Geographical Data Acquisition

This book presents the theory and methodology of geographical data acquisition, providing comprehensive coverage ranging from the definition of geo-referencing systems and transformation between these systems to the acquisition of geographical data using different methods. The material provides readers with a good understanding of the nature of spatial data, the accuracy of spatial data, and the theory behind various data acquisition methodologies.

Containing 31 papers collected in five chapters, this book deals with different fields of application and the problems of modelling and organising data in structures, as well as the processing techniques of GIS data for queries to the system and the so-called Dynamic GIS. The authors cover data acquisition with low cost DGPS for road surveys, vehicle navigation systems, and robust statistical techniques applied to pre-processing, analysis and testing. They report on the testing and calibration of different scanners for GIS data acquisition as well as some original approaches to the automatic DTM generation for cartographic and close range applications. Finally, applications to the environmental monitoring and the use of different kinds of geodetic data in multipurpose regional GIS are shown.

Geographical Information Systems has moved from the domain of the computer specialist into the wider archaeological community, providing it with an exciting new research method. This clearly written but rigorous book provides a comprehensive guide to that use. Topics covered include: the theoretical context and the basics of GIS; data acquisition including database design; interpolation of elevation models; exploratory data analysis including spatial queries; statistical spatial analysis; map algebra; spatial operations including the calculation of slope and aspect, filtering and erosion modeling; methods for analysing regions; visibility analysis; network analysis including hydrological modeling; the production of high quality output for paper and electronic publication; and the use and production of metadata. Offering an extensive range of archaeological examples, it is an invaluable source of practical information for all archaeologists, whether engaged in cultural resource management or academic research. This is essential reading for both the novice and the advanced user.

This revised and updated edition integrates the latest in modern technology with traditional cartographic principles. While providing a solid conceptual foundation in cartographic methodology, the text also introduces the very latest advances that have greatly influenced cartographic techniques. The new edition reflects the increasing importance of cartography as the basis for further geographical study, the text has been updated throughout and chapters on the latest developments in cartography have been integrated. There is also a more widespread emphasis on multimedia and the web.

As Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have developed and their applications have been extended, the issue of uncertainty has become increasingly recognized. It is highlighted by the need to demystify the inherently complex geographical world to facilitate computerization in GIS, by the inaccuracies that emerge from man-machine interactions in dat

This is a book about how ecologists can integrate remote sensing and GIS in their research. It will allow readers to get started with the application of remote sensing and to understand its potential and limitations. Using practical examples, the book covers all necessary steps from planning field campaigns to deriving ecologically relevant information through remote sensing and modelling of species distributions. An Introduction to Spatial Data Analysis introduces spatial data handling using the open source software Quantum GIS (QGIS). In addition, readers will be guided through their first steps in the R programming language. The authors explain the fundamentals of spatial data handling and analysis, empowering the reader to turn data acquired in the field into actual spatial data. Readers will learn to process and analyse spatial data of different types and interpret the data and results. After finishing this book, readers will be able to address questions such as “What is the distance to the border of the protected area?”, “Which points are located close to a road?”, “Which fraction of land cover types exist in my study area?” using different software and techniques. This book is for novice spatial data users and does not assume any prior knowledge of spatial data itself or practical experience working with such data sets. Readers will likely include student and professional ecologists, geographers and any environmental scientists or practitioners who need to collect, visualize and analyse spatial data. The software used is the widely applied open source scientific programs QGIS and R. All scripts and data sets used in the book will be provided online at book.ecosens.org. This book covers specific methods including: what to consider before collecting in situ data how to work with spatial data collected in situ the difference between raster and vector data how to acquire further vector and raster data how to create relevant environmental information how to combine and analyse in situ and remote sensing data how to create useful maps for field work and presentations how to use QGIS and R for spatial analysis how to develop analysis scripts

In this cohesive collection of peer-reviewed chapters, field authorities present the latest field advancements and cover essential areas such as data acquisition, geoinformation theory, spatial statistics, and dissemination. Each chapter opens with an editorial preview of each topic from a conceptual, applied, and methodological point of view, making it easier for researchers to judge which information is most beneficial to their work. Under the editorial guidance of internationally respected geoinformatics experts, the volume addresses quality aspects in the entire spatial data mining process, from data acquisition to end user.

Geographic data are used in all sectors of society to support a huge range of applications ranging from emergency response to land-use planning to location-based services. In the past, government agencies typically acquired ownership of such data from private-sector and other data producers and distributed these data without restriction. Licensing-whereby the producer may restrict redistribution-has emerged as an alternative business model that agencies must now consider among a suite of procurement options. The report highlights licensing perspectives and experiences of major stakeholder groups and examines the pros and cons of licensing. It concludes that licensing may be a viable option in some instances and advises agencies on how to best serve societal interests.