This dissertation addresses the problem of automated vector extraction from Airborne Laser Scanner (ALS) data in urban areas. The recent popularity of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has stimulated research on automated object extraction in order to simplify the data acquisition and update process. By automatically generating GIS inputs and updates from a single data source, the cost of data acquisition and processing will be kept to a minimum. Compared with other remote sensing techniques, extraction of objects from ALS data is in its infancy. ALS sensor technology has evolved rapidly and now allows the acquisition of very dense point clouds in a short period of time. ALS data is unique in that it explicitly contains 3D information and is acquired from an active sensor. As such, there are several benefits that can be immediately realised by using an ALS only data approach; data acquisition will not be limited to daylight hours as with other sensors and accurate height information is contained in the data. This means that registration of different data sources is not required and as only one data source is used, acquisition costs are minimised. Apart from these facts, ALS data has some other unique properties that have not been utilised to their full potential. An ALS sensor can record both height and intensity information from multiple returns in a single swath. To date, all the available information has rarely been used. For example, the intensity of a laser return has regularly been dismissed as it was considered under-sampled and noisy. This data still contains usable information and until this information is used, the optimum object recognition results will not be achieved; thus the use of as much of this information as possible is a major focus of this thesis. As ALS is an explicit 3D data source, the early stages of development were primarily focused on topographic mapping of terrain in forested areas in order to generate Digital Terrain Models (DTMs). As sensor technology has improved, so has the achievable resolution of point clouds from ALS data, and methods to extract objects from stand-alone ALS data have emerged. Attempts have been made to create city models and maps from ALS data that included buildings, roads, trees and powerlines. Each of these spatial object types has unique attributes, which means that automatic map creation is not an easy task. For example, buildings in general are easily detected in ALS data but the building outline is not easily delineated. Another difficulty with building detection is the separation of buildings and bridges as they have many of the same properties as observed by an ALS system. Bridges can usually be found in a road network but road extraction techniques typically produce poor detection rates and often require existing data and / or user interaction in semi-automatic techniques. These simple examples highlight the complexity of automatically generating vectorised maps from ALS data or in fact any data source. In this thesis, new methods are presented for the automatic creation of vectorised maps from ALS data. A two-step processing paradigm is adopted for this purpose, namely the classification of the ALS data and the vectorisation of the classification results. A classification strategy is introduced that creates a hierarchy for object detection with respect to the ALS data itself. This approach develops an ontology between the spatial object classes and the ALS data. The hierarchical framework highlights the fact that one object might not be discernable within the data without considering another. New classification algorithms are then presented within this framework. Each algorithm attempts to exploit the attributes of the data that are consistent within the spatial object class being considered as described by the classification framework. New algorithms for the classification of roads, trees and powerlines are all introduced whilst an extension to existing building classification methods is presented. Once classification is complete, a vectorisation process specific to the task at hand can be employed to yield vectorised results. These developed vectorisation processes are new and include an algorithm that has been generalised to allow the vectorisation of thick lines in images by detecting the centreline, direction and width. The primary goal of this thesis is to present a framework of new algorithms that will allow automatic spatial object detection and vectorisation whilst providing results of an acceptable quality. The algorithms presented rely solely on ALS data and require minimal operator knowledge. Each algorithm has been designed to exploit the way in which the object exhibits itself in the data. The new algorithms are integrated into a software package called JTD (Join The Dots) that will facilitate the effective automatic processing of ALS data. The results of the new algorithms have been evaluated over four 2 x 2 km areas that have been sampled with medium resolution ALS data. The results for each area are displayed and analysed to show the applicability of the whole process in an exemplary way.

Uma compacta linguagem descritora de páginas, destinada a impressoras não-impacto de estrutura raster é apresentada. Tal linguagem foi implementada usando o processador gráfico TMS4010, da Texas Instruments e possui uma estrutura muito similar à encontrada nas linguagens interpretativas encadeadas. A linguagem é totalmente modular e interativa, e se utiliza um modelo gráfico simples, visando simular as tarefas normalmente encontradas nas artes tipográficas. São efetuadas comparações com outras linguagens comerciais, visando avaliar suas possibilidades. Uma pequena introdução à tecnologia das impressoras laser é apresentada. / A small Page description language intended for raster non-impact printers is presented. The language is implemented using the Texas Instruments TMS4010 Graphics system processor and its structure is similar that encountered in threaded interpretative languages. The language is fully modular and interactive, and uses a simple graphic model to simulate the same common tasks encoutered in typographical arts. Comparison are made with other comercial languages to perform some evaluations on its possibilities. A small introduction on the laser printer technology is presented.

During the course of this thesis, two scenarios are considered. In the first one, we contribute to feature extraction algorithms. In the second one, we use features to improve object detection solutions and localization. The two scenarios give rise to into four thesis sub-goals. First, we present a new shape skeleton pruning algorithm based on contour approximation and the integer medial axis. The algorithm effectively removes unwanted branches, conserves the connectivity of the skeleton and respects the topological properties of the shape. The algorithm is robust to significant boundary noise and to rigid shape transformations. It is fast and easy to implement. While shape-based solutions via boundary and skeleton analysis are viable solutions to object detection, keypoint features are important for textured object detection. Therefore, we present a keypoint featurebased planar object detection framework for vision-based localization. We demonstrate that our framework is robust against illumination changes, perspective distortion, motion blur, and occlusions. We increase robustness of the localization scheme in cluttered environments and decrease false detection of targets. We present an off-line target evaluation strategy and a scheme to improve pose. Third, we extend planar object detection to a real-time approach for 3D object detection using a mobile and uncalibrated camera. We develop our algorithm based on two novel naive Bayes classifiers for viewpoint and feature matching that improve performance and decrease memory usage. Our algorithm exploits the specific structure of various binary descriptors in order to boost feature matching by conserving descriptor properties. Our novel naive classifiers require a database with a small memory footprint because we only store efficiently encoded features. We improve the feature-indexing scheme to speed up the matching process creating a highly efficient database for objects. Finally, we present a model-free long-term tracking algorithm based on the Kernelized Correlation Filter. The proposed solution improves the correlation tracker based on precision, success, accuracy and robustness while increasing frame rates. We integrate adjustable Gaussian window and sparse features for robust scale estimation creating a better separation of the target and the background. Furthermore, we include fast descriptors and Fourier spectrum packed format to boost performance while decreasing the memory footprint. We compare our algorithm with state-of-the-art techniques to validate the results.

The goal of this thesis is to define proces of creating the concept of category management and to apply the proces via existing assortment concept of certain retail company. The theoretical part covers basics of category management, merchandising and other related disciplines and its influence to creating concepts. Practical part includes detailed description of creating the concept, realized by retail company, selling Do it yourself products. Creation proces will start by anylysing current sutiation, following by determination of category strategy and objectives and implemetation of new concept.

This master thesis focuses on the development of the GIS in the Jinačovice municipality, particularly on the land use. The core data used for the research has been gathered by aerial photography since 1950. Other data sources include other types of maps, especially Cadastral map, ZABAGED data and statistical data. An analysis of the Land use has been carried out as well as additional analyses of the area. The research has been conducted specifically for the Jinačovice municipality.

Es wird ein Verfahren zur lokalisierten elektrochemischen Abscheidung metallischer Strukturen aus Kapillarsonden vorgestellt. Der experimentelle Aufbau, die Herstellung der Sonden, das Arbeiten im Nahfeld der Probe (Scherkraft-Abstandsdetektion)sowie die verschiedenen Beschaltungmöglichkeiten der elektrochemischen Zelle werden ausführlich beschrieben. Ergänzend zu den experimentellen Arbeiten werden einerseits numerische Simulationen gezeigt, die zur Veranschaulichung der Potentialverteilung in der Apexregion dienen und qualitativ beschreiben, wie sich das Schichtdickenprofil der abgeschiedenen Strukturen mit den einstellbaren Parametern (Elektrodenpotentiale, Spitze-Probe-Abstand) variieren läßt. Andererseits werden die verschiedenen Beschaltungsmöglichkeiten der Zelle anhand von Schaltungssimulationen verglichen und so die Wahl des günstigsten Arbeitspunktes für die in den Experimenten verwendete (bi)-potentiostatische Abscheidung diskutiert. Mit dieser Anordnung wurden lokalisiert Cluster in einer porösen Aluminiumoxidmembran deponiert und anschließend abgebildet. In weiteren Strukturierungsversuchen wurden Kupfer bzw. Gold lokalisiert elektrochemisch auf ITO abgeschieden, wobei das Schichtwachstum simultan optisch in Transmission beobachtet wurde. Es werden u.a. Strukturen erzeugt, deren laterale Abmessungen kleiner als der Kapillardurchmesser sind (Fokussierung, max. Verhältnis 8:1). Die derzeit kleinsten elektrochemisch erzeugbaren Strukturen haben eine laterale Ausdehnung von ca. 5 Mikrometern. / A method for the localized electrochemical deposition of metal structures using capillary tips is presented. The experimental set-up, the tip preparation, the distance detection in near-field operation (shear-force detection), as well as the different types of circuiting of the electrochemical cell are described in detail. In addition to the experimental work, numerical simulations for the qualitative visualization of the potential distribution around the apex region show, how the films thickness profile can be adjusted with the variable parameters (electrode voltages, tip-sample distance). Circuit simulations of the electrochemical cell allow to pre-estimate the optimum working conditions for the used (bi)-potentiostatic electrode set-up. With this method, clusters have been deposited in a thin film of porous alumin oxide and imaged in shear-force mode. Gold and copper structures have been deposited on ITO, while the film growth was observed optically. The lateral dimension of the deposited structures can be smaller than the inner diameter of the capillaries (maximum focus: 8:1). The smallest structures produced in this work have lateral dimensions of 5 micrometers.

Die zunehmende Verfügbarkeit adressbezogener Daten im Zusammenhang mit der Nutzung geometrischer Raster zur Raumuntergliederung haben die Voraussetzungen für kleinräumige Analysen deutlich verbessert. Bei der Verwendung personenbezogener Daten müssen datenschutzrechtliche Vorgaben eingehalten werden, falls die Rasterzellen zu wenig Fallzahlen enthalten. Vielfach werden diese Rasterzellen ausgeblendet, wodurch Informationen in der Karte verloren gehen. Eine datenschutzkonforme Alternative stellt die Aggregation von Rasterzellen dar, bis die Fallzahlen einen vorgegebenen Grenzwert überschreiten. In diesem Beitrag werden Möglichkeiten vorgestellt und bewertet, nach denen sich datenschutzkonforme Mischrasterkarten erzeugen lassen. Besonderes Augenmerk wird auf die Auflösungsverluste der erzeugten Mischrasterkarten gelegt, um geeignete Datengrundlagen für kleinräumige Analysen zu schaffen.

Die eingereichte Dissertation beschäftigt sich mit der messtechnischen Erfassung sowie der Modellierung von Haftkräften zwischen rauen Oberflächen. Dabei wurden durch Variation von Flüssigkeiten sowie dem Nutzen beschichteter Oberflächen verschiedene Benetzungseigenschaften eingestellt und untersucht. Zusätzlich wurden neben dem Kontaktwinkel der untersuchten Systeme die freien Ober- und Grenzflächenenergien bestimmt und mit den Kräften korreliert. Es zeigte sich, dass Haftkräfte auf rauen Oberflächen stets über mehrere Größenordnungen verteilt vorliegen. Die Beschreibung der ermittelten Verteilungen ist dabei entweder durch statistischer Funktionen oder zumindest teils auch durch eine im Rahmen der Arbeit entwickelten Modellierung möglich. Weiterhin zeigte sich, dass eine Unterteilung in verschiedene Haftmechanismen (durch Kapillarbrücken oder van der Waals- sowie polare Wechselwirkungen) vorgenommen werden kann. Kapillarbrücken bilden dabei die größten Kräfte aus. Sie entstehen auf Grund nanoskaliger Blasen (Nanobubbles), welche vor allem auf schlecht benetzenden Oberflächen existieren.

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To limit the environmental impact from fuel based transport of goods and mobility, the knowledge-based improvement of the hydrothermal long-term stability of Pd exhaust catalysts is demanded. Thus, the present study evaluates the performance of hydrothermally aged Pd/gamma-Al2O3 powder catalysts on lean CO oxidation (60-200°C) in the presence of H2O, and discusses structure-activity correlations. A decline in the number of Pd surface sites is quantified with growing aging temperature (650-950°C), and correlates with the decrease in the CO oxidation activity in transient state. However, unexpected shifts in the activation energy of the steady state CO oxidation are observed for the different aging temperatures and total time on stream. The characterization of the active Pd sites of the aged and non-aged catalysts before and after the CO oxidation indicate that the oxidation state of Pd changes during the lean and wet CO oxidation. The observed trends of the oxidation state of Pd correlate with the determined variations of the activation energy, successfully elucidating structure sensitivity of the CO oxidation at temperatures of 750°C or higher, and with changing total time on stream.:1 Introduction and aims 2 Fundamentals 2.1 Emissions from combustion engines 2.2 Diesel exhaust after-treatment systems 2.3 Pd catalysts for CO oxidation 2.3.1 Characterization and CO oxidation activity of Pd catalysts 2.3.2 Mechanism of the CO oxidation on Pd catalysts 2.3.3 Influence of H2O on the CO oxidation on Pd catalysts 2.3.4 Structure sensitivity of the CO oxidation on Pd catalysts 2.4 Thermal and hydrothermal aging of supported Pd catalysts 2.4.1 Sintering and phase transformations of γ-Al2O3 2.4.2 Sintering of Pd in supported catalysts 2.4.3 Kinetic modelling of the CO oxidation on aged Pd catalysts 3 Materials and methods 37 3.1 Preparation of the Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalyst 3.2 Hydrothermal aging of the catalyst 3.3 Performance of the catalytic CO oxidation 3.3.1 Temperature-programmed CO oxidation 3.3.2 Steady state CO oxidation 3.4 Characterization of the catalysts 3.4.1 N2 physisorption 3.4.2 Temperature-programmed desorption of H2 3.4.3 Scanning transmission electron microscopy 3.4.4 X-ray diffraction 3.4.5 X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy 4 Results and discussion 4.1 Transient CO oxidation activity of the non-aged and aged Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts 12 Contents 4.2 Quantification of the active sites of the non-aged and aged Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts 4.2.1 Number of Pd surface sites 4.2.2 Pd particle sizes 4.2.3 Pd crystallite sizes 4.2.4 Content of surface Pd 4.2.5 Comparative discussion of the quantification of the active sites 4.3 Investigation of the aging mechanism of the Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts 4.4 Steady state CO oxidation kinetics of the non-aged and aged Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts 4.4.1 Activation energy of the steady state CO oxidation and discussion of structure sensitivity 4.4.2 Dispersion of Pd after the steady state CO oxidation 4.4.3 Oxidation state of Pd after the steady state CO oxidation 4.4.4 Comparative discussion of the transient and steady state CO oxidation activity 4.5 Summarizing discussion of the structure-activity correlations of the nonaged and aged Pd/γ-Al2O3 catalysts for CO oxidation 5 Conclusions and outlook Bibliography List of Figures List of Tables A Annexes