Infrastructure Engineering - Research Publications

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    Assessment of error in digital vector data using fractal geometry
    DUCKHAM, MATT ; Drummond, Jane (Taylor & Francis, 2000)
    This paper presents a new method for assessment of error in digital vector geographic data, where the features represented can be modelled closely by fractal geometry. Using example hydrological data from Ordnance Survey of Great Britain maps at a range of scales, a resolution smaller than which the digital representation of the feature does not exhibit fractal characteristics can be calculated. It is proposed that this resolution reflects the minimum ground resolution of the map, which in turn can be related to the source map scale.
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    Spatial data quality capture through inductive learning
    DUCKHAM, MATT ; Drummond, Jane ; Forrest, David (Springer Verlag (Germany), 2000)
    The relatively weak uptake of spatial error handling capabilities by commercial GIS companies and users can in part be attributed to the relatively low availability and high costs of spatial data quality information. Based on the well established artificial intelligence technique of induction, this paper charts the development of an automated quality capture tool. By learning from example, the tool makes very efficient use of scarce spatial data quality information, so helping to minimise the cost and maximise availability of data quality. The example application of the tool to a telecommunications legacy data capture project indicates the practicality and potential value of the approach.
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    A formal approach to imperfection in geographic information
    DUCKHAM, MATT ; MASON, KEITH ; Stell, John ; Worboys, Mike (Elsevier, 2001)
    Traditional computational models of geographic phenomena offer no room for imperfection. Underlying this tradition is the simplifying assumption that reality is certain, crisp, unambiguous, independent of context, and capable of quantitative representation. This paper reports on initial work which explicitly recognises that most geographic information is intrinsically imperfect. Based on an ontology of imperfection the paper explores a formal model of imperfect geographic information using multi-valued logic. The development of Java software able to assist with a geodemographic retail site assessment application is used to illustrate the utility of a formal approach.
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    An algebraic approach to automated information fusion
    DUCKHAM, MATT ; WORBOYS, MICHAEL (Taylor & Francis, 2005)
    This paper presents a new technique for information fusion. Unlike most previous work on information fusion, this paper explores the use of instance-level (extensional) information within the fusion process. This paper proposes an algorithm that can be used automatically to infer the schema-level structure necessary for information fusion from instance-level information. The approach is illustrated using the example of geospatial land cover data. The method is then extended to operate under uncertainty, such as in cases where the data is inaccurate or imprecise. The paper describes the implementation of the fusion method within a software prototype. Finally, the paper discusses several key topics for future research, including applications of this work to spatial data mining and the semantic web.
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    The role [of] cadastral data modelling in e-land administration
    Kalantari, M. ; Rajabifard, A. ; Wallace, J. ; Williamson, I. P. (Centre of Geo-Information Technologies (cGIT), 2005)
    Enablement of land administration with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is heading toward e-Land Administration (e-LA): the transformation of land administration through the use of ICT. Existing initiatives include providing land information on line, electronic conveyancing, digital lodgement of survey plans, and online access to survey plan information. Thus far, implementation of these initiatives is isolated in their specific subsystems without reference to the broader land administration system or its core policy function of supporting sustainable development. One solution to isolation is to develop effective communication among the different land administration subsystems by harmonising data and functionalities, so they are capable of being used by all subsystems. The key to harmonisation is data modelling which both recognizes and reengineers existing business processes. Modelling allows every single process in land administration to influence the cadastral data model and vice versa. This paper describes the importance of cadastral data modelling in data management as well as coordination among subsystems in an e-LA.
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    Developing a platform to facilitate sharing spatial data
    RAJABIFARD, ABBAS ; BINNS, ANDREW ; WILLIAMSON, IAN (Centre of Geo-Information Technologies (cGIT)., 2005)
    Users of positioning and spatial information services and tools require precise spatial information in real-time and real-world objects. Simply an accurate positioning of a future subdivision is no longer accepted by users, they require it to be visualized as well, in order to take into account outside influences. The capacity to meet such user needs and deliver services and tools within the spatial information market has gone well beyond the ability of single organisations (Rajabifard, et al, 2005a). There is now a wide range of products and services available for a wide range of information technology applications, and hence the development of an enabling platform can facilitate access to data and sharing resources and tools among different practitioners. The creation of an enabling platform for the delivery of these tools and positioning applications will allow users from diverse backgrounds to work together with current technologies to meet the dynamic market place. Up until now, individual jurisdictions within Australia for example have started utilizing different platforms in attempting to create mechanisms for accessing and delivering spatial data and associated applications and tools in a coordinated fashion. This has been done through the use of hierarchies of information, where jurisdictions utilize information both by those within a jurisdictional level as well as those at a higher or lower jurisdictional level. The benefits of this sharing of information have been documented, however they do not necessarily break down the barriers between jurisdictions. Just because different information can be gained about Victorian state for example from different jurisdictional levels, does not mean that the information will necessarily be compatible (it may not be of the same accuracy or have the same specifications, utilize the same symbology, etc) (Rajabifard, et al, 2005b). There is now a need to create a common rail gauge within Australia to aid in implementing initiatives which solve cross jurisdictional and national issues. In order to meet this need, there is a requirement for an enabling platform.
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    The cadastral survey requirements of developing countries in the Pacific region: with particular reference to Fiji
    Williamson, Ian P. (Commonwealth Association of Surveying and Land Economy (CASLE), 1982)
    The cadastral survey systems introduced into many developing Pacific countries during colonial eras often do not meet the social and economic demands placed on them at the present time. Such systems can seriously limit the availability and transfer of land hence restricting the development and economic advancement of a country .This paper considers the subject generally although particular reference is made to the system presently operating in Fiji.
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    Cadastral survey techniques in developing countries: with particular reference to Thailand
    Williamson, Ian P. ( 1983-09)
    The benefits of an efficient cadastral, survey and land registration system to developing countries are described. The legal, and particularly the technical procedures in creating a cadastre are discussed. The use of ground and photogrammetric survey techniques are highlighted. The reasons for restricting, the introduction of efficient cadastral survey systems are considered. Thailand is used as an example of a country which has, shown much flexibility in improving its cadastral system to better meet the needs of its developing economy. In this regard, the institutional and legal arrangements in the Thai cadastral system are described, as is the development of the cadastral survey system. As an indication of continuing flexibility, the future direction of 1he Thai cadastral, system is discussed.
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    Coordination of cadastral surveys in New South Wales
    Williamson, Ian P. ( 1984-12)
    A review is made of all major attempts and recommendations to introduce coordination of cadastral surveys into New South Wales. The review covers the period from the first directives by the Government for a general survey in the 1820s, to the proposals to introduce coordination based on the Integrated Survey Grid in the 1970s. An attempt is made to draw some conclusions from the historical review which will assist in the introduction of some form of coordination of cadastral surveys in the future.
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    The development of the cadastral survey system in New South Wales
    Williamson, Ian P. ( 1984-03)
    This article reviews the development of the cadastral survey system in N.S.W. Particular emphasis is given to an understanding of why the system developed based on isolated survey principles. In reviewing the development, three critical periods have been considered: early survey administration, ‘1788- 1831; the formative years, 183l-1864; and refinement, 1864-present’.