A Web-Based Index of Historical Valuation Maps for the Erie Railroad

The purpose of this project was to develop a web based index of historical railroad valuation maps for the Erie Lackawanna Historical Society (ELHS). The ELHS was in possession of a complete collection of over 3600 scanned 1918 railroad valuation map for the Erie Railroad, however these scanned maps lacked spatial reference. The first step in making these maps usable in modern GIS was to georeference them using Esri’s ArcGIS. Once the maps were georeferenced, they were organized into a geodatabase, along with additional supporting layers, as well as geotagged historical photos relating to the railroads. In order to make these maps and data available to a wider audience, an interactive web application was developed using HTML, CSS, and Esri’s ArcGIS API for JavaScript, which allows users to view the georeferenced maps as a fully mosaicked map layer, or access the original maps and photographs individually or in bulk

Map-Based Localization for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Navigation

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) require precise pose estimation when navigating in indoor and GNSS-denied / GNSS-degraded outdoor environments. The possibility of crashing in these environments is high, as spaces are confined, with many moving obstacles. There are many solutions for localization in GNSS-denied environments, and many different technologies are used. Common solutions involve setting up or using existing infrastructure, such as beacons, Wi-Fi, or surveyed targets. These solutions were avoided because the cost should be proportional to the number of users, not the coverage area. Heavy and expensive sensors, for example a high-end IMU, were also avoided. Given these requirements, a camera-based localization solution was selected for the sensor pose estimation. Several camera-based localization approaches were investigated. Map-based localization methods were shown to be the most efficient because they close loops using a pre-existing map, thus the amount of data and the amount of time spent collecting data are reduced as there is no need to re-observe the same areas multiple times. This dissertation proposes a solution to address the task of fully localizing a monocular camera onboard a UAV with respect to a known environment (i.e., it is assumed that a 3D model of the environment is available) for the purpose of navigation for UAVs in structured environments. Incremental map-based localization involves tracking a map through an image sequence. When the map is a 3D model, this task is referred to as model-based tracking. A by-product of the tracker is the relative 3D pose (position and orientation) between the camera and the object being tracked. State-of-the-art solutions advocate that tracking geometry is more robust than tracking image texture because edges are more invariant to changes in object appearance and lighting. However, model-based trackers have been limited to tracking small simple objects in small environments. An assessment was performed in tracking larger, more complex building models, in larger environments. A state-of-the art model-based tracker called ViSP (Visual Servoing Platform) was applied in tracking outdoor and indoor buildings using a UAVs low-cost camera. The assessment revealed weaknesses at large scales. Specifically, ViSP failed when tracking was lost, and needed to be manually re-initialized. Failure occurred when there was a lack of model features in the cameras field of view, and because of rapid camera motion. Experiments revealed that ViSP achieved positional accuracies similar to single point positioning solutions obtained from single-frequency (L1) GPS observations standard deviations around 10 metres. These errors were considered to be large, considering the geometric accuracy of the 3D model used in the experiments was 10 to 40 cm. The first contribution of this dissertation proposes to increase the performance of the localization system by combining ViSP with map-building incremental localization, also referred to as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). Experimental results in both indoor and outdoor environments show sub-metre positional accuracies were achieved, while reducing the number of tracking losses throughout the image sequence. It is shown that by integrating model-based tracking with SLAM, not only does SLAM improve model tracking performance, but the model-based tracker alleviates the computational expense of SLAMs loop closing procedure to improve runtime performance. Experiments also revealed that ViSP was unable to handle occlusions when a complete 3D building model was used, resulting in large errors in its pose estimates. The second contribution of this dissertation is a novel map-based incremental localization algorithm that improves tracking performance, and increases pose estimation accuracies from ViSP. The novelty of this algorithm is the implementation of an efficient matching process that identifies corresponding linear features from the UAVs RGB image data and a large, complex, and untextured 3D model. The proposed model-based tracker improved positional accuracies from 10 m (obtained with ViSP) to 46 cm in outdoor environments, and improved from an unattainable result using VISP to 2 cm positional accuracies in large indoor environments. The main disadvantage of any incremental algorithm is that it requires the camera pose of the first frame. Initialization is often a manual process. The third contribution of this dissertation is a map-based absolute localization algorithm that automatically estimates the camera pose when no prior pose information is available. The method benefits from vertical line matching to accomplish a registration procedure of the reference model views with a set of initial input images via geometric hashing. Results demonstrate that sub-metre positional accuracies were achieved and a proposed enhancement of conventional geometric hashing produced more correct matches - 75% of the correct matches were identified, compared to 11%. Further the number of incorrect matches was reduced by 80%

A Cartographic Workflow Manual for Endangered Species Conservation

In response to global consumer demand for rare and exotic wildlife products, poaching of endangered species has become pervasive around the world (Eliason 1999). Despite the enactment of CITES, and other international efforts to protect vulnerable species from overexploitation, the global market for illegal wildlife products is estimated as high as $20-billion a year industry (Wyler 2008). Within important wildlife habitat sites, law enforcement struggle to curb rampant poaching that threatens the ultimate survival of many endangered species (Jachmann 2008; Rowcliffe 2004). Law-enforcement agencies responsible for protecting wildlife from poachers often lack geospatial tools that could greatly improve the effectiveness of their efforts. These tools include accurate topographic maps with the appropriate scale and the level of detail necessary for navigating in difficult and dangerous terrain, and GIS base data needed to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of patrols (Pickles 2015). Recently, collaborations between the University of Montana (UM) and the large cat advocacy group Panthera, have enabled the production of geospatial packages for four protected areas of concern. These packages include printed topographic map series, GPS base-maps and comprehensive GIS base data. Throughout the creation of these packages, UM faculty and students have developed a nuanced workflow for this process using GIS and graphic design software. Until 2018, this workflow had yet to be fully documented. This document presents this workflow in the form of a cartographic manual, including step-by-step methods for creating appropriate geospatial packages. The goal of this document is to increase the efficiency of future cartographic collaborations between UM and conservation-minded groups, while providing valuable educational resources for UM students in GIS and cartography

LIPIcs, Volume 277, GIScience 2023, Complete Volume

LIPIcs, Volume 277, GIScience 2023, Complete Volum

Einfluss der Makro-Rauheit auf die Tsunami-Ausbreitung und Überschwemmung an Land: Eine numerische Modellstudie

In tsunami hazard assessment, the vulnerable area is determined using numerical models, which calculate the tsunami propagation and the inundation extent. Large-scale depth-averaged models, e.g. based on non-linear shallow water (NLSW) equations, are commonly applied. In such models, a selected Manning’s coefficient is generally applied to account for the effect of the bottom surface roughness. However, macro-roughness elements (MRE) such as buildings and tree vegetation generally form also part of coastal areas. Using purely empirical Manning’s coefficients to account for such large objects is not physically sound and might result in large uncertainties. To date, there is not generally applicable NLSW model available for adequately considering MRE-induced energy losses during tsunami inundation. This Ph.D. thesis attempts to contribute to a better understanding of the effects of relevant MRE parameters such as shape, size, and arrangement of the MREs on tsunami bore propagation and inundation. In phase 1 of this study, a three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model is systematically validated. In phase 2, the RANS model is used in a parameter study to create a database for flow parameters associated to MRE configurations, varying shape, size, height, arrangement, and density of MRE. In phase 3, the most relevant MRE parameters and flow regimes are determined and are carefully formulated so that they are easily obtainable for tsunami modelling. The energy losses are formulated by considering inertia and drag losses in analogy to the Morison equation. In phase 4, the MRE formula is implemented in the NLSW model COMCOT. Finally, the performance of the MRE formula is evaluated by comparing the results with well-documented physical experiments (Park et al., 2013) and with commonly used “equivalent roughness” approaches. The following findings are obtained: (i) In a group of MRE, an upstream zone and an inner zone can be distinguished; (ii) The shape, arrangement angle, relative spacing (ratio between blocked and total cross-section) and relative height (ratio between height of submerged part of MRE and flow depth) are the most relevant parameters; (iii) The MRE model leads to improved results compared to commonly used equivalent roughness models; (iv) The MRE model does not require calibration.In der Tsunami-Gefahrenbewertung wird das gefährdete Gebiet mit Hilfe von numerischen Modellen bestimmt, die u.A. die Überflutungsfläche berechnen. Meist werden großskalige, tiefengemittelte Modelle verwendet, die z.B. auf der nicht-linearen Flachwassergleichung (NLSW) basieren. In diesen Modellen wird meist ein Manning-Beiwert angewandt, um die Bodenrauheit zu berücksichtigen. Jedoch bestehen küstennahe Gebiete in der Regel auch aus sogenannten Makro-Rauheitselementen (MRE) wie Gebäuden und Vegetation. Allein rein empirische Manning-Beiwerte für die Berücksichtigung so großer Hindernisse zu verwenden ist physikalisch nicht korrekt und hat große Modell-Unsicherheiten zur Folge. Derzeit liegt kein NLSW-Modell vor, das MRE-induzierte Energieverluste bei Tsunami-Überflutungen adäquat berücksichtigt. In dieser Doktor-Arbeit wurde versucht zu einem besseren Verständnis relevanter MRE-Parameter, wie z.B. Form, Größe und Anordnung, auf die Tsunami-Ausbreitung und -Überflutung beizutragen. In Phase 1 wurde ein drei-dimensionales Reynolds-gemitteltes Navier-Stokes- (RANS)-Modell systematisch validiert. In Phase 2 wurde das RANS-Modell in einer Parameterstudie angewandt und eine Datenbasis für Fließparameter in Relation zu MRE-Konfigurationen erstellt, die in Form, Größe, Höhe, Anordnung und Dichte der MRE variierten. In Phase 3 wurden die maßgebenden MRE-Parameter ermittelt. Die Parameter wurden sorgfältig gebildet, so dass sie für die Tsunami-Modellierung leicht zu bestimmen bzw. verfügbar sind. Die Energieverluste werden in Analogie zur Morison-Gleichung als Trägheits- und Widerstandsverluste formuliert. In Phase 4 wird die MRE-Formel in das NLSW-Modell COMCOT implementiert. Schließlich wird die Leistungsfähigkeit der MRE-Formel durch den Vergleich der Ergebnisse mit gut dokumentieren Laborexperimenten (Park et al., 2013) und mit zwei der herkömmlichen „äquivalenten Rauheitsansätzen“ bewertet. Die folgenden Erkenntnisse wurden gewonnen: (i) In einer Gruppe von MRE muss zwischen einer Zufluss-seitigen Rand- und einer inneren Zone unterschieden werden. (ii) Die Parameter Form, Anordnungswinkel, relativer Zwischenraum (Verhältnis blockierter zu gesamter Querschnittsfläche) und der relativen Höhe (Verhältnis Höhe (des überfluteten Teils) der MRE zu Fließtiefe) sind maßgebend. (iii) Das MRE-Modell führt im Vergleich zum herkömmlich verwendeten äquivalenten Rauheitsansätzen zu verbesserten Ergebnissen. (iv) Das MRE-Modell benötigt keine Kalibrierung

Advanced Characterization and On-Line Process Monitoring of Additively Manufactured Materials and Components

This reprint is concerned with the microstructural characterization and the defect analysis of metallic additively manufactured (AM) materials and parts. Special attention is paid to the determination of residual stress in such parts and to online monitoring techniques devised to predict the appearance of defects. Finally, several non-destructive testing techniques are employed to assess the quality of AM materials and parts

Changing Priorities. 3rd VIBRArch

In order to warrant a good present and future for people around the planet and to safe the care of the planet itself, research in architecture has to release all its potential. Therefore, the aims of the 3rd Valencia International Biennial of Research in Architecture are: - To focus on the most relevant needs of humanity and the planet and what architectural research can do for solving them. - To assess the evolution of architectural research in traditionally matters of interest and the current state of these popular and widespread topics. - To deepen in the current state and findings of architectural research on subjects akin to post-capitalism and frequently related to equal opportunities and the universal right to personal development and happiness. - To showcase all kinds of research related to the new and holistic concept of sustainability and to climate emergency. - To place in the spotlight those ongoing works or available proposals developed by architectural researchers in order to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. - To underline the capacity of architectural research to develop resiliency and abilities to adapt itself to changing priorities. - To highlight architecture's multidisciplinarity as a melting pot of multiple approaches, points of view and expertise. - To open new perspectives for architectural research by promoting the development of multidisciplinary and inter-university networks and research groups. For all that, the 3rd Valencia International Biennial of Research in Architecture is open not only to architects, but also for any academic, practitioner, professional or student with a determination to develop research in architecture or neighboring fields.Cabrera Fausto, I. (2023). Changing Priorities. 3rd VIBRArch. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/VIBRArch2022.2022.1686

Products and Services

Today’s global economy offers more opportunities, but is also more complex and competitive than ever before. This fact leads to a wide range of research activity in different fields of interest, especially in the so-called high-tech sectors. This book is a result of widespread research and development activity from many researchers worldwide, covering the aspects of development activities in general, as well as various aspects of the practical application of knowledge

12th International Conference on Geographic Information Science: GIScience 2023, September 12–15, 2023, Leeds, UK

No abstract available