8 research outputs found
Derivation of a polynomial equation for the Natural Earth projection
The Natural Earth projection is a new projection for representing the entire Earth on small-scale maps. It was designed in Flex Projector, a specialized software application that offers a graphical approach for the creation of new projections. The original Natural Earth projection defines the length and spacing of parallels in a tabular form for every five degrees of increased latitude. It is a true pseudo-cylindrical projection, and is neither conformal nor equal-area. In the original definition, piece-wise cubic spline interpolation is used to project intermediate values that do not align with the five-degree grid.\ud
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This graduation thesis introduces alternative polynomial equations that are considerably simpler to compute. The polynomial expression also improves the smoothness of the rounded corners where the meridians meet the horizontal pole lines, a distinguished mark of the Natural Earth projection which suggests to readers that the Earth is spherical in shape. An inverse projection is presented. The formulas are simple to implement in cartographic software and libraries. Distortion values of this new graticule are not significantly different from the original piece-wise projection.\ud
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The development of the polynomial equations was inspired by a similar study of the Robinson projection. The polynomial coefficients were determined with least square adjustment of indirect observations with additional constraints to preserve the height and width of the graticule. The inverse procedure uses the Newton-Raphson method and converges in a few iterations.\u
Proceedings of the NASA Workshop on Registration and Rectification
Issues associated with the registration and rectification of remotely sensed data. Near and long range applications research tasks and some medium range technology augmentation research areas are recommended. Image sharpness, feature extraction, inter-image mapping, error analysis, and verification methods are addressed
Cartographic design aspects of medium - and - small - scale image maps : with specific reference to Libya
Abstract: p.iii
Role of instruments in exploration: a study of the Royal Geographical Society 1830-1930
The thesis presents the first in-depth study of the role of measuring instruments in a
leading scientific society concerned with field science. It draws upon a substantial literature in
the history of science, geography, and exploration and makes use of actor network theory.
The thesis considers the instruments to have been assimilated into an iterative cyclical
process. By studying each aspect of the cycle, a comprehensive understanding of the
integration of instruments into the working practices of the Society, the process of
exploration, and ultimately the British imperialist endeavour, has been achieved. The start
date is that of the founding of the Society. The end date approximates to the retirement of the
map curator Edward Reeves, when recording practices at the Society changed. The century
has coherence as the instruments remained essentially similar. The thesis therefore draws on
a range of archival material: the journal articles, the medal awards, and the maps in addition
to the paper archives, minute books and instruments themselves. The empirical findings
have been enriched by reference to a substantial literature from historians of science,
historical geographers and instrument historians.
The thesis documents instrumental activity on behalf of the Society from acquisition to
disposal or loss, regarding activity on behalf of the Society as ‘added resource’. The thesis
argues that the ambitions of the Society were slow to be enacted, and that a collection of
instruments for lending was not formed until 1850. The preparation of travellers has been
discussed as a complementary activity; systematic provision is likewise found to have been
slow. Having studied fifty expeditions with respect to instrument mobilisation, from which
excerpts are presented, a number of factors are identified which affected success, and the
fallibility of instruments is confirmed. The itineraries of over a thousand individual items have
been charted and made available in a database which will assist future research.
The agencies of the instruments have been considered to be knowledge creation,
individual reputation, empire, and social relations. The RGS developed strategies for
militating against the fallibility of instruments in the field to provide credible outcomes. The
instrumental data was manipulated by a growing body of professionals which served to
moderate results. The instruments conferred social and epistemological authority to some
groups more than others, but not necessarily in the manner predicted by existing theories.
The geographical endeavour could be subsumed into imperialist demands. The instruments
reflected and strengthened existing social hierarchies. The conclusions drawn indicate that
historians of science and geography need to look at the role of instruments in more detail
than extant models of knowledge creation, including ANT, suggest
Ohio State University Bulletin
Classes available for students to enroll in during the 1952-1953 academic year for The Ohio State University
Ohio State University Bulletin
Classes available for students to enroll in during the 1952-1953 academic year for The Ohio State University