25 Years of GISRUK

Special Feature Editoria

Of catwalk technologies and boundary creatures

Researchers designing and deploying technologies in the wild can find it difficult to balance pure innovation with scalable solutions. We propose a catwalk technology metaphor where researchers as boundary creatures focus on innovation whilst providing links to prêt-a-porter (ready to wear) developments. Evidence from three ‘in-the-wild’ field-based learning case studies with 140 geosciences and history learners are used to conceptualise the researchers’ ‘boundary creature’ role in managing these design process tensions, specifically for e-learning using mobile systems, distributed collaboration, sensors and augmented reality in quarries, up mountains and in the city. The analysis details the researcher issues of spatial/temporal acuity and socio-political astuteness in an adapted practitioner inquiry approach. Ultimately, a researcher design role (RDR) model reveals how researchers establish expectations with the design team, stakeholders and users around what is to be innovated (e.g. technology, activities) and how the system will change or enable current practices

SPATIAL PATTERNS AND PHYSICAL FACTORS OF SMOKEJUMPER UTILIZATION SINCE 2004

This research examines patterns of aerial smokejumper usage in the United States. I assess landscape and environmental factors of their deployment using a detailed nine-year record of smokejumper activity in combination with terrain, fuels, and transportation network data. Specifically, the research seeks to identify commonalities in location (proximity), terrain, fuels, fire occurrence, and accessibility of smokejumper actions that inform current usage and identify opportunities for improved utilization. Terrain parameters (steep, rugged, inaccessible) of the western U.S. were classified and a baseline travel time grid was created (30 meter resolution). Fires in which smokejumpers responded were compared with all fires that occurred (Fire Program Analysis Fire Occurrence Database) on the same landscape during the same time period. Most (96%) aerial smokejumper actions (2004-2012) in the western U.S. and Alaska were recovered from the Smokejumper Master Action Database and used in this analysis. Results reveal differences between incidents in which smokejumpers were used when compared with total fire load. In the context of total fire load smokejumpers are dispatched to fires in steeper (+117%), rougher (+100%), and higher terrain (+51%). Additional analysis reveals that smokejumpers are utilized further from roads (+375%), on landscapes that are harder to access on foot (+473%), and on incidents that are proximal to bases where jumpers are stationed (-33%). The identified patterns in smokejumper utilization provide a systematic assessment that helps explain where and how smokejumpers are currently being used. The research also quantified the occurrence of steep, rugged, and inaccessible terrain across the western U.S. and showed that more than half of the western U.S is within a 20 minute walk of the nearest road and 83 percent is within one hour. The most remote location based on Euclidean distance is in the Thorofare Basin of Yellowstone NP (21.5 miles). Based on hiking time, the most difficult to reach location is near Halfway Creek between Fish Lake and Moose Creek in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness (29 hours). The travel-time results have utility beyond smokejumping in the areas of wildlife management, recreation, and search and rescue. This study provides the groundwork and takes an initial step toward the culminating goal of improving the efficacy of the U.S smokejumper program and the wildland fire community as a whole

An evaluation of patient engagement with diabetes out-patient services in an ethically diverse urban area in the UK

Diabetes has been described as an epidemic with a significant global burden of illness. This burden is associated with poorer engagement with services and the cost of managing avoidable complications. One outcome measure of engagement in the national health service (NHS) in the United Kingdom (UK) is attendance at appointments. The cost implications (direct and indirect) of non-attendance are significant, with empirical evidence consistently demonstrating higher than average non-attendance rates for out-patient appointments and education sessions by minority ethnic and socio-economically deprived individuals. A gap was identified whereby a comprehensive understanding of non-attendance which moves beyond clinical and technical aspects such as capacity and demand is still required. This thesis provides a fresh approach and granular understanding of patient engagement which can influence clinical care, service delivery and policy. The main research questions in this thesis were: 1. What are the predictors of out-patient attendance? 2. What are the barriers and enablers to attendance? To answer these questions, a retrospective geo-demographic trend analysis, critical narrative literature review of Community Health Worker (CHW) and peer support interventions and a research study were conducted. The case study is based on a dataset which comprised of 35,597 appointments. Its findings highlighted that factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, local geography and deprivation were significant predictors of out-patient attendance. A critical review of CHW and peer support interventions demonstrated that despite the heterogeneity of programme designs, duration of interventions, follow up and healthcare systems in which they were used, they were assessed to be both clinically and cost effective. There was limited evidence on the sustainability of these interventions due to a lack of longitudinal studies. The research element was conducted in two stages and utilised multi methods (focus groups, semi-structured interviews and questionnaires) to evaluate the barriers and facilitators to attendance. Key findings included the need for effective and on-going education, better alignment of health and social care due to the impact of the wider determinants of health but more interestingly, the influence of family on the concept of ownership for one’s health by some individuals whose self-determination is limited by language and health literacy. The relationship between patient activation (knowledge, skills and confidence) and attendance was also evaluated. This evaluation demonstrated that the more activated individuals are, they are significantly more likely to attend appointments. However, to maximise care planning and operational effectiveness, activation should not be assessed in isolation. The findings of this thesis highlighted the influence of individual, organisational and structural factors on patients’ engagement with out-patient services and the need for a synergistic approach involving service users, clinicians, organisations and policy makers to minimise patient dis-engagement with healthcare services

Incorporating Spatial Data and GIS to Improve SEA of Land use Plans: Opportunities and Limitations: Case Studies in the Republic of Ireland

This research aimed at establishing whether spatial data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can contribute to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). To achieve this, an integrated GISEA approach was developed and applied to a number of spatial planning SEAs in the Republic of Ireland. The practical applicability of the approach was examined, evaluating the potential benefits derived from using spatial data and GIS in SEA and assessing the potential barriers to an effective GIS use. The implementation of the SEA Directive incorporated a new dimension into plan-making by calling for the assessment of potential environmental effects that may derive from implementing a plan. The intrinsic spatial nature of land use plans poses specific requirements on the tools and assessment methods used. GIS – with their capacity to visually display and spatially assess information- have the potential to support SEA processes. Moreover, GIS tools can tackle the spatio-temporal dimensions that conventional assessment methods (e.g. matrices and checklists) fail to address. To explore the validity of these arguments, GISEA was applied to seven Irish development plans. These were supported by interviews with the planners and technicians involved, and through review of published SEA environmental reports. The case studies demonstrated that GIS can provide the mappable aspects of SEA; they facilitate the process by enhancing understanding of environmental and planning considerations, and improving the accuracy of assessments. These observations concur with published literature on the predicted benefits of applying GIS at various environmental assessment levels. Nevertheless, the results revealed that framework and procedural difficulties remain (e.g. institutional arrangements and technical data issues). These are more apparent at higher planning tiers and in certain SEA stages such as public participation. The contribution of GIS largely depends on scope for spatial information, availability and quality of relevant datasets, and willingness of involved organisations to facilitate data provision and disclosure. Therefore, formulation of spatially-specific land use plans and improved data accessibility and quality can contribute to an effective GIS use in SEA. Further research and practice are required to disclose the full potential of GISEA, but the work-placement aspect of this research has already had a direct impact on the level of GIS use in Irish SEA practice

Assessing vulnerability and modelling assistance: using demographic indicators of vulnerability and agent-based modelling to explore emergency flooding relief response

Flooding is a significant concern for much of the UK and is recognised as a primary threat by most local councils. Those in society most often deemed vulnerable: the elderly, poor or sick, for example, often see their level of vulnerability increase during hazard events. A greater knowledge of the spatial distribution of vulnerability within communities is key to understanding how a population may be impacted by a hazard event. Vulnerability indices are regularly used – in conjunction with needs assessments and on-the-ground research – to target service provision and justify resource allocation. Past work on measuring and mapping vulnerability has been limited by a focus on income-related indicators, a lack of consideration of accessibility, and the reliance on proprietary data. The Open Source Vulnerability Index (OSVI) encompasses an extensive range of vulnerability indicators supported by the wider literature and expert validation and provides data at a sufficiently fine resolution that can identify vulnerable populations. Findings of the OSVI demonstrate the potential cascading impact of a flood hazard as it impacts an already vulnerable population: exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities, limiting capabilities and restricting accessibility and access to key services. The OSVI feeds into an agent-based model (ABM) that explores the capacity of the British Red Cross (BRC) to distribute relief during flood emergencies using strategies based upon the OSVI. A participatory modelling approach was utilised whereby the BRC were included in all aspects of the model development. The major contribution of this work is the novel synthesis of demographics analysis, vulnerability mapping and geospatial simulation. The project contributes to the growing understanding of vulnerability and response management within the NGO sector. It is hoped that the index and model produced will allow responder organisations to run simulations of similar emergency events and adjust strategic response plans accordingly

Mapping and the Citizen Sensor

Maps are a fundamental resource in a diverse array of applications ranging from everyday activities, such as route planning through the legal demarcation of space to scientific studies, such as those seeking to understand biodiversity and inform the design of nature reserves for species conservation. For a map to have value, it should provide an accurate and timely representation of the phenomenon depicted and this can be a challenge in a dynamic world. Fortunately, mapping activities have benefitted greatly from recent advances in geoinformation technologies. Satellite remote sensing, for example, now offers unparalleled data acquisition and authoritative mapping agencies have developed systems for the routine production of maps in accordance with strict standards. Until recently, much mapping activity was in the exclusive realm of authoritative agencies but technological development has also allowed the rise of the amateur mapping community. The proliferation of inexpensive and highly mobile and location aware devices together with Web 2.0 technology have fostered the emergence of the citizen as a source of data. Mapping presently benefits from vast amounts of spatial data as well as people able to provide observations of geographic phenomena, which can inform map production, revision and evaluation. The great potential of these developments is, however, often limited by concerns. The latter span issues from the nature of the citizens through the way data are collected and shared to the quality and trustworthiness of the data. This book reports on some of the key issues connected with the use of citizen sensors in mapping. It arises from a European Co-operation in Science and Technology (COST) Action, which explored issues linked to topics ranging from citizen motivation, data acquisition, data quality and the use of citizen derived data in the production of maps that rival, and sometimes surpass, maps arising from authoritative agencies

Exploring Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) for Emergency Management: Toward a Wiki GIS Framework

The past three years have witnessed unprecedented growth of user-generated volunteered geographic information (VGI) on the Web. Although scholars, decision makers, and citizens have recognized the potential value of VGI in emergency management, there exists no rigorous study on the availability, quality, and feasibility of VGI for applications related to emergency management. This dissertation applies methodologies of GIScience and computer science to present an overview of VGI and explore its value in emergency management with the goal of developing a wiki GIS approach for community emergency preparedness. This dissertation research concludes that VGI and wiki GIS represent new development in public participation in the production and use of geographic information. In emergency management, VGI and wiki GIS suggest a new approach to incorporate the general public in emergency response activities. By incorporating VGI in emergency management, official agencies and the general public gain better situational awareness in emergency management