Generating Adaptive Presentations of Hydrologic Behavior

This paper describes a knowledge-based approach for summarizing and presenting the behavior of hydrologic networks. This approach has been designed for visualizing data from sensors and simulations in the context of emergencies caused by floods. It follows a solution for event summarization that exploits physical properties of the dynamic system to automatically generate summaries of relevant data. The summarized information is presented using different modes such as text, 2D graphics and 3D animations on virtual terrains. The presentation is automatically generated using a hierarchical planner with abstract presentation fragments corresponding to discourse patterns, taking into account the characteristics of the user who receives the information and constraints imposed by the communication devices (mobile phone, computer, fax, etc.). An application following this approach has been developed for a national hydrologic information infrastructure of Spain

Generating Weather Forecast Texts with Case Based Reasoning

Several techniques have been used to generate weather forecast texts. In this paper, case based reasoning (CBR) is proposed for weather forecast text generation because similar weather conditions occur over time and should have similar forecast texts. CBR-METEO, a system for generating weather forecast texts was developed using a generic framework (jCOLIBRI) which provides modules for the standard components of the CBR architecture. The advantage in a CBR approach is that systems can be built in minimal time with far less human effort after initial consultation with experts. The approach depends heavily on the goodness of the retrieval and revision components of the CBR process. We evaluated CBRMETEO with NIST, an automated metric which has been shown to correlate well with human judgements for this domain. The system shows comparable performance with other NLG systems that perform the same task.Comment: 6 page

Data Infrastructure and Local Stakeholder Engagement with Biodiversity Conservation Research

Biodiversity research that informs conservation action is increasingly data intensive. Cutting-edge projects at large institutions use massive aggregated datasets to build dynamic models and conduct novel analyses of natural systems. Most of these research institutions are geographically distant from the highest-priority conservation areas, which are found in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. There, data is typically collected by or with the help of local residents hired as field assistants. These field assistants have few meaningful opportunities to participate in biodiversity research and conservation beyond data logging. The literature indicates the data revolution has increased demand for impersonal and integrated large-scale systems that aggregate biodiversity data across sources with minimal friction. In this study, interviews were conducted with six active conservation workers to identify elements of these data systems that create barriers to field assistants’ engagement with the projects they make possible. As both creators and consumers of data, all six relayed frustration with various aspects of their data workflows. Regarding field assistant interaction with digital data systems, they observed that their field assistants engaged only at the initial point of data entry or not at all. Some suggested mobile apps as a good solution for field data collection. However, some also expressed doubt that their local assistants had the necessary knowledge background to navigate digital systems or understand scientific methodologies. These results suggest that trying to mold field assistants to fit existing data infrastructure and adapting purpose-built data systems to nontechnical users are both sub-optimal solutions. A human-mediated capacity building paradigm, which requires embedding people who are both culturally literate and data literate alongside field assistants, is explored as an alternative path to making data meaningful. Improving the accessibility of data this way can empower local communities to share ownership in biodiversity conservation. The substance of this article is based upon a panel presentation at RDAP Summit 2019

Ocean services user needs assessment. Volume 1: Survey results, conclusions and recommendations

An interpretation of environmental information needs of marine users, derived from a direct contact survey of eight important sectors of the marine user community is presented. Findings of the survey and results and recommendations are reported. The findings consist of specific and quantized measurement and derived product needs for each sector and comparisons of these needs with current and planned NOAA data and services. The following supportive and reference material are examined: direct contact interviews with industry members, analyses of current NOAA data gathering and derived product capabilities, evaluations of new and emerging domestic and foreign satellite data gathering capabilities, and a special commercial fishing survey conducted by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Feasibility study of using satellites for a disaster warning system

The development of requirements for the Disaster Warning System (DWS) was investigated in relation to the National Weather Service. Conceptual communication traffic flow patterns for the future of the NWS are studied to determine the impact of the DWS on the MWS. The planned warning systems, and satellite communications are discussed along with data collection, and communication services

MiKlip - a National Research Project on Decadal Climate Prediction

A German national project coordinates research on improving a global decadal climate prediction system for future operational use. MiKlip, an eight-year German national research project on decadal climate prediction, is organized around a global prediction system comprising the climate model MPI-ESM together with an initialization procedure and a model evaluation system. This paper summarizes the lessons learned from MiKlip so far; some are purely scientific, others concern strategies and structures of research that targets future operational use. Three prediction-system generations have been constructed, characterized by alternative initialization strategies; the later generations show a marked improvement in hindcast skill for surface temperature. Hindcast skill is also identified for multi-year-mean European summer surface temperatures, extra-tropical cyclone tracks, the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation, and ocean carbon uptake, among others. Regionalization maintains or slightly enhances the skill in European surface temperature inherited from the global model and also displays hindcast skill for wind-energy output. A new volcano code package permits rapid modification of the predictions in response to a future eruption. MiKlip has demonstrated the efficacy of subjecting a single global prediction system to a major research effort. The benefits of this strategy include the rapid cycling through the prediction-system generations, the development of a sophisticated evaluation package usable by all MiKlip researchers, and regional applications of the global predictions. Open research questions include the optimal balance between model resolution and ensemble size, the appropriate method for constructing a prediction ensemble, and the decision between full-field and anomaly initialization. Operational use of the MiKlip system is targeted for the end of the current decade, with a recommended generational cycle of two to three years

Disaster warning system: Satellite feasibility and comparison with terrestrial systems. Volume 2: Final report

For abstract, see Vol. 1

Doctor of Philosophy

dissertationThis three-article dissertation investigated the influences of weather on outdoor recreation through three individual progressive studies addressing the following problems. First, the weather inherently influences outdoor recreation activities, yet we have very little empirical evidence about the multidimensional influences of weather on outdoor recreation. Related, there is no central article that synthesizes weather studies in outdoor recreation. Second, within the study of weather, we lack a mechanism to think about the weather dependency of outdoor recreation activities or the degree to which a specific outdoor recreation activity is reliant on particular weather and resulting conditions. Third, frameworks developed using experts rarely assess stakeholder perceptions to evaluate the credibility of a developed framework. Therefore, the first study in this dissertation employed a systematic research synthesis and gap analysis to summarize and evaluate weather studies in outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism. The second study was used to develop a Weather Dependency Framework (WDF) for outdoor recreation activities using the Delphi method and weather-related factors and variables uncovered from the first study. The third study of this dissertation sought to determine the qualitative credibility analysis of the previously developed WDF by investigating backcountry skiers' and hunters' perceptions of weather dependency through semistructured interviews. Each study reported unique findings. Specifically, the research synthesis (Study 1) identified three recurring themes from weather studies in outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism: weather-related factors and variables that influence outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism, the importance of geographic research context, and prevailing activity types. The gap analysis indicated an abundance of under-investigated topics in weather-related studies on outdoor recreation. Study 2 resulted in the development of the WDF and considered possible applications for the WDF. Study 3 highlighted seven emergent themes about backcountry skiers' and hunters' perceptions of weather dependency including access, strategy, terrain, culture, opportunity, high engagement, and deterrent for participation. The results of Study 3 offer insights into the overall credibility of the WDF based on backcountry skiers' and hunters' perceptions of weather dependency. Each study is described in a separate article (dissertation chapters) and each provides implications for future research and management of outdoor recreation. In addition, a summary and synthesis chapter is provided at the conclusion of the dissertation

Arctic Domain Awareness Center DHS Center of Excellence (COE): Project Work Plan

As stated by the DHS Science &Technology Directorate, “The increased and diversified use of maritime spaces in the Arctic - including oil and gas exploration, commercial activities, mineral speculation, and recreational activities (tourism) - is generating new challenges and risks for the U.S. Coast Guard and other DHS maritime missions.” Therefore, DHS will look towards the new ADAC for research to identify better ways to create transparency in the maritime domain along coastal regions and inland waterways, while integrating information and intelligence among stakeholders. DHS expects the ADAC to develop new ideas to address these challenges, provide a scientific basis, and develop new approaches for U.S. Coast Guard and other DHS maritime missions. ADAC will also contribute towards the education of both university students and mid-career professionals engaged in maritime security. The US is an Arctic nation, and the Arctic environment is dynamic. We have less multi-year ice and more open water during the summer causing coastal villages to experience unprecedented storm surges and coastal erosion. Decreasing sea ice is also driving expanded oil exploration, bringing risks of oil spills. Tourism is growing rapidly, and our fishing fleet and commercial shipping activities are increasing as well. There continues to be anticipation of an economic pressure to open up a robust northwest passage for commercial shipping. To add to the stresses of these changes is the fact that these many varied activities are spread over an immense area with little connecting infrastructure. The related maritime security issues are many, and solutions demand increasing maritime situational awareness and improved crisis response capabilities, which are the focuses of our Work Plan. UAA understands the needs and concerns of the Arctic community. It is situated on Alaska’s Southcentral coast with the port facility through which 90% of goods for Alaska arrive. It is one of nineteen US National Strategic Seaports for the US DOD, and its airport is among the top five in the world for cargo throughput. However, maritime security is a national concern and although our focus is on the Arctic environment, we will expand our scope to include other areas in the Lower 48 states. In particular, we will develop sensor systems, decision support tools, ice and oil spill models that include oil in ice, and educational programs that are applicable to the Arctic as well as to the Great Lakes and Northeast. The planned work as detailed in this document addresses the DHS mission as detailed in the National Strategy for Maritime Security, in particular, the mission to Maximize Domain Awareness (pages 16 and 17.) This COE will produce systems to aid in accomplishing two of the objectives of this mission. They are: 1) Sensor Technology developing sensor packages for airborne, underwater, shore-based, and offshore platforms, and 2) Automated fusion and real-time simulation and modeling systems for decision support and planning. An integral part of our efforts will be to develop new methods for sharing of data between platforms, sensors, people, and communities.United States Department of Homeland SecurityCOE ADAC Objective/Purpose / Methodology / Center Management Team and Partners / Evaluation and Transition Plans / USCG Stakeholder Engagement / Workforce Development Strategy / Individual Work Plan by Projects Within a Theme / Appendix A / Appendix B / Appendix

Application of fuzzy sets in data-to-text system

This PhD dissertation addresses the convergence of two distinct paradigms: fuzzy sets and natural language generation. The object of study is the integration of fuzzy set-derived techniques that model imprecision and uncertainty in human language into systems that generate textual information from numeric data, commonly known as data-to-text systems. This dissertation covers an extensive state of the art review, potential convergence points, two real data-to-text applications that integrate fuzzy sets (in the meteorology and learning analytics domains), and a model that encompasses the most relevant elements in the linguistic description of data discipline and provides a framework for building and integrating fuzzy set-based approaches into natural language generation/data-to-ext systems