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The purpose of this study is to solve the problem of an unknown initial position in a multi-robot raster map fusion. The method includes two-dimensional (2D) raster maps and three-dimensional (3D) point cloud maps.

A fusion method using multiple algorithms was proposed. For 2D raster maps, this method uses accelerated robust feature detection to extract feature points of multi-raster maps, and then feature points are matched using a two-step algorithm of minimum Euclidean distance and adjacent feature relation. Finally, the random sample consensus algorithm was used for redundant feature fusion. On the basis of 2D raster map fusion, the method of coordinate alignment is used for 3D point cloud map fusion.

To verify the effectiveness of the algorithm, the segmentation mapping method (2D raster map) and the actual robot mapping method (2D raster map and 3D point cloud map) were used for experimental verification. The experiments demonstrated the stability and reliability of the proposed algorithm.

This algorithm uses a new visual method with coordinate alignment to process the raster map, which can effectively solve the problem of the demand for the initial relative position of robots in traditional methods and be more adaptable to the fusion of 3D maps. In addition, the original data of the map can come from different types of robots, which greatly improves the universality of the algorithm.

The purpose of this paper is to convert real-world raster data into vector format and evaluate loss of accuracy in the conversion process. Open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) is used in this process and system resource utilizations were measured for conversion and accuracy analysis methods. Shape complexity attributes were analyzed in co-relation to the observed conversion errors.

The paper empirically evaluated the challenges and overheads involved in the format conversion algorithms available in open-source GIS with real-world land use and land cover (LULC) map data of India. Across the different LULC categories, geometric errors of varying density were observed in Quantum GIS (QGIS) algorithm. Area extents of original raster data were compared to the vector forms and the shape attributes such as average number of vertices and shape irregularity were evaluated to explore the possible correlation.

The results indicate that Geographic Resources Analysis Support System provides near error-free conversion algorithm. At the same time, the overall time taken for the conversion and the system resource utilizations were optimum as compared to the QGIS algorithm. Higher vector file sizes were generalized and accuracy loss was tested.

Complete shape complexity analysis could not be achieved, as the weight factor for the irregularity of the shapes is to be varied based on the demography as well as on the LULC category.

Because of the higher system resource requirements of topological checker tool, positional accuracy checks for the converted objects could not be completed.

This paper addresses the need of accuracy analysis of real-world spatial data conversions from raster to vector format along with experimental setups challenges and impact of shape complexity.

The aim of this work is to explore the use of lightweight but effective user interfaces for mobile navigation and wayfinding in urban environments.

Two interactive mobile interfaces were designed and implemented following a user‐centred approach. The first interface makes use of 2D digital technology such as different representations of 2D maps and textual information. To enhance the user experience during navigation, location aware searches may be performed indicating information about the surroundings. The second interface makes use of virtual reality (VR) and computer graphics to present 3D maps and textual information. The VR maps are also interactive and contain hyperlinks positioned in 3D space which link to either web pages or other multimedia content.

Both interfaces allow users to visualise and interact with different levels of representation of urban maps. Initial evaluation has been performed to test the usability of the 2D interface, and limitations of the 2D technology were recorded. To overcome these limitations and explore the potentials of alternative technologies a VR interface was prototyped and a pilot evaluation was conducted.

This paper provides two prototype interfaces with some initial evaluation that may be useful for future navigation and wayfinding systems.

As more and more people make use of mobile technologies and advanced interfaces to enhance access to location‐based services, this paper offers two prototype interfaces for personal digital assistants that provide solutions to urban navigation and wayfinding.

In an era overshadowed by the alarming consequences of climate change and the escalating peril of recurring floods for communities worldwide, the significance of proficient disaster risk management has reached unprecedented levels. The successful implementation of disaster risk management necessitates the ability to make informed decisions. To this end, the utilization of three-dimensional (3D) visualization and Web-based rendering offers decision-makers the opportunity to engage with interactive data representations. This study aims to focus on Thiruvananthapuram, India, where the analysis of flooding caused by the Karamana River aims to furnish valuable insights for facilitating well-informed decision-making in the realm of disaster management.

This work introduces a systematic procedure for evaluating the influence of flooding on 3D building models through the utilization of Web-based visualization and rendering techniques. To ensure precision, aerial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data is used to generate accurate 3D building models in CityGML format, adhering to the standards set by the Open Geospatial Consortium. By using one-meter digital elevation models derived from LiDAR data, flood simulations are conducted to analyze flow patterns at different discharge levels. The integration of 3D building maps with geographic information system (GIS)-based vector maps and a flood risk map enables the assessment of the extent of inundation. To facilitate visualization and querying tasks, a Web-based graphical user interface (GUI) is developed.

The efficiency of comprehensive 3D building maps in evaluating flood consequences in Thiruvananthapuram has been established by the research. By merging with GIS-based vector maps and a flood risk map, it becomes possible to scrutinize the extent of inundation and the affected structures. Furthermore, the Web-based GUI facilitates interactive data exploration, visualization and querying, thereby assisting in decision-making.

The study introduces an innovative approach that merges LiDAR data, 3D building mapping, flood simulation and Web-based visualization, which can be advantageous for decision-makers in disaster risk management and may have practical use in various regions and urban areas.

This paper describes a research and development effort on a GIS‐based pipeline planning system (GIS‐based PPS). Research was first conducted to identify the aspects of pipeline planning and pipeline network design that could benefit from a computer assisted approach, and the recent advancements in information technology. This paper describes a cohesive computer environment that integrates the hydraulic analysis and geographic information processing with a graphic user interface (GUI), in order to improve the effectiveness of pipeline design functions. An interactive system prototype was implemented and is currently being applied in real‐world pipeline network planning and design for municipal and industrial water conveyance.

The authors construct an intertemporal model of rent-maximizing behavior on the part of a timber harvester under potentially multidimensional risk as well as geographical heterogeneity. Subsequently, the authors use recursive methods (specifically, the method of stochastic dynamic programing) to characterize the optimal policy function – the rent-maximizing timber-harvesting profile. One noteworthy feature of their application to forestry in the province of British Columbia, Canada is the unique and detailed information the authors have organized in the form of a dynamic geographic information system to account for site-specific cost heterogeneity in harvesting and transportation, as well as uneven-aged stand dynamics in timber growth and yield across space and time in the presence of stochastic lumber prices. Their framework is a powerful tool with which to conduct policy analysis at scale.

This paper aims to present an objective summary of the current state of research concerning the evaluation criteria of map metadata. The undertaken research identifies which authors and to what extent the discussed issues related to the metadata of objects collected in digital libraries, with particular emphasis on cartographic materials.

Independent reviewers analysed the basic articles data. Selected papers were subject to quality assessment, based on the full text and 12 questions. Finally, iterative backward reference search was conducted.

The results demonstrate that there are no universal criteria for metadata evaluation. There are no works that would assess the metadata of cartographic studies, although numerous publications point to the need for this type of work.

Metadata evaluation allows users to obtain knowledge whether objects found in the library are relevant for their needs.

The criteria and methods most often used for assessing metadata quality which can be adopted to map metadata evaluation have been identified. The authors identified the existing research gaps and proved that there is a need for research contributions in the field of evaluating map metadata.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the technique for estimating solar radiation in areas of rough topography and to detect the source of error and means for improvement.

Spatial data of the study area in the form of digital elevation model (DEM) coupled with geographic information system (GIS) were used to estimate the monthly solar radiation at locations with rough topography. The generated data were compared with measured data collected from all the selected locations using NASA data.

The results show that the variation in topographic parameters has a strong influence on the amount of solar radiation received by two close locations. However, the method performed well for solar radiation estimated in the areas of rough topography.

The proposed approach overestimates the monthly solar radiation as compared with NASA data due to the impact of topographic parameters accounted for by the model which are not accounted by conventional methods of measurements. This approach can be improved by incorporating the reflected component of radiation in the model used to estimate the solar radiation implemented in the GIS.

The approach of using GIS with DEM to estimate solar radiation enables to identify the spatial variability in solar radiation between two closest locations due to the influence of topographic parameters, and this will assist in proper energy planning and decision making for optimal areas of solar photovoltaic installation.

Crop suitability analysis is vital for identifying a piece of land’s potential for sustainable crop production and aids in the formulation of an effective agricultural management plan. This study aims to conduct crop suitability analysis of prominent Kharif (rice and maize) and Rabi (potato and wheat) crops in Sirajganj district, a flood-prone area of Bangladesh, and recommend a suitable cropping pattern to mitigate the detrimental effects of flooding.

Various factors such as soil drainage, soil depth, soil moisture, soil texture, soil permeability, soil pH, erosion hazard, nutrient status and flooding risk were considered for this study. For all four crops, the weights of each factor were determined using the analytical hierarchy process approach, and the scores of each subfactor were assigned on the basis of favorable circumstances of crop cultivation. Using the weighted overlay analysis in the ArcGIS 10.3 environment, the crop suitability maps were generated and were divided into four suitable classes. Geographic information system integration of crop suitability for all the crops determined the suitable cropping pattern of the study area in Kharif and Rabi seasons.

A vast portion of the study area covering 64.80% of the total land is suitable for cultivating either rice or maize in Kharif season followed by either potato or wheat in Rabi season. Other suitable cropping pattern for Kharif and Rabi seasons found in the study area are rice-wheat, rice-wheat/potato, rice/maize-wheat and rice/maize-potato, which covers a little portion of the study area.

This research validates the suitable location of crop cultivation on the basis of flooding occurrences in the locality.