Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
21.4.7
Analytical Tools
Existing real-time space-time interactive functions should be expanded to sup-
port additional visualization, query, and analysis specific to multiple application
domains. Time-constrained decision making imposes less time for analytical pro-
cessing. Broader utilization of current analytical tools such as interpolation, derived
geometry, and dead reckoning to supplement GPS will develop better real-time
decision support systems. Extensions of RTI GPS/GIS into indoor mapping and
navigation also need additional research. Prior work from the 1990s on indoor
extensions of GPS/GIS mapping using laser rangefinders and radio frequency ID
(RFID) needs to be complemented by additional instrumentation to create seamless
interfaces. We also should build on existing error budget assessment and QA/QC
tools for identifying and measuring spatial-temporal uncertainty, and explore RTI
GPS/GIS data intensive solutions to address the uncertain geographic context
problem (Kwan
2012a
,
b
).
21.4.8
Computing and Large Datasets
Although the explosion of real-time spatiotemporal data from RTI GPS/GIS
functionality embedded in consumer devices and in vehicles (including piloted
and unmanned aerial vehicles,
6
or UAVs) creates many new possibilities and
opportunities, it also poses new challenges regarding data handling, analysis, and
storage and raises new questions regarding data privacy and confidentiality. Ongoing
research in distributed and cloud computing, CyberGIS (Wang
2010
), and data
mining of so-called big data (Li et al.
2010
) represent current attempts to manage
and find meaning and “caution” in large diffuse data sets. These research efforts,
especially those which employ critical approaches, should be encouraged and
funded. Related research also is needed to address the formidable challenges of
archiving spatiotemporal data.
6
RTI GPS/GIS technologies have long been used from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for rapid
response to disasters such as earthquakes, forest fires, and floods (Mauney and Bottorff
1993
).
Continuous environmental sensor input to mobile RTI GPS/GIS systems was well developed by
the early 1990s. Early automated sensor inputs included laser range finders, Geiger counters, air
quality monitors, bathemetric sensors, radio frequency signal strength instruments, etc. Subsequent
extensions of early RTI GPS/GIS laser range finder integration include the addition of multiple
lasers and other features for current LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems. UAVs and
other vehicles now integrate RTI GPS/GIS functionality with multiple sensor systems, including
most of those available in the early 1990s.
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