9,541 research outputs found
Enhanced broadband access as a solution to the social and economic problems of the rural digital divide
Peer reviewedPublisher PD
Multi-level Feature Fusion-based CNN for Local Climate Zone Classification from Sentinel-2 Images: Benchmark Results on the So2Sat LCZ42 Dataset
As a unique classification scheme for urban forms and functions, the local
climate zone (LCZ) system provides essential general information for any
studies related to urban environments, especially on a large scale. Remote
sensing data-based classification approaches are the key to large-scale mapping
and monitoring of LCZs. The potential of deep learning-based approaches is not
yet fully explored, even though advanced convolutional neural networks (CNNs)
continue to push the frontiers for various computer vision tasks. One reason is
that published studies are based on different datasets, usually at a regional
scale, which makes it impossible to fairly and consistently compare the
potential of different CNNs for real-world scenarios. This study is based on
the big So2Sat LCZ42 benchmark dataset dedicated to LCZ classification. Using
this dataset, we studied a range of CNNs of varying sizes. In addition, we
proposed a CNN to classify LCZs from Sentinel-2 images, Sen2LCZ-Net. Using this
base network, we propose fusing multi-level features using the extended
Sen2LCZ-Net-MF. With this proposed simple network architecture and the highly
competitive benchmark dataset, we obtain results that are better than those
obtained by the state-of-the-art CNNs, while requiring less computation with
fewer layers and parameters. Large-scale LCZ classification examples of
completely unseen areas are presented, demonstrating the potential of our
proposed Sen2LCZ-Net-MF as well as the So2Sat LCZ42 dataset. We also
intensively investigated the influence of network depth and width and the
effectiveness of the design choices made for Sen2LCZ-Net-MF. Our work will
provide important baselines for future CNN-based algorithm developments for
both LCZ classification and other urban land cover land use classification
European Arctic Initiatives Compendium
Julkaistu versi
Satellite Communications: Impact on Developing Economies
Access to information and communication infrastructure greatly enhances economic growth. When a reliable and affordable medium for information exchange is available, previously unanticipated developments ensue. Most areas in developing countries are sparsely populated and highly rural. Satellite communication is an excellent option for meeting this and many other pressing communication needs of developing economies. This paper examines the impact of satellite communication on developing economies, using popular examples as case study
Leveraging Overhead Imagery for Localization, Mapping, and Understanding
Ground-level and overhead images provide complementary viewpoints of the world. This thesis proposes methods which leverage dense overhead imagery, in addition to sparsely distributed ground-level imagery, to advance traditional computer vision problems, such as ground-level image localization and fine-grained urban mapping. Our work focuses on three primary research areas: learning a joint feature representation between ground-level and overhead imagery to enable direct comparison for the task of image geolocalization, incorporating unlabeled overhead images by inferring labels from nearby ground-level images to improve image-driven mapping, and fusing ground-level imagery with overhead imagery to enhance understanding. The ultimate contribution of this thesis is a general framework for estimating geospatial functions, such as land cover or land use, which integrates visual evidence from both ground-level and overhead image viewpoints
Quality of Life in Urban and Rural Europe
Europe has large geographical differences in terms of economic and social development. Differences emerge both between and within Member States and regions, but also between urban and rural areas within regions. This has relevance for the Europe 2020 Strategy with regard to its objectives of inclusive growth and social cohesion (European Commission, 2010). The Social Investment Package (SIP) promotes efficient and effective social policies that respond to and support people’s needs throughout their lives, recognising the spatial dimension as an important element of good governance. To this end, the European Commission’s country-specific recommendations take into account spatial aspects (European Commission, 2012).
This policy brief explores differences in quality of life in urban and rural Europe drawing on Eurofound’s third European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS). Previous research has found important differences in material deprivation and living standards between urban and rural areas especially in poorer Member States, while other aspects of quality of life also differ between urban and rural areas in richer countries (Eurofound, 2006). This document builds on these findings, adding analysis of recent data and paying attention to the impacts of the crisis
European Territorial Cooperation in Scotland Post 2020
Despite Brexit debates, the cycle of programme planning and delivery carries on in Scotland. Scotland has been, and continues to be, a valued partner in a number of European Territorial Cooperation programmes. In terms of planning for the future, Brexit and on-going debates on the EU regulations, proposed programme geographies and funding mean there are significant ‘unknowns’. However, there are equally important ‘knowns’ and past experience to use as an initial basis for planning. On Brexit: 1. The new European Territorial Cooperation Regulations proposed by the European Commission’s DG Regio make provision for UK participation as a third country, if by that time it has left the EU. 2. Third country participation is a routine part of Interreg and other European Cooperation Programmes, especially for Programmes in which Scotland currently participates. On the post-2020 programmes: 1. The broad areas of intervention proposed in the draft ETC regulations are unlikely to change substantially in the final draft. 2. Programme geographies are not yet agreed. But, European Commission plans for major changes have been challenged, and in the past Programme areas have only ever increased. A likely scenario would be, therefore, limited change. On Scottish engagement: 1. Good experience and engagement with past programmes and projects means there is a strong commitment to on-going participation in Interreg in Scotland. 2. Scottish partners, and their expertise, are valued by collaboration partners and programmes. Working on this basis, this report presents the findings of a series of Scottish Government workshops and a conference on opportunities for Future of European Territorial Cooperation. The report highlights the particular value attached to European Territorial Cooperation in Scotland, provides clear indications of thematic and territorial areas of interest for the post 2020 period, and illustrates the potential for territorial cooperation and interest in maintaining cooperation going forward
Personal indebtedness, spatial effects and crime : a comparison across the urban hierarchy
The recent recession has made understanding the relationship between economic conditions and crime crucial to public debate. In this paper we seek to understand the spatial pattern of property and theft crimes using a range of socioeconomic variables, as well as data on the level of personal indebtedness, for two regions of the UK: London (the capital city) and the North East of England (a peripheral region). Building on earlier published work in this area, this paper will contrast the regression results obtained in both of these regions. This allows a comparison of the factors that are important in explaining the observed pattern of theft and property crimes, including an analysis of the spatial dimension of these factors, between these two regions. Doing so will allow a comparison of the elements that are important in explaining the observed pattern of theft and property crimes across the two regions
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