This thesis defines a novel and intuitive method to visually represent attribute uncertainty, and spatial boundary uncertainty generated from choropleth maps. Like all data, it is not possible to know exactly how far from the truth spatial data used for choropleth mapping is. When spatial data is used in a decision-making context a visual representation of data correctness may become a valuable addition. As an example, the visualisation of uncertainty is illustrated using choropleth mapping techniques superimposed on New Zealand 2001 census data, but other spatial datasets could have been employed. Both attribute and spatial uncertainty are considered, with Monte Carlo statistical simulations being used to model attribute uncertainty. A visualisation technique to manage certain choropleth spatial boundary issues (i.e. the modifiable areal unit problem - MAUP) and uncertainty in attribute data is introduced, especially catering for attribute and choropleth spatial boundary uncertainty simultaneously. The new uncertainty visualisation method uses the quadtree spatial data model (SDM) in a novel manner. It is shown that by adapting the quadtree SDM to divide according to uncertainty levels possessed by attributes (associated with areal units), rather than divide on the basis of homogeneous regions (as the original quadtree design was intended), a measure of attribute and choropleth spatial boundary uncertainty can be exhibited. The variable cell size of the structure expresses uncertainty, with larger cell size indicating large uncertainty, and vice versa. The new quadtree SDM was termed the trustree. A software suite called TRUST v1.0 (The Representation of Uncertainty using Scale-unspecific Tessellations) was developed to create square trustree visualisations. The visual appeal and representational accuracy of the trustree was investigated. Representative accuracy and visual appeal increased when using hexagonal tessellations instead of the quadtree�s traditional square tessellation. In particular, the Hexagonal or Rhombus (HoR) quadtree designed by Bell et al. (1989) was used to programme TRUST v1.1. Using the HoR quadtree in rhombic mode (TRUST v1.1.1) produced Orbison�s optical illusion, so it was disregarded. However, the HoR trustree (the hexagonal tessellation produced by TRUST v1.1.2) was adopted for further research and user assessment. When assessed using an Internet survey, the HoR trustree adequately displayed choropleth spatial boundary uncertainty, but not attribute uncertainty. New trustree visualisations, the value-by-area (VBA) trustree and adjacent HoR trustree were developed to help increase the expression of attribute uncertainty. Upon reassessment, the new trustree visualisations were deemed usable to express attribute uncertainty and choropleth spatial boundary uncertainty at a modest 58% usable (HoR trustree), 80% usable (VBA trustree) and 85% usable (adjacent HoR trustree). A usability test (where participants were asked to spot different levels of uncertainty) validated these results, whereby the HoR trustree achieved a 65% accuracy level and the VBA trustree achieved an 80% accuracy level. The user assessments helped to highlight that the trustree could be used in two ways, to express detail within or clutter over areal units. The HoR trustree showed (1) a level of detail (or resolution) metaphor, where more detail represented more accuracy and/or the reverse, (2) a metaphor of clutter, where the data structure output was sufficiently dense as to cover spatial information, in effect hiding uncertain areas. Further Internet survey testing showed the trustree tessellation works better when representing a metaphor of detail. Attribute and spatial uncertainty can be effectively expressed depending on the tessellation level used. Overall, the new TRUST suite visualisations compare favourably with existing uncertainty visualisation techniques. Some uncertainty visualisation methods consistently performed better than the TRUST visualisations such as blinking areas, adjacent value and non-continuous cartograms. Other methods like colour saturation, image sharpness and a three-dimensional surface frequently performed with less usability. Therefore, the TRUST visualisations have found their place amongst other uncertainty visualisation methods. However, survey results showed that TRUST is a viable option for visualising two forms of uncertainty - attribute and spatial uncertainty. No other visualisation method has these capabilities. Further research could include a laboratory assessment of TRUST and also incorporating vagueness and temporal uncertainty concepts. Additionally, end-user testing could provide a valuable insight into uncertainty visualisation for everyday use. Adopting uncertainty methods to uncertainty, such as the technique presented here, into the mainstream decision making environment could be considered a fundamental objective for future investigation in spatial studies.

The relationship between Maori and land is imperative. It forms the basis for developing conceptual blueprints fundamental to producing a data model from a Maori paradigm and integrating that cultural paradigm with western information systems technology. The primary objective of this thesis focuses on blending ancient Maori techniques for managing land information with the advanced tools offered by information systems technology. Like other oral traditions, information about ancestral land and resources were registered in the memories of tribal elders and leaders. Today Maori land information found in the Maori land courts are largely paper-based. By contrast, western civilisations have adapted quickly to computerised systems for managing land information. Unfortunately for Maori, most GIS tend to operate on models influenced by the viewpoint of the dominating culture and their world view. This poses challenges and risks for Maori. This research rejects the idea of adopting technology wholesale, based on western paradigms. Argued from an eclectic theoretical approach incorpating a Maori world view, this study captures the cultural concept of land, develops a conceptual blueprint based on that perspective, and engages that cultural stamp into a western system of managing land information. Thus a blend of the old and the new techniques for managing Maori land information is incorporated, hence ka pu te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi.

Simulating geographic phenomena in a realistic and plausible way requires real-world entities to be abstracted based on the dynamic physical characteristics they exhibit, and treated as individuals in a simulation domain. These processes cannot be adequately supported by the traditional spatial model based on cellular-space such as Cellular Automata (CA). Although this approach has received a great attention as a most favoured technique for simulating the geographic phenomena from different aspects, the need for a generic spatial model to overcome the limitations encountered in such an approach has been raised. This applies particularly to the way real-world entities are represented in a simulation domain regarding their physical characteristics and temporal aspects. In this thesis, a new computational approach for a spatial model suitable for simulating geographic phenomena is presented: the vector agents model. The vector agent is goal-oriented, adaptable, physically defined by an Euclidean geometry and able to change its own geometric characteristics while interacting with other agents in its neighbourhood using a set of rules. The agent is modelled with sensor, state, and strategies. The successful implementation of the model�s architecture allows the representation of the physical characteristics of real-world entities and to observe their complex and dynamic behaviour in a simulation domain. Vector agents have developed out of a need to create a systematic basis for the geometric components of Geographic Automata Systems (GAS), as outlined by Torrens and Benenson (2005). A generic vector agents model was built, then tested and validated from different aspects, from which results demonstrated the model�s efficiency. It is confirmed that vector agents are flexible in producing different complex shapes and patterns for recreating real geographic phenomena through the generic use of three algorithms of geometric manipulation: midpoint displacement by using the relaxed Brownian Motion (fractal-like) algorithm, edge displacement and vertex displacement. The effectiveness of this was initially ascertained visually. A simple heuristic to govern shape growth rate and complexity was derived based on the interplay of the three algorithms. There was a further abstract model comparison against the cellular-agents environment, with the result that vector agents have the ability to emerge patterns similar to what can be produced by cellular-agents with the advantage of representing entities as individuals with their own attributes with realistic geometric boundaries. On the other hand, the city as a complex geographic phenomenon was used as a specific domain for validating the model with a real-world system. The results of the urban land use simulations (driven by simple rules based on three classical urban theories) confirmed that: (a) the model is flexible enough to incorporate various external rules based on real-world systems and (b) the model has a sufficient capability in emerging a variety of patterns under several environments close to actual patterns. The agent environment also proved to be an effective way of easily combining the rules associated with each urban theory (different agents behaved according to different theories). Finally, limitations raised through the development of this work are addressed leading to outline possible extensions of both model computation and the domain of applications.

While it is generally accepted that residential submarkets exist, this is not the case for either their definition or delineation. This study has developed and assessed a methodology for deriving the geospatial dimensions of residential real estate submarkets based on the behaviour of the marketplace with respect to the underlying dimensions of the residential real estate living structure (RLS). Importantly, the methodology makes no prior assumptions about where the spatial boundaries might be. They were empirically derived from the data alone. It is achieved by building on previous work in the field and seeking to identify the fundamental issues in residential real estate market behaviour. The first basic premise of the thesis is that when a dwelling is sold, the commodity traded is a piece of real estate geography comprising a complex bundle of both spatial and structural attributes. The second basic premise is the recognition in the methodology of the importance of ‘location’. The price of the real estate geography varies across geographical space in a continuous fashion and it is this price variability that is defined, in this study, to be the geospatial submarket identifier. The study adopts a two-stage methodology reflecting these two basic premises. Firstly, a complex bundle of attributes is collected for every property in the study area and distilled into its underlying dimensions using principal component analysis. The resulting factors are used in the second stage as independent variables in a hedonic geographically weighted regression model to determine the price variability across geographical space of the underlying residential real estate structure. User-defined breaks in the continuous price surface delineate the geospatial submarket boundaries. The study represents a new approach to the delineation of geospatial submarket boundaries and is yet to be fully assessed by the two major identified users (the planning profession and the valuation profession). However, initial feedback indicates that the ability of the methodology to describe the geospatial submarket boundaries in terms of ‘how’ and ‘where’ location affects the market price of the underlying real estate geography, gives the land professional a better understanding of the submarket structure in which they are working. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1330874 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Social Sciences, 2008

In complex environments, increasing demand for exploring natural resources by both decision makers and the public is driving the search for sustainable planning initiatives. Among these is the use of virtual environments to support effective communication and informed decision-making. Central to the use of virtual environments is their development at low cost and with high realism. / This paper explores intelligent approaches to objects placement, orientation and scaling in virtual environments such that the process is both accurate and cost-effective. The work involves: (1) determining of the key rules to be applied for the classification of vegetation objects and the ways to build an object library according to ecological classes; (2) exploring rules for the placement of vegetation objects based on vegetation behaviours and the growth potential value collected for the research area; (3) developing GIS algorithms for implementation of these rules; and (4) integrating of the GIS algorithms into the existing SIEVE Direct software in such a way that the rules find expression in the virtual environment. / This project is an extension of an integrated research project SIEVE (Spatial Information Exploration and Visualization Environment) that looks at converting 2D GIS data into 3D models which are used for visualization. The aims of my contribution to this research are to develop rules for the classification and intelligent placement of objects, to build a normative object database for rural objects and to output these as 2D billboards or 3D models using the developed intelligent placement algorithms. / Based on Visual Basic Language and ArcObjects tools (ESRI ArcGIS and Game Engine), the outcomes of the intelligent placement process for vegetation objects are shown in the SIEVE environment with 2D images and 3D models. These GIS algorithms were tested in the integrated research project. According to the case study in Victoria, rule-based intelligent placement is based on the idea that certain decision-making processes can be codified into rules which, if followed automatically, would yield results similar to those which would occur in the natural environment. Final product produces Virtual Reality (VR) scenes similar to the natural landscapes. Considering the 2D images and 3D models represented in the SIEVE scenario and the rules (for natural and plantation vegetation) developed in conjunction with scientists in the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and other agencies, outcomes will contribute to the development of policies for better land and resource management and link to wide ranging vegetation assessment projects.

The search for archaeological materials dating to 15,000 yr BP along the southern Oregon coast is a formidable task. Using ethnographic, theoretical, and archaeological data, landscape resources which would have influenced land-use and occupation location decisions in the past are highlighted. Additionally, environmental data pertaining to the late Pleistocene is examined to determine what landscape features may have been used by human groups 15,000 years ago and to determine how these landscape features may have changed since that time. These landscape resource features are included in the modeling project as independent variables. The dependent variable in this modeling project is relative probability that an area will contain archaeological materials dating to the time period of interest. Two predictive locational models are created to facilitate the search process. These models mathematically combine the independent variables using two separate approaches. The hierarchical decision rule model approach assumes that decision makers in the past would have viewed landscape features sequentially rather than simultaneously. The additive, or weighted-value, approach assumes that a number of conditional preference aspects were evaluated simultaneously and that different environmental variables had varying amounts of influence on the locational choices of prehistoric peoples. Integration of the data and mathematical model structures into a Geographic Information System (GIS) allows for spatial analysis of the landscape and the prediction of locations most likely to contain evidence of human activity dating to 15,000 years ago. The process involved with variable integration into the GIS is delineated and results of the modeling procedures are presented in spatial, map-based formats. / Graduation date: 2002

The combination of increased training tempo due to military base closures and the reduction in military budgets have placed a severe burden on the infrastructure at many military installations and emphasized the need for an integrated facility management support system. This research involved linking existing facility, environmental, and operational data within an off the shelf portable geographic information system (GIS) to produce an integrated facility management support system. Presently, no known military installations have an integrated facility management support system linking these systems together within a GIS. An unconstrained theoretical model was first developed using a flowchart logic network to design the system. A detailed application model was then developed using Field Notes as an application model portable GIS package, and Camp Rilea, Oregon, as the application model military installation. The application model was then tested on the military installation at Camp Rilea, to validate the theoretical concept behind the system. The testing conducted on the integrated facility management support system demonstrated the potential for improving the efficiency of facility management operations, and assisting in the prevention of carrying capacity threshold violations on military installations. The results of this research allow for possible implementation of an integrated facility management support system at Camp Rilea and other military installations in the State of Oregon, and the U.S. Army at large. / Graduation date: 1998

Thesis (M.Sc.)--York University, 2003. Graduate Programme in Earth and Space Science & Engineering. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 119-128). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=913494611&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=13&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1174573026&clientId=5220

Background: Urban form is a contributor to physical inactivity, which is a problem around the world. The association between urban form and physical activity is not fully understood, in part because improved methodologies of assessing urban form are necessary. This thesis consists of four studies that examined the association between urban form and physical activity in Edmonton, Alberta, using Geographic Information Systems. The research goals of this thesis were: (1) to compare two objective methods of assessing urban form walkability; (2) to examine the association between objective and subjective urban form measures and physical activity; and (3) to compare self-reported physical activity of individuals living in high and low walkability neighborhoods. Methods: Study 1 addressed Goal 1 and focused on objectively measuring urban form walkability based on public health and architectural (space syntax) measures. Study 2 addressed Goal 2 and focused on urban form association with self-reported physical activity. Study 3 addressed Goals 2 and 3 and focused on urban form association with self-reported walking. Study 4 addressed Goal 3 and involved an observational study of the pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicular movement in four neighbourhoods stratified by walkability and socio-economic status (SES). Results: Study 1 revealed agreement between public health and space syntax measures of assessing urban form. Study 2 revealed that only the objective environment was associated with physical activity. Study 3 revealed that only the perceived environment was associated with walking. Study 3 also revealed that walking as recommended was not different for individuals living in environments objectively assessed as higher versus lower in walkability. Study 4 revealed that observed pedestrian movement was higher in volume in neighbourhoods objectively assessed as higher in walkability. Cyclist movement was lower in volume in the neighbourhood classified as lower in walkability and in SES than in the other three neighbourhoods. Vehicular movement was no different in volume in the four neighbourhoods. Conclusion: Both objective and subjective urban form influence physical activity. A common Social Ecological Models - Space Syntax framework would enable a better understanding of urban form influences on physical activity.

The spatial characterization of Puerto Rican commercial fisheries describing fishing gear use in relation to habitat classes and bathymetry ranges was achieved through the collection and analysis of spatial fisheries data. An extensive field data gathering session was conducted in the entire Puerto Rican territory during the summer months of 2009, from June to October. The field data was digitized and analyzed using geographic information systems (GIS) and computer spreadsheet software, and gear usage charts and graphs, fishing grounds maps, and fishing intensity maps were produced for four gear categories: line, net, dive, and trap gears. Patterns and evidence of likely relationships linking gear usage and benthic habitat, and between gear utilization and water depth ranges, were presented. The importance of the spatial characterization of the commercial fishery for Puerto Rican fisheries management, and other recommendations were given within the concluding chapter.