQ 2021 stakeholder understanding of the region’s issues and, as a result, build the capacity and confidence of stakeholders to participate in the planning process.  The Unit has undertaken an innovative program of information creation and dissemination to achieve these outcomes.  This program has three main themes; the first is making existing spatial information increasingly available to stakeholders, for example, the SEQ Social Atlas, SEQ Regional Interests Mapping Series and special purpose mapping.  The second is promoting spatial information to stakeholders through planning information seminars and expos.  The last theme is facilitating the exchange of spatial data between State, Regional and Local Government Agencies. 

These approaches of increasing spatial information availability, marketing and promotion, and sharing have raised awareness in the amount and applicability of location-based information to support SEQ regional planning.  As a result, SEQ 2021 stakeholders are becoming better informed.  However, a full exploitation of the power of location-based information has not yet been realized in SEQ 2021 due to data licensing arrangements, which regulate SEQ 2021’s use of spatial information in the public arena.  If these were to be relaxed, there is the potential to further enhance informed regional decision-making by the wider SEQ community.

 The Use of GIS Capabilities for Establishing a Planning Infrastructure in Saudi Arabia

A. Cabuk

Anadolu University Department of Architecture

acabuk@anadolu.edu.tr

S. N. Karademirler

Tepebasi Municipality

sayen@lycos.com

K. Eren

AGS Group, CEO

kamil@ags-group.com

V. Turkbay

ASCAD

ascad@mail.com

A. Al Khedheiri

Ministry of Municipalities and Rural Affairs

Vice Deputy Manager of Town Planning

Abstract

Planning plays an important role in orderly services and use of resources. Such planning requires a correct set of spatial data, which should be properly integrated and shared. GIS technology may not only assist in the analysis and viewing of data, it helps also in decision making and planning. Saudi Arabia, as a dynamic, transitional country with rapid growth, adapts its planning methodology to the opportunities provided by GIS technology. Success depends on the quality and quantity of spatial information, as well as on its timely integration and data sharing (Çabuk, et al 2003). The main task of the project was to establish a graphical database for the Ministry of Municipalities and Rural Affairs using the original hardcopies of local and structural plans of Saudi Arabia, as well as the 1:10 000, 1:50 000 and 1:250 000 national base maps.