GIS and Augmented Reality : State of the Art and Issues

978-1-4614-0063-9In this chapter we propose a joint exploration of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Augmented Reality (AR). Thanks to some factors, we will detail hereafter, these two domains have greatly converged in recent years further to certain factors which we shall detail hereafter. We then outline applications combining GIS and a display technique using AR in order to identify the scientific issues, as well as the functional and technical issues. Starting from this extensive state of the art of existing work, we propose a new functional classification, before concluding with different perspectives

An evaluation of small satellite technology transfer and capability-building in Algeria

© Cranfield University, 2018The potential for satellite technology to make an essential contribution to socio-economic development has been recognised by the international community since the onset of space adventure in the late 1950s. Due to its complexity and the resources required, satellite technology development has always been the reserve of major powers. However, a new trend emerged in the 1990s towards developing smaller and cheaper satellites. It is driven by the spectacular development in information and communication technologies, advances in technology miniaturisation, rising performance of off-the-shelf components, and space sector globalisation. This trend has lowered barriers to entry for small developing countries. They have used the new mechanism of small satellite collaborative projects in order to transfer Earth observation small satellite technology from developed countries. Like other developing countries, Algeria has leveraged this trend and engaged successively in three Earth observation small satellite collaborative projects with foreign companies in order to build small satellite capability. The purpose of this study is, thus, to evaluate whether Algeria has skilfully combined the technology acquired from abroad with local efforts to build effective and sustainable local small satellite capability. Technological capability-building through technology transfer usually refers to the ability to reconcile two categories of factors: i) exogenous factors, external to the country’s socio-economic environment, that condition the transfer of technology from abroad - these factors are traditionally gathered under the body of knowledge called ‘technology transfer’; and ii) endogenous factors, relating to the local effort to effectively acquire and indigenise the transferred technology – these factors are traditionally gathered under the body of knowledge called ‘technological capability-building’. Technological capability-building through technology transfer is also viewed as a learning process where knowledge is transferred from abroad and locally diffused. The evaluation approach adopted in this study examines the small satellite capability-building programme from a knowledge-oriented perspective. Algeria’s ii context is appraised by using the Innovation System analytical approach. The programme planning is evaluated by using the ‘strategic planning’ analytical approach. The programme implementation is evaluated by placing technological learning at the heart of the study. Two systemic models for the evaluation of knowledge flow from the transferor to the transferee, and then to its local environment, have been devised and tested. The knowledge-oriented perspective has been triangulated with perspectives stemming from the two traditional bodies of knowledge: technology transfer and technological capability-building. The evaluation has been comprehensive by taking into account factors across different levels of analysis: individual and team (micro level); organisation or firm (meso level); and national, sectoral and international (macro level). The evaluation has been performed through a mixed method research design. The research findings indicate that the process of building small satellite technological capability in Algeria has provided mixed results, and the most concerning are at the macro level. Algeria has failed to establish a strong foothold between the nascent satellite development activities and a local supply chain. Moreover, at the meso level, Algeria has not established an effective learning organisation that can lead, synergistically and coherently, satellite development activities. Finally, at the micro level, Algeria has failed to align technology transfer mechanisms with satellite development objectives. Based on these findings, the study highlights the need for clear strategies with prioritised objectives. It recommends elevating management capability-building as an absolute priority, and suggests the adoption of appropriate technology transfer mechanisms and a diversified projects portfolio

A Formal Approach to Computer Aided 2D Graphical Design for Blind People

The growth of computer aided drawing systems for blind people (CADB) has long been recognised and has increased in interest within the assistive technology research area. The representation of pictorial data by blind and visually impaired (BVI) people has recently gathered momentum with research and development; however, a survey of published literature on CADB reveals that only marginal research has been focused on the use of a formal approach for on screen spatial orientation, creation and reuse of graphics artefacts. To realise the full potential of CADB, such systems should possess attributes of usability, spatial navigation and shape creation features without which blind users drawing activities are less likely to be achieved. As a result of this, usable, effective and self-reliant CADB have arisen from new assistive Technology (AT) research. This thesis contributes a novel, abstract, formal approach that facilitates BVI users to navigate on the screen, create computer graphics/diagrams using 2D shapes and user-defined images. Moreover, the research addresses the specific issues involved with user language by formulating specific rules that make BVI user interaction with the drawing effective and easier. The formal approach proposed here is descriptive and it is specified at a level of abstraction above the concrete level of system technologies. The proposed approach is unique in problem modelling and syntheses of an abstract computer-based graphics/drawings using a formal set of user interaction commands. This technology has been applied to enable blind users to independently construct drawings to satisfy their specific needs without recourse to a specific technology and without the intervention of support workers. The specification aims to be the foundation for a system scope, investigation guidelines and user-initiated command-driven interaction. Such an approach will allow system designers and developers to proceed with greater conceptual clarity than it is possible with current technologies that is built on concrete system-driven prototypes. In addition to the scope of the research the proposed model has been verified by various types of blind users who have independently constructed drawings to satisfy their specific needs without the intervention of support workers. The effectiveness and usability of the proposed approach has been compared against conventional non-command driven drawing systems by different types of blind users. The results confirm that the abstract formal approach proposed here using command-driven means in the context of CADB enables greater comprehension by BVI users. The innovation can be used for both educational and training purposes. The research, thereby sustaining the claim that the abstract formal approach taken allows for the greater comprehension of the command-driven means in the context of CADB, and how the specification aid the design of such a system

Institutional use of information technologies in city planning agencies: implications from Turkish metropolitan municipalities

Thesis (Doctoral)--Izmir Institute of Technology, City and Regional Planning, Izmir, 2004Includes bibliographical references (leaves: 175)Text in English; Abstract: Turkish and Englishxiii, 185 leavesThis study argues the pivotal relationship between the computing technology and its organizational context. It focuses on nature of implementation in organizational settings that are becoming increasingly important. A further motivation point for this study is to reveal the different discourses (managerial/political/emotional etc.) in the cycle of implementation. The assumption behind this interest is that IT and other technologies are not value-neutral and these tools have the possibility of shaping the goals and agenda of the planning profession.As a part of methodology of the thesis, a comprehensive literature survey was completed around the theoretical issues that constitutes the framework of IT/IS adoption in organizations with a particular reference to urban planning and management. The statements and research questions were tested in the planning departments of selected metropolitan municipalities (Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa) that are experiencing information technologies and systems in various implementation stages. The research strategy was based on a variety of qualitative approaches, including two different types of closed questionnaire-based surveys and semi-structured/unstructured interviews. To measure the success/failure degree of the planning technologies used in the case study organizations in the 'user' dimension of the study, DeLone and McLean.s (1992) IS Success Model and Heeks'(1999) ITPOSMO model were used.Case study research revealed the current stands of ICT implementation in urban planning departments of local governments. It was also evaluated planning practitioner.s commitment and dependence towards computerized planning tools in working practice. In a more exploratory context, a progressive research agenda for ICT implementation in public planning agencies was developed based on the implications of empirical research and literature-based analysis

Paradigms for the design of multimedia learning environments in engineering

The starting point for this research was the belief that interactive multimedia learning environments represent a significant evolution in computer based learning and therefore their design requires a re-examination of the underlying principles of learning and knowledge representation. Current multimedia learning environments (MLEs) can be seen as descendants of the earlier technologies of computer-aided learning (CAL), intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) and videodisc-based learning systems. As such they can benefit from much of the wisdom which emerged from those technologies. However, multimedia can be distinguished from earlier technologies by its much greater facility in bringing to the learner high levels of interaction with and control over still and moving image, animation, sound and graphics. Our intuition tells us that this facility has the potential to create learning environments which are not merely substitutes for "live" teaching, but which are capable of elucidating complex conceptual knowledge in ways which have not previously been possible. If the potential of interactive multimedia for learning is to be properly exploited then it needs to be better understood. MLEs should not just be regarded as a slicker version of CAL, ITS or videodisc but a new technology requiring a reinterpretation of the existing theories of learning and knowledge representation. The work described in this thesis aims to contribute to a better understanding of the ways in which MLEs can aid learning. A knowledge engineering approach was taken to the design of a MLE for civil engineers. This involved analysing in detail the knowledge content of the learning domain in terms of different paradigms of human learning and knowledge representation. From this basis, a design strategy was developed which matched the nature of the domain knowledge to the most appropriate delivery techniques. The Cognitive Apprenticeship Model (CAM) was shown to be able to support the integration and presentation of the different categories of knowledge in a coherent instructional framework. It is concluded that this approach is helpful in enabling designers of multimedia systems both to capture and to present a rich picture of the domain. The focus of the thesis is concentrated on the domain of Civil Engineering and the learning of concepts and design skills within that domain. However, much of it could be extended to other highly visual domains such as mechanical engineering. Many of the points can also be seen to be much more widely relevant to the design of any MLE.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Counci

Rehabilitation Engineering

Population ageing has major consequences and implications in all areas of our daily life as well as other important aspects, such as economic growth, savings, investment and consumption, labour markets, pensions, property and care from one generation to another. Additionally, health and related care, family composition and life-style, housing and migration are also affected. Given the rapid increase in the aging of the population and the further increase that is expected in the coming years, an important problem that has to be faced is the corresponding increase in chronic illness, disabilities, and loss of functional independence endemic to the elderly (WHO 2008). For this reason, novel methods of rehabilitation and care management are urgently needed. This book covers many rehabilitation support systems and robots developed for upper limbs, lower limbs as well as visually impaired condition. Other than upper limbs, the lower limb research works are also discussed like motorized foot rest for electric powered wheelchair and standing assistance device

The digitally 'Hand Made' object

This article will outline the author’s investigations of types of computer interfaces in practical three-dimensional design practice. The paper contains a description of two main projects in glass and ceramic tableware design, using a Microscribe G2L digitising arm as an interface to record three-dimensional spatial\ud design input.\ud \ud The article will provide critical reflections on the results of the investigations and will argue that new approaches in digital design interfaces could have relevance in developing design methods which incorporate more physical ‘human’ expressions in a three-dimensional design practice. The research builds on concepts indentified in traditional craft practice as foundations for constructing new types of creative practices based on the use of digital technologies, as outlined by McCullough (1996)