Developing a Data Model for an Omnidirectional Image-Based Multi-Scale Representation of Space

One of the major challenges that existing spatial data is facing is the fragmentation of its representation of indoor and outdoor space. As studies in the use of omnidirectional images in representing space and providing Location-based Services (LBS) has been increasing, the representation of the different scales of space, both in indoors and outdoors, has yet to be addressed. This study aims to develop a data model for generating a multi-scale image-based representation of space using omnidirectional images based spatial relationships. This paper identifies the different scales of space that are represented in spatial data and extends previous approaches of using omnidirectional images in providing indoor LBS towards representing the other scales of space, particularly in outdoor space. Using a sample data, we present an experimental implementation to demonstrate the potential of the proposed data model. Results show that apart from the realistic visualization that image data provides, basic spatial functions can be performed on the image data constructed based on the proposed data model

Development of Data Fusion Method Based on Topological Relationships Using IndoorGML Core Module

Geospatial datasets are currently constructed, managed, and utilized individually according to the spatial scale of the real world, such as the ground/surface/underground or indoor/outdoor, as well the particular purpose of the geospatial data used for location-based services. In addition, LBS applications use an optimal data model and data format according to their particular purpose, and thus, various datasets exist to represent the same spatial features. Such duplicated geospatial datasets and geographical feature-based GIS data cause serious problems in the financial area, compatibility issues among LBS systems, and data integration problems among the various geospatial datasets generated independently for different systems. We propose a geospatial data fusion model called the topological relation-based data fusion model (TRDFM) using topological relations among spatial objects in order to integrate different geospatial datasets and different data formats. The proposed model is a geospatial data fusion model implemented in a spatial information application and is used to directly provide spatial information-based services without data conversion or exchange of geometric data generated by different data models. The proposed method was developed based on an extension of the AnchorNode concept of IndoorGML. The topological relationships among spatial objects are defined and described based upon the basic concept of IndoorGML. This paper describes the concept of the proposed TRDFM and shows an experimental implementation of the proposed data fusion model using commercial 3D GIS software. Finally, the limitations of this study and areas of future research are summarized

Inclusão de aspectos semânticos no padrão IndoorGML a partir da definição de pontos de referência

Orientador(a): Prof(a). Dr(a). Luciene Stamato DelazariTese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Ciências da Terra, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Geodésicas. Defesa : Curitiba, 30/09/2021Inclui referências: p. 143-160Resumo: A navegação em ambientes indoor é uma tarefa complexa que pode ser facilitada através do uso de sistemas de navegação indoor. O emprego de pontos de referência nesses sistemas traz vantagens, pois reduzem a carga cognitiva sobre o usuário, o que pode ser benéfico para a compreensão do ambiente, posicionamento e navegação. Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo avaliar como os pontos de referência impactam na percepção espacial dos usuários, ao empregar esses elementos nos sistemas de navegação indoor, seja na representação do ambiente ou na descrição de rotas. Esta pesquisa também apresenta a proposição de melhorias para o IndoorGML ao fornecer um enriquecimento semântico para auxiliar a navegação através da inclusão de especificações a respeito de pontos de referência. Apesar do IndoorGML fornecer ampla definição sobre a estrutura dos espaços indoor, os pontos de referência, sejam eles ambientes ou elementos, estão fora do escopo. A ausência de informações desses elementos no espaço indoor acarreta na limitação de implementação e usabilidade do padrão. A pesquisa contou com dois testes, sendo o primeiro voltado para a avaliação a hierarquia visual da simbologia ao combinar no mesmo mapa símbolos pictóricos e geométricos. O segundo teste consistiu na análise da simbologia que empregava apenas símbolos pictóricos com a hierarquia visual sendo gerada por símbolos de tamanhos distintos. No segundo teste quatro cenários foram testados, sendo que em cada um deles as instruções de rota empregavam diferentes elementos, como informações métricas, relações espaciais, marcos de referência ou pontos de interesse. Baseado nos resultados encontrados nos testes, a proposição de extensão do IndoorGML foi realizada. Os resultados obtidos nos testes realizados apontam que os SRP, sejam eles MR ou POI, são utilizados pelos usuários com frequência e auxiliam nas tarefas de navegação quando empregados na descrição de rota. Além disso, a simbologia quando empregada de forma a destacar os elementos principais do ambiente também dão suporte a orientação e navegação, pois facilita a relação do ambiente apresentado no mapa com o ambiente real. O modelo de extensão proposto solucionou problemas existentes no módulo principal, entretanto diferentes casos de usos devem ser testados para confirmar sua eficácia.Abstract: Indoor navigation is a complex task that can be facilitated through the use of indoor navigation systems. The use of reference points in these systems brings advantages, as they reduce the cognitive load on the user, which can be beneficial for understanding the environment, positioning and navigation. This research aims to evaluate how reference points impact the spatial perception of users, when using these elements in indoor navigation systems, either in the representation of the environment or in the description of routes. This research also presents the proposition of improvements to IndoorGML by providing a semantic enrichment to aid navigation through the inclusion of specifications regarding reference points. Although IndoorGML provides a broad definition of the structure of indoor spaces, the reference points, be they environments or elements, are out of scope. The lack of information on these elements in the indoor space limits the implementation and usability of the standard. The research included two tests, the first being aimed at evaluating the visual hierarchy of symbology by combining pictorial and geometric symbols on the same map. The second test consisted of analyzing the symbology that used only pictorial symbols with the visual hierarchy being generated by symbols of different sizes. In the second test, four scenarios were tested, in each of them the route instructions used different elements, such as metric information, spatial relationships, landmarks or points of interest. Based on the results found in the tests, the IndoorGML extension proposition was carried out. The results obtained in the tests carried out indicate that the SRP, whether MR or POI, are frequently used by users and help in navigation tasks when used in the route description. In addition, the symbology, when used in order to highlight the main elements of the environment, also support orientation and navigation, as it facilitates the relationship between the environment shown on the map and the real environment. The proposed extension model solved problems existing in the main module, however different use cases must be tested to confirm its effectiveness