Advanced tracking systems design and analysis

The results of an assessment of several types of high-accuracy tracking systems proposed to track the spacecraft in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Advanced Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (ATDRSS) are summarized. Tracking systems based on the use of interferometry and ranging are investigated. For each system, the top-level system design and operations concept are provided. A comparative system assessment is presented in terms of orbit determination performance, ATDRSS impacts, life-cycle cost, and technological risk

Update urban basemap by using the LiDAR mobile mapping system : the case of Abu Dhabi municipal system

Basemaps are the main resource used in urban planning and in building and infrastructure asset management. These maps are used by citizens and by private and public stakeholders. Therefore, accurate, up-to-date geoinformation of reference are needed to provide a good service. In general, basemaps have been updated by aerial photogrammetry or field surveying, but these methods are not always possible and alternatives need to be sought. Current limitations and challenges that face traditional field surveys include areas with extreme weather, deserts or artic environments, and flight restrictions due to proximity with other countries if there is not an agreement. In such cases, alternatives for large-scale are required. This thesis proposes the use of a mobile mapping system (MMS) to update urban basemaps. Most urban features can be extracted from point cloud using commercial software or open libraries. However, there are some exceptions: manhole covers, or hidden elements even with captures from defferent perspective, the most common building corners. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to establish a methodology for extracting manholes automatically and for completing hidden corners of buildings, so that urban basemaps can be updated. The algorithm developed to extract manholes is based on time, intensity and shape detection parameters, whereas additional information from satellite images is used to complete buildings. Each municipality knows the materials and dimensions of its manholes. Taking advantage of this knowledge, the point cloud is filtered to classify points according to the set of intensity values associated with the manhole material. From the classified points, the minimum bounding rectangles (MBR) are obtained and finally the shape is adjusted and drawn. We use satellite imagery to automatically digitize the layout of building footprints with automated software tools. Then, the visible corners of buildings from the LiDAR point cloud are imported and a fitting process is performed by comparing them with the corners of the building from the satellite image. Two methods are evaluated to establish which is the most suitable for adjustment in these conditions. In the first method, the differences in X and Y directions are measured in the corners, where LiDAR and satellite data are available, and is often computed as the average of the offsets. In the second method, a Helmert 2D transformation is applied. MMS involves Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) to georeference point clouds. Their accuracy depends on the acquisition environment. In this study, the influence of the urban pattern is analysed in three zones with varied urban characteristics: different height buildings, open areas, and areas with a low and high level of urbanization. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms, three areas were chosen with varying urban patterns in Abu Dhabi. In these areas, 3D urban elements (light poles, street signs, etc) were automatically extracted using commercial software. The proposed algorithms were applied to the manholes and buildings. The completeness and correctness ratio, and geometric accuracy were calculated for all urban elements in the three areas. The best success rates (>70%) were for light poles, street signs and road curbs, regardless of the height of the buildings. The worst rate was obtained for the same features in peri-urban areas, due to high vegetation. In contrast, the best results for trees were found in theses areas. Our methodology demonstrates the great potential and efficiency of mobile LiDAR technology in updating basemaps; a process that is required to achieve standard accuracy in large scale maps. The cost of the entire process and the time required for the proposed methodology was calculated and compared with the traditional method. It was found that mobile LiDAR could be a standard cost-efficient procedure for updating maps.La cartografía de referencia es la principal herramienta en planificación urbanística, y gestión de infraestructuras y edificios, al servicio de ciudadanos, empresas y administración. Por esta razón, debe estar actualizada y ser lo más precisa posible. Tradicionalmente, la cartografía se actualiza mediante fotogrametría aérea o levantamientos terrestres. No obstante, deben buscarse alternativas válidas para escalas grandes, porque no siempre es posible emplear estas técnicas debido a las limitaciones y retos actuales a los que se enfrenta la medición tradicional en algunas zonas del planeta, con meteorología extrema o restricciones de vuelo por la proximidad a la frontera con otros países. Esta tesis propone el uso del sistema Mobile Mapping System (MMS) para actualizar la cartografía urbana de referencia. La mayoría de los elementos pueden extraerse empleando software comercial o librerías abiertas, excepto los registros de servicios. Los elementos ocultos son otro de los inconvenientes encontrados en el proceso de creación o actualización de la cartografía, incluso si se dispone de capturas desde diferentes puntos de vista. El caso más común es el de las esquinas de edificios. Por ello, el principal objetivo de este estudio es establecer una metodología de extracción automática de los registros y completar las esquinas ocultas de los edificios para actualizar cartografía urbana. El algoritmo desarrollado para la detección y extracción de registros se basa en parámetros como el tiempo, la intensidad de la señal laser y la forma de los registros, mientras que para completar los edificios se emplea información adicional de imágenes satélite. Aprovechando el conocimiento del material y dimensión de los registros, en disposición de los gestores municipales, el algoritmo propuesto filtra y clasifica los puntos de acuerdo a los valores de intensidad. De aquellos clasificados como registros se calcula el mínimo rectángulo que los contiene (Minimum Bounding Rectangle) y finalmente se ajusta la forma y se dibuja. Las imágenes de satélite son empleadas para obtener automáticamente la huella de los edificios. Posteriormente, se importan las esquinas visibles de los edificios obtenidas desde la nube de puntos y se realiza el ajuste comparándolas con las obtenidas desde satélite. Para llevar a cabo este ajuste se han evaluado dos métodos, el primero de ellos considera las diferencias entre las coordenadas XY, desplazándose el promedio. En el segundo, se aplica una transformación Helmert2D. MMS emplea sistemas de navegación global por satélite (Global Navigation Satellite Systems, GNSS) e inerciales (Inertial Measurement Unit, IMU) para georreferenciar la nube de puntos. La precisión de estos sistemas de posicionamiento depende del entorno de adquisición. Por ello, en este estudio se han seleccionado tres áreas con distintas características urbanas (altura de edificios, nivel de urbanización y áreas abiertas) de Abu Dhabi con el fin de analizar su influencia, tanto en la captura, como en la extracción de los elementos. En el caso de farolas, señales viales, árboles y aceras se ha realizado con software comercial, y para registros y edificios con los algoritmos propuestos. Las ratios de corrección y completitud, y la precisión geométrica se han calculado en las diferentes áreas urbanas. Los mejores resultados se han conseguido para las farolas, señales y bordillos, independientemente de la altura de los edificios. La peor ratio se obtuvo para los mismos elementos en áreas peri-urbanas, debido a la vegetación. Resultados opuestos se han conseguido en la detección de árboles. El coste económico y en tiempo de la metodología propuesta resulta inferior al de métodos tradicionales. Lo cual demuestra el gran potencial y eficiencia de la tecnología LiDAR móvil para la actualización cartografía de referenciaPostprint (published version

National spatial data infrastructure collaboration for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Spatial data is a vital national resource necessary for a country’s efficient and sustainable economic, social and environmental development, and so must be properly developed and managed. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), there is lack of knowledge and no clear framework describing the optimal way for stakeholders, users, providers or administrators, to collaborate effectively in establishing a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). Moreover, the complex, multi-layer and multi-jurisdiction system of government leads to competing interests and mandates in coordinating spatial activity. Previous studies on NSDI in KSA focused on technical infrastructure strategy. However, there is a need to study institutional/organisational issues affecting collaboration in NSDI for KSA. This research presented in this thesis leads to recommendations for a best practice, collaboration initiative for Saudi NSDI, and contributes to advancing the goals and implementation of NSDI in KSA. A mixed (triangulated) quantitative and qualitative case study research design was adopted to assist in achieving the research aims, utilising a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed and elicited concepts to recommend the Saudi NSDI collaboration initiative. A literature review was conducted in areas relevant to Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) and collaboration. The diverse definitions for SDI, its main components, and hierarchical nature were explored. Definitions for collaboration, motivational factors, and potential risks and costs were also reviewed. While a conventional NSDI is characterised by a top down approach, new technologies connected to social developments have led to a rapid, parallel development of commercial-, and consumer-led SDI, or dynamic ‘GeoWeb’, representing the potential next generation, Web 2.0 form, of NSDI. Institutional and technical factors are key elements in the success of NSDI collaboration initiatives, which include organisational commitment, policies, and technological resources. The national initiatives for the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada are reviewed and compared, along five key themes: objectives and vision, coordination, datasets, standards, and access. This highlighted the evolving nature of NSDI, given the rapid pace of developments in technology-driven applications and tools, and that coordination and agreement among all stakeholders requires accurate and reliable datasets, widely accepted metadata and standards, and interoperable technology, and must include all government levels and jurisdictions, with greater private sector integration. The current situation in KSA regarding the main SDI stakeholders, and their historical development, including legislation and policies and the barriers to sharing spatial data existing, facilitates background to understanding the issues involved in developing a Saudi NSDI. This is reinforced by primary data collected through a quantitative questionnaire survey of all 26 spatial data bodies in KSA, and qualitative semi-structured interviews of 72 key persons. The data includes themes, like types of spatial organisation and sphere of operations, data types and themes, standards and technical issues, and inter-organisational relationships and collaboration. The results revealed a lack of collaboration due to negative organisational cultures, and technical obstacles relating to a need for unified spatial data and metadata standards and specifications. In particular, there was an absence of appropriate legislation to deal with the two previous points, as well as providing protection for intellectual property; such legislation would outline a system within which collaboration would take place. The historical development and current status of key, independent SDI initiatives in KSA, i.e. MOMRA, Riyadh, and Saudi National SDI, are presented using data from secondary and primary sources. Each initiative represents city, ministry, and national level SDI initiative for collaboration. Finally, this research concludes by providing recommendations for best practice in collaboration among the various stakeholders forming a potential Saudi NSDI. It also outlines suggestions for future work

National spatial data infrastructure collaboration for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Spatial data is a vital national resource necessary for a country’s efficient and sustainable economic, social and environmental development, and so must be properly developed and managed. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), there is lack of knowledge and no clear framework describing the optimal way for stakeholders, users, providers or administrators, to collaborate effectively in establishing a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). Moreover, the complex, multi-layer and multi-jurisdiction system of government leads to competing interests and mandates in coordinating spatial activity. Previous studies on NSDI in KSA focused on technical infrastructure strategy. However, there is a need to study institutional/organisational issues affecting collaboration in NSDI for KSA. This research presented in this thesis leads to recommendations for a best practice, collaboration initiative for Saudi NSDI, and contributes to advancing the goals and implementation of NSDI in KSA. A mixed (triangulated) quantitative and qualitative case study research design was adopted to assist in achieving the research aims, utilising a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed and elicited concepts to recommend the Saudi NSDI collaboration initiative. A literature review was conducted in areas relevant to Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) and collaboration. The diverse definitions for SDI, its main components, and hierarchical nature were explored. Definitions for collaboration, motivational factors, and potential risks and costs were also reviewed. While a conventional NSDI is characterised by a top down approach, new technologies connected to social developments have led to a rapid, parallel development of commercial-, and consumer-led SDI, or dynamic ‘GeoWeb’, representing the potential next generation, Web 2.0 form, of NSDI. Institutional and technical factors are key elements in the success of NSDI collaboration initiatives, which include organisational commitment, policies, and technological resources. The national initiatives for the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada are reviewed and compared, along five key themes: objectives and vision, coordination, datasets, standards, and access. This highlighted the evolving nature of NSDI, given the rapid pace of developments in technology-driven applications and tools, and that coordination and agreement among all stakeholders requires accurate and reliable datasets, widely accepted metadata and standards, and interoperable technology, and must include all government levels and jurisdictions, with greater private sector integration. The current situation in KSA regarding the main SDI stakeholders, and their historical development, including legislation and policies and the barriers to sharing spatial data existing, facilitates background to understanding the issues involved in developing a Saudi NSDI. This is reinforced by primary data collected through a quantitative questionnaire survey of all 26 spatial data bodies in KSA, and qualitative semi-structured interviews of 72 key persons. The data includes themes, like types of spatial organisation and sphere of operations, data types and themes, standards and technical issues, and inter-organisational relationships and collaboration. The results revealed a lack of collaboration due to negative organisational cultures, and technical obstacles relating to a need for unified spatial data and metadata standards and specifications. In particular, there was an absence of appropriate legislation to deal with the two previous points, as well as providing protection for intellectual property; such legislation would outline a system within which collaboration would take place. The historical development and current status of key, independent SDI initiatives in KSA, i.e. MOMRA, Riyadh, and Saudi National SDI, are presented using data from secondary and primary sources. Each initiative represents city, ministry, and national level SDI initiative for collaboration. Finally, this research concludes by providing recommendations for best practice in collaboration among the various stakeholders forming a potential Saudi NSDI. It also outlines suggestions for future work

Towards the development of a strategy for a national spatial data infrastructure

In today's world of ever advancing technology the time is precisely right for investment in the development and implementation of a national spatial data infrastructure. This implies that all spatial data presently scattered in different departments and organisations are coordinated and shared. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia there are a number of different mapping and Geographic Information System (GIS) activities being implemented within various government organisations, each with its own merits. Certain research and pilot projects have also been carried out aiming to provide help and recommendations with regard to spatial data sharing and to promote awareness of the importance of spatial data to the Kingdom's development. However, there is an urgent need for a consolidation of effort to avoid the costly mistake of duplication of work; hence the need for a unified national spatial data infrastructure. This research aims to develop a conceptual framework for a strategy for a national spatial data infrastructure (SNSDI) including its main components. A proposal is presented for a Saudi national spatial data infrastructure (which happens to have the same abbreviation - SNSDI) to consolidate isolated mapping and spatial data efforts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in place of the current practice of each agency acting independently. This research project will hopefully provide a leadership role in developing a Kingdom-wide spatial data infrastructure

USAF Aircraft Maintenance Officer Knowledge, Skills and Abilities and Commonalities among the Logistics Officer Corps

This study investigated options to improve 21A training and education by first validating the Air Force\u27s logistics mission sets as Deployment, Distribution, Supply Management, Repair Network Integration, Mission Generation, Lifecycle Logistics and Joint Logistics. Then, the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) considered important to execute each mission set were gathered from a representative sample of Air Force Logistics Officers via field interviews and focus groups. An analysis of results categorizes probable needs (high, medium, low) of KSAs for each mission set and assesses how well they are currently taught, if at all. Additionally, lists of KSAs that overlap multiple mission sets were created along with process options for integrating them into training and education. Based on a discussion of the synergistic effects on acquiring these KSAs, it is also recommended that the Logistics Readiness Squadron be realigned under a common group at the operational wing with the rest of the Logistics Units (presently the Maintenance Group). Finally, a career tracking model is proposed to deliberately build experts in strategic 21A career paths, which this study identifies as Career Maintenance Officers, Air Force Materiel Managers and Joint Logistics Officers

Data systems elements technology assessment and system specifications, issue no. 1

The ability to satisfy the objectives of future NASA Office of Applications Programs is dependent on technology advances in a number of areas of data systems. The technology of end-to-end data systems (space generator elements through ground processing, dissemination, and presentation, is examined in terms of state of the art, trends, and projected developments in the 1980 to 1985 timeframe. Capability is considered in terms of elements that are either commercially available or that can be implemented from commercially available components with minimal development

The Impact of Culture and Religion on Digital Forensics: The Study of the Role of Digital Evidence in the Legal Process in Saudi Arabia

This work contributes to the multi-disciplinary community of researchers in computer science, information technology and computer forensics working together with legal enforcement professionals involved in digital forensic investigations. It is focused on the relationship between scientific approaches underpinning digital forensics and the Islamic law underpinning legal enforcement. Saudi Arabia (KSA) is studied as an example of an Islamic country that has adopted international guidelines, such as ACPO, in its legal enforcement procedures. The relationship between Islamic law and scientific ACPO guidelines is examined in detail through the practices of digital forensic practitioners in the process of discovery, preparation and presentation of digital evidence for use in Islamic courts in KSA. In this context, the influence of religion and culture on the role and status of digital evidence throughout the entire legal process has been the main focus of this research. Similar studies in the literature confirm that culture and religion are significant factors in the relationship between law, legal enforcement procedure and digital evidence. Islamic societies, however, have not been extensively studied from this perspective, and this study aims to address issues that arise at both professional and personal levels. Therefore the research questions that this study aims to answer are: in what way and to what extent Islamic religion and Saudi culture affect the status of digital evidence in the KSA legal process and what principles the practitioners have to observe in the way they treat digital evidence in judicial proceedings. The methodology is based on a mixed-method approach where the pilot questionnaire identified legal professionals who come into contact with digital evidence, their educational and professional profiles. Qualitative methods included case studies, interviews and documentary evidence to discover how their beliefs and attitudes influence their trust in digital evidence. The findings show that a KSA judge would trust witnesses more than digital evidence, due to the influence of tradition, which regards justice and law to arise from the relationship between Man and God. Digital evidence, as it arises from the scientific method, is acceptable, but there is underlying lack of trust in its authenticity, reliability and credibility. In the eyes of the legal enforcement professionals working in all areas of the KSA legal process, acceptance of digital evidence in the KSA judicial system can best be improved if knowledge, education and skills of digital forensics specialists is improved also, so that they can be trusted as expert witnesses. This further shows the significance of KSA laws, regulations and education of digital forensic experts as the primary means for establishing trust in digital evidence. Further research following from this study will be focused on comparative studies of other Islamic non-Islamic legal systems as they adopt and adapt western guidelines such as ACPO to their religion, culture and legal systemsSaudi Cultural Bureau,London, U

SPARC 2018 Internationalisation and collaboration : Salford postgraduate annual research conference book of abstracts

Welcome to the Book of Abstracts for the 2018 SPARC conference. This year we not only celebrate the work of our PGRs but also the launch of our Doctoral School, which makes this year’s conference extra special. Once again we have received a tremendous contribution from our postgraduate research community; with over 100 presenters, the conference truly showcases a vibrant PGR community at Salford. These abstracts provide a taster of the research strengths of their works, and provide delegates with a reference point for networking and initiating critical debate. With such wide-ranging topics being showcased, we encourage you to take up this great opportunity to engage with researchers working in different subject areas from your own. To meet global challenges, high impact research inevitably requires interdisciplinary collaboration. This is recognised by all major research funders. Therefore engaging with the work of others and forging collaborations across subject areas is an essential skill for the next generation of researchers