Genetic algorithms

Genetic algorithms are mathematical, highly parallel, adaptive search procedures (i.e., problem solving methods) based loosely on the processes of natural genetics and Darwinian survival of the fittest. Basic genetic algorithms concepts are introduced, genetic algorithm applications are introduced, and results are presented from a project to develop a software tool that will enable the widespread use of genetic algorithm technology

Automated Cartographic Sounding Selection

Soundings on nautical charts provide information about the shape of the ocean bottom between chart depth curves. A single chart may have thousands of soundings posted on it. Today, the selection of soundings for chart display is usually performed manually. This paper describes a computer system which automatically selects soundings for display on a nautical chart. The system is composed of several computer programs which make use of a grid-based model of the ocean bottom. The ocean bottom model is initialized by gridding the depth curves and shoreline displayed on the nautical chart. Soundings which deviate from the ocean bottom model are selected for chart display. Based on initial results obtained from testing these programs, it appears that a significant part of the work required to select soundings for chart display can be automated

Application of Remote Sensing and GIS Methods for the Automatic Extraction of Single Trees Based on Digital Aerial Images and Elevation Models

The paper gives a short overview about the existing data base and extraction methods for single tree detection. Forest remote sensing has a long tradition and a variety of methods for single tree extraction have already been developed. Most studies and methods focus either on the analysis of satellite images or airborne laser data and on the extraction of coniferous trees. The automatic detection of deciduous trees is still a great challenge. This paper describes different methods of single tree extraction with focus on the automatic extraction of deciduous trees from aerial imagery. Single trees can be extracted by using aerial true-ortho images and photogrammetrically produced digital surface models as input data and a combination of remote sensing methods and GIS analyses with completeness and correctness over 80 percent. The presented method enables the extraction of tree tops as well as tree-crowns for deciduous trees. For the automatically extracted singles trees important attributes like exact position or average crown diameter are calculated and added to the tree objects. The extracted trees can be used for the modeling of trees in virtual environments or for forest area inventories

Building Bulletin 77 – Ergonomic content review

Building Bulletin 77 – Ergonomic content revie

Adding value for the navigation user

You’ve lost your way in a new town and you stop to ask a local how you get to Park Street. How would they describe it? Probably something like this: “Go to the next roundabout and turn left, then keep going until you see the BP™ Petrol Station, turn right straight after that and you’ll go past the Kings Head pub, I’m pretty sure Park Street is after that on the left – I think there’s a post office on the corner, you can’t miss it”. Ask a current navigation system the same question and you’ll probably get a series of very accurate distance-based instructions, e.g. “Left turn in 300 metres” but you might not have the confidence that you had when you saw the petrol station and the pub that had been mentioned, even though your helper was bit unsure

The requirements for location based services: differences between target user groups

This paper reports on original work that will determine opportunities for the development of mobile location-based services for different user groups. Location-based services (LBS) employ knowledge of the user's location to enable the provision of new or enhanced services to a user via a wireless device (e.g. mobile phones, PDAs). The Valued LBS research project focuses on what users are trying to do, what information they need, and how you add value by providing them with information that is location or time relevant - the right information at the right time and in the right way. In the reported study, a user-centred approach was developed to identify particular contexts in which location-relevant information would be perceived as ‘valued’ by users. Value, in this case, is assigned to new information which is useful and relevant enough to justify the resources needed to access it and its benefit over other existing sources. A series of interviews (semi-structured and structured) were conducted using a scenario-based technique. The participants were required to describe their ‘location’ map (where they go, modes of travel) and then to detail the different types of day they have (with respect to the travelling that takes place). The two busiest types of day were then investigated in detail. Participants described the day along a timeline e.g. 6am – 6am which was broken down into hour segments. They identified the times when they travel or change location. In the semi-structured interviews they were asked to rank the importance of these journeys and in the structured interviews they were asked to rate each of these journeys, in terms of the likelihood of something going wrong and the consequence if it were to go wrong for them. The data formed a chronological structure that the interviewer then worked from for the final stage of questioning which involved interviewees explaining the cognitive processes involved in the planning and execution of each journey. This enabled an understanding of how their information needs vary throughout the day. As a result, the study was able to ascertain where there are high and low requirements for information for that individual and hence estimate the potential to provide value

A survey of 'young social' and 'professional' users of location-based services in the UK

The objective of this study was to assess the response to location-based services (LBS) by three key demographic groups within the United Kingdom. This study took the form of a survey of relevant demographics, attitudes and consumer behaviour undertaken via a web-based survey. Results are based on over 1200 respondents, filtered and segmented into three demographic groups who are typically early adopters of new technology. There were positive attitudes towards a range of LBS, with the major exception being location-based advertising. There were mixed views towards location-based gaming and safety camera information. There were low levels of awareness of many services. The levels of use were typically under 20% for all types of LBS

Incorporating landmarks in driver navigation system design: an overview of results from the REGIONAL project

This paper presents an overview of results from the 2 year REGIONAL project. The aims of REGIONAL were to undertake research to enable landmarks to be an integral feature of future vehicle navigation systems. Results from the project, including 5 empirical road-based trials, are summarised. The main findings were: landmarks were widely used by drivers as key navigation cues; the incorporation of good landmarks within navigation instructions has the potential to considerably enhance vehicle navigation systems; although a wide range of landmarks are potentially useful to a driver, only a limited set, which displayed key characteristics, were consistently effective as navigation cues

Drivers' information requirements when navigating in an urban environment

Navigating in unfamiliar road environments is a common and demanding cognitive activity. If this cannot be accomplished successfully, there are implications for increased driver workload, delays due to navigation errors, potentially unsafe road behaviour such as late lane changes, and inappropriate traffic management. To enable successful navigation through such environments, it is necessary to understand what the navigation task entails, and what a driver’s corresponding information requirements are. This paper reports the results of a study that sought to identify what information is used by drivers when navigating within a range of urban driving environments, how this information is used, and what the implications are for the design of navigation aids