Generating Compact Geometric Track-Maps for Train Positioning Applications

In this paper, we present a method to generate compact geometric track-maps for train-borne localization applications. Therefore, we first give a brief overview on the purpose of track maps in train-positioning applications. It becomes apparent that there are hardly any adequate methods to generate suitable geometric track-maps. This is why we present a novel map generation procedure. It uses an optimization formulation to find the continuous sequence of track geometries that fits the available measurement data best. The optimization is initialized with the results from a localization filter developed in our previous work. The localization filter also provides the required information for shape identification and measurement association. The presented approach will be evaluated on simulated data as well as on real measurements

DTM-Aided Adaptive EPF Navigation Application in Railways

The diverse operating environments change GNSS measurement noise covariance in real time, and different GNSS techniques hold different measurement noise covariance as well. Mismodelling the covariance causes undependable filtering results and even degenerates the GNSS/INS Particle Filter (PF) process, due to the fact that INS error-state noise covariance is much smaller than that of GNSS measurement noise. It also makes the majority of existing methods for adaptively adjusting filter parameters incapable of performing well. In this paper, a feasible Digital Track Map-aided (DTM-aided) adaptive extended Kalman particle filter method is introduced in GNSS/INS integration in order to adjust GNSS measurement noise covariance in real time, and the GNSS down-direction offset is also estimated along with every sampling period through making full use of DTM information. The proposed approach is successfully examined in a railway environment, and the on-site experimental results reveal that the adaptive approach holds better positioning performance in comparison to the methods without adaptive adjustment. Improvements of 62.4% and 14.9% in positioning accuracy are obtained in contrast to Standard Point Positioning (SPP) and Precise Point Positioning (PPP), respectively. The proposed adaptive method takes advantage of DTM information and is able to automatically adapt to complex railway environments and different GNSS techniques

DTM-aided adaptive EPF navigation application in railways

The diverse operating environments change GNSS measurement noise covariance in real time, and different GNSS techniques hold different measurement noise covariance as well. Mismodelling the covariance causes undependable filtering results and even degenerates the GNSS/INS Particle Filter (PF) process, due to the fact that INS error-state noise covariance is much smaller than that of GNSS measurement noise. It also makes the majority of existing methods for adaptively adjusting filter parameters incapable of performing well. In this paper, a feasible Digital Track Map-aided (DTM-aided) adaptive extended Kalman particle filter method is introduced in GNSS/INS integration in order to adjust GNSS measurement noise covariance in real time, and the GNSS down-direction offset is also estimated along with every sampling period through making full use of DTM information. The proposed approach is successfully examined in a railway environment, and the on-site experimental results reveal that the adaptive approach holds better positioning performance in comparison to the methods without adaptive adjustment. Improvements of 62.4% and 14.9% in positioning accuracy are obtained in contrast to Standard Point Positioning (SPP) and Precise Point Positioning (PPP), respectively. The proposed adaptive method takes advantage of DTM information and is able to automatically adapt to complex railway environments and different GNSS techniques

Computer-based tools for supporting forest management. The experience and the expertise world-wide

Report of Cost Action FP 0804 Forest Management Decision Support Systems (FORSYS)Computer-based tools for supporting forest management. The experience and the expertise world-wide answers a call from both the research and the professional communities for a synthesis of current knowledge about the use of computerized tools in forest management planning. According to the aims of the Forest Management Decision Support Systems (FORSYS) (http://fp0804.emu.ee/) this synthesis is a critical success factor to develop a comprehensive quality reference for forest management decision support systems. The emphasis of the book is on identifying and assessing the support provided by computerized tools to enhance forest management planning in real-world contexts. The book thus identifies the management planning problems that prevail world-wide to discuss the architecture and the components of the tools used to address them. Of importance is the report of architecture approaches, models and methods, knowledge management and participatory planning techniques used to address specific management planning problems. We think that this synthesis may provide effective support to research and outreach activities that focus on the development of forest management decision support systems. It may contribute further to support forest managers when defining the requirements for a tool that best meets their needs. The first chapter of the book provides an introduction to the use of decision support systems in the forest sector and lays out the FORSYS framework for reporting the experience and expertise acquired in each country. Emphasis is on the FORSYS ontology to facilitate the sharing of experiences needed to characterize and evaluate the use of computerized tools when addressing forest management planning problems. The twenty six country reports share a structure designed to underline a problem-centric focus. Specifically, they all start with the identification of the management planning problems that are prevalent in the country and they move on to the characterization and assessment of the computerized tools used to address them. The reports were led by researchers with background and expertise in areas that range from ecological modeling to forest modeling, management planning and information and communication technology development. They benefited from the input provided by forest practitioners and by organizations that are responsible for developing and implementing forest management plans. A conclusions chapter highlights the success of bringing together such a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. This book benefited from voluntary contributions by 94 authors and from the involvement of several forest stakeholders from twenty six countries in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia over a three-year period. We, the chair of FORSYS and the editorial committee of the publication, acknowledge and thank for the valuable contributions from all authors, editors, stakeholders and FORSYS actors involved in this project

Management to conserve biodiversity is likely to increase soil carbon storage in upland Atlantic oakwoods in the United Kingdom

The objective of this research was to determine whether fencing to exclude grazing from upland woodlands to facilitate the natural regeneration of trees is likely to increase soil carbon storage. Permanent sample plots were established along a transect through Young Wood, the highest Atlantic oakwood in England, immediately prior to fencing and exclusion of sheep in autumn 2008. Plots outside the wood contained either heather (Calluna vulgaris), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), gorse (Ulex europaeus), wavy hair grass (Deschampsia flexuousa) or mixtures of these species. The wood is 99% sessile oak (Quercus petraea) with woodland ground flora such as heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile). Soil samples were analysed for carbon and nitrogen content. Results indicated that more carbon is stored in soil under the oaks than in either heather, bilberry, gorse, grass or mixtures of these species. In conclusion, this study showed that fencing and excluding grazing to conserve Atlantic oakwoods at their altitudinal limit in the United Kingdom is likely to have a carbon mitigation benefit as well as protecting and enhancing the biodiversity for which the management was initially intended