scholarly journals Literature Mapper: A QGIS Plugin for Georeferencing Citations in Zotero

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 117862212110092
Author(s):  
Michele M Tobias ◽  
Alex I Mandel
Keyword(s):  
Data Storage ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Web Mapping ◽  
Web Map ◽  
Public Sharing ◽  
Academic Publications ◽  
Spatial Coordinates ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Soil And Water

Many studies in air, soil, and water research involve observations and sampling of a specific location. Knowing where studies have been previously undertaken can be a valuable addition to future research, including understanding the geographical context of previously published literature and selecting future study sites. Here, we introduce Literature Mapper, a Python QGIS plugin that provides a method for creating a spatial bibliography manager as well as a specification for storing spatial data in a bibliography manager. Literature Mapper uses QGIS’ spatial capabilities to allow users to digitize and add location information to a Zotero library, a free and open-source bibliography manager on basemaps or other geographic data of the user’s choice. Literature Mapper enhances the citations in a user’s online Zotero database with geo-locations by storing spatial coordinates as part of traditional citation entries. Literature Mapper receives data from and sends data to the user’s online database via Zotero’s web API. Using Zotero as the backend data storage, Literature Mapper benefits from all of its features including shared citation Collections, public sharing, and an open web API usable by additional applications, such as web mapping libraries. To evaluate Literature Mapper’s ability to provide insights into the spatial distribution of published literature, we provide a case study using the tool to map the study sites described in academic publications related to the biogeomorphology of California’s coastal strand vegetation, a line of research in which air movement, soil, and water are all driving factors. The results of this exercise are presented in static and web map form. The source code for Literature Mapper is available in the corresponding author’s GitHub repository: https://github.com/MicheleTobias/LiteratureMapper

scholarly journals Literature Mapper: A QGIS Plugin for Georeferencing Citations in Zotero

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Tobias ◽  
Alex Mandel
Keyword(s):  
Data Storage ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Location Information ◽  
Online Database ◽  
Web Mapping ◽  
Web Map ◽  
Public Sharing ◽  
Academic Publications ◽  
Spatial Coordinates ◽  
Study Sites

Here we introduce Literature Mapper, a Python QGIS plugin that provides a method for creating a spatial bibliography manager as well as a specification for storing spatial data in a bibliography manager. Literature Mapper uses QGIS’ spatial capabilities to allow users to add location information to a Zotero library, a free and open source bibliography manager. Literature Mapper enhances the citations in a user’s online Zotero database with geo-locations by storing spatial coordinates as part of traditional citation entries. Literature Mapper receives data from and sends data to the user’s online database via Zotero’s web API. By using Zotero as the backend data storage, Literature Mapper benefits from all of its features including shared citation Collections, public sharing, and an open web API usable by additional applications, such as web mapping libraries. We evaluate Literature Mapper’s ability to provide insights into the spatial distribution of published literature by mapping the study sites described in academic publications related to California’s coastal strand vegetation. The results of this exercise are presented in static and web map form.

scholarly journals Designing the Cyberinfrastructure for Spatial Data Curation, Visualization, and Sharing

10.29173/iq11 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (1-4) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Li ◽  
Nicole Kong ◽  
Stanislav Pejša
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Data ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Data Curation ◽  
Data Repository ◽  
Health Humanities ◽  
Web Mapping ◽  
Web Map ◽  
Institutional Data ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Web

Widely used across disciplines such as natural resources, social sciences, public health, humanities, and economics, spatial data is an important component in many studies and has promoted interdisciplinary research development. Though an institutional data repository provides a great solution for data curation, preservation, and sharing, it usually lacks the spatial visualization capability, which limits the use of spatial data to professionals. To increase the impact of research-generated spatial data and truly turn them into digital maps for a broader user base, we have designed and developed the workflow and cyberinfrastructure to extend the current capability of our institutional data repository by visualizing the spatial data on the web. In this project, we added a GIS server to the original institutional data repository cyberinfrastructure, which enables web map services. Then, through a web mapping API, we visualized the spatial data as an interactive web map and embedded in the data repository web page. From the user’s perspective, researchers can still identify, cite and reuse the dataset by downloading the data and metadata and the DOI offered by the data repository. General information users can also browse the web maps to find location-based information. In addition, these data was ingested into the spatial data portal to increase the discoverability for spatial information users. Initial usage statistics suggest that this cyberinfrastructure has greatly improved the spatial data usage and extended the institutional data repository to facilitate spatial data sharing.

scholarly journals A Machine-Learning Approach to Generalisation of GIS Data

2021 ◽  
pp. 41-59
Author(s):  
A Forghani ◽  
S. Kazemi ◽  
D Bruce
Keyword(s):  
User Interface ◽  
Expert System ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Spatial Databases ◽  
Technical Skills ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Web Mapping ◽  
Characteristic Lines

The automation of map generalisation in this study involves an expert system approach that consists of four main components including knowledge acquisition, an inference engine, knowledge representation and a user interface. The acquired knowledge was then utilised to build a knowledge-based solution: a ‘Generalisation Expert System’ (GES) developed in Java, Python and C programming environments for the delivery of generalised geographical features. Its capabilities are demonstrated in a case study through generalising several line and polyline databases over the study area in Canberra, Australia. The cartographic and GIS software communities will benefit from this study through access to a set of tools, guidelines and protocols that incorporate a standardised cartographic generalisation methodology. The results of the trials utilising GES were analysed: a series of generalisation routines were performed to assess the quality of simplification results for different spatial layers. Cartometric measures such as the total length and number of line or polyline segments were used as indices of generalisation to quantify generalisation performance for the target small scale. For example, there are 101,228 segments in 1:250,000 scale and 9,491 segments in 1:500,000 scale contours over the study area. This requires a reduction in the complexity and the density of elevation data. Changes in the representation of contour features at 1:250,000 and 1:500,000 scales as a result of generalisation were quantified. Outputs from map derivation have been analysed applying the Radical Law, this determines the retained number of objects for a given scale change and the number of objects of the original source map. Testing demonstrated that the implemented algorithms in GES are able to extract characteristic vertices on the original entity lines and polylines (e.g. for roads) while excluding non-characteristic lines and polylines to reduce irrelevant computation. This study has demonstrated reasonable improvements in Vertex Reduction, Classification and Merge, Enhanced Douglas-Peucker and Douglas-Peucker-Peschier algorithms. The test results show that GES generalises line features accurately while still maintaining their geometric relations. Existing generalisation software requires advanced technical skills from users; GES however, has a basic and user friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) which is an advantage to users with basic technical skills and understanding of spatial data management. Changes to geographic parameters should be updated in multi-scale maps and spatial databases in near real-time. GES can be developed as a potential tool for generalising large-scale maps into smaller scales, and creating maps of different themes across a variety of scales. Test results have also demonstrated that the methodology developed improves the efficiency of line and polyline generalisation. This study aims to contribute to generalisation system design and the production of a clear framework for users. Experiments presented in this book can be applied to real world problems such as the generalisation of road networks and area features using GES. Future research should be directed towards developing web mapping platforms with generalisation functionality at varying scales.

PlotGoogleMaps: The R-Based Web-Mapping Tool for Thematic Spatial Data

GEOMATICA ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milan Kilibarda ◽  
Branislav Bajat
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Data ◽  
R Package ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Web Browsers ◽  
Google Maps ◽  
Web Mapping ◽  
Web Map ◽  
Mapping Tool ◽  
Present Solution ◽  
Regular Medium

Google Maps are increasingly used for communication throughout many map-based services and maps, embedded on third-party websites via the Google Maps API. The main objective of this paper is to present a solution for an easy creation of an interactive web map, with a base map supplied by Google, where all map elements and additional functionalities are handled by just one line of code. The present solution for the automatic creation of a complete web map, based on the Google Maps API, is the R package plotGoogleMaps. This tool provides a new interactive plot device for handling the geographic data for web browsers. It also offers a complete map in the HTML format, which has become a regular medium for cartographic communication. The tool plotGoogleMaps is developed in the R software language and it is designed for the automatic creation of web maps, as a combination of users’ data and Google Maps layers.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Performance of Three Popular Web Mapping Libraries: A Case Study Using Argentina’s Life Quality Index

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 563
Author(s):  
Alejandro Zunino ◽  
Guillermo Velázquez ◽  
Juan Pablo Celemín ◽  
Cristian Mateos ◽  
Matías Hirsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Quality ◽  
Web Technologies ◽  
Web Mapping ◽  
Network Bandwidth ◽  
Web Map ◽  
Raster Maps ◽  
Dynamic Web ◽  
Network Usage ◽  
Overall Performance

Recent Web technologies such as HTML5, JavaScript, and WebGL have enabled powerful and highly dynamic Web mapping applications executing on standard Web browsers. Despite the complexity for developing such applications has been greatly reduced by Web mapping libraries, developers face many choices to achieve optimal performance and network usage. This scenario is even more complex when considering different representations of geographical data (raster, raw data or vector) and variety of devices (tablets, smartphones, and personal computers). This paper compares the performance and network usage of three popular JavaScript Web mapping libraries for implementing a Web map using different representations for geodata, and executing on different devices. In the experiments, Mapbox GL JS achieved the best overall performance on mid and high end devices for displaying raster or vector maps, while OpenLayers was the best for raster maps on all devices. Vector-based maps are a safe bet for new Web maps, since performance is on par with raster maps on mid-end smartphones, with significant less network bandwidth requirements.

scholarly journals Three-Dimensional Thematic Map Imaging of the Yacht Port on the Example of the Polish National Sailing Centre Marina in Gdańsk

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 7016
Author(s):  
Pawel S. Dabrowski ◽  
Cezary Specht ◽  
Mariusz Specht ◽  
Artur Makar
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Data ◽  
Convex Surface ◽  
Dimensional Space ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Thematic Maps ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
The Many

The theory of cartographic projections is a tool which can present the convex surface of the Earth on the plane. Of the many types of maps, thematic maps perform an important function due to the wide possibilities of adapting their content to current needs. The limitation of classic maps is their two-dimensional nature. In the era of rapidly growing methods of mass acquisition of spatial data, the use of flat images is often not enough to reveal the level of complexity of certain objects. In this case, it is necessary to use visualization in three-dimensional space. The motivation to conduct the study was the use of cartographic projections methods, spatial transformations, and the possibilities offered by thematic maps to create thematic three-dimensional map imaging (T3DMI). The authors presented a practical verification of the adopted methodology to create a T3DMI visualization of the marina of the National Sailing Centre of the Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport (Poland). The profiled characteristics of the object were used to emphasize the key elements of its function. The results confirmed the increase in the interpretative capabilities of the T3DMI method, relative to classic two-dimensional maps. Additionally, the study suggested future research directions of the presented solution.

scholarly journals Feelings of safety during daytime walking: associations with mental health, physical activity and cardiometabolic health in high vacancy, low-income neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber L. Pearson ◽  
Kimberly A. Clevenger ◽  
Teresa H. Horton ◽  
Joseph C. Gardiner ◽  
Ventra Asana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cardiometabolic Health ◽  
Multilevel Regression ◽  
Critical Pathway ◽  
Perceived Safety

Abstract Introduction Individuals living in low-income neighborhoods have disproportionately high rates of obesity, Type-2 diabetes, and cardiometabolic conditions. Perceived safety in one’s neighborhood may influence stress and physical activity, with cascading effects on cardiometabolic health. Methods In this study, we examined relationships among feelings of safety while walking during the day and mental health [perceived stress (PSS), depression score], moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA), Body Mass Index (BMI), and hemoglobin A1C (A1C) in low-income, high-vacancy neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan. We recruited 69 adults who wore accelerometers for one week and completed a survey on demographics, mental health, and neighborhood perceptions. Anthropometrics were collected and A1C was measured using A1CNow test strips. We compiled spatial data on vacant buildings and lots across the city. We fitted conventional and multilevel regression models to predict each outcome, using perceived safety during daytime walking as the independent variable of interest and individual or both individual and neighborhood-level covariates (e.g., number of vacant lots). Last, we examined trends in neighborhood features according to perceived safety. Results In this predominantly African American sample (91%), 47% felt unsafe during daytime walking. Feelings of perceived safety significantly predicted PSS (β = − 2.34, p = 0.017), depression scores (β = − 4.22, p = 0.006), and BMI (β = − 2.87, p = 0.01), after full adjustment. For PA, we detected a significant association for sex only. For A1C we detected significant associations with blighted lots near the home. Those feeling unsafe lived in neighborhoods with higher park area and number of blighted lots. Conclusion Future research is needed to assess a critical pathway through which neighborhood features, including vacant or poor-quality green spaces, may affect obesity—via stress reduction and concomitant effects on cardiometabolic health.

scholarly journals An Approach to Generate Spatial Voronoi Treemaps for Points, Lines, and Polygons

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Song Tian ◽  
Ximin Cui ◽  
Yu Gong
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Geographic Information System ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Data Model ◽  
Space Filling ◽  
Distance Transformation ◽  
Voronoi Polygons ◽  
Spatial Coordinates ◽  
Filling Method ◽  
Spatial Data Model

As a space-filling method, Voronoi Treemaps are used for showcasing hierarchies. Previously presented algorithms are limited to visualize nonspatial data. The approach of spatial Voronoi Treemaps is proposed in this paper to eliminate these problems by enabling the subdivisions for points, lines, and polygons with spatial coordinates and references. The digital distance transformation is recursively used to generate nested raster Voronoi polygons while the raster to vector conversion is used to create a vector-based Treemap visualization in a GIS (geographic information system) environment. The objective is to establish a spatial data model to better visualize and understand the hierarchies in the geographic field.

Mapping wildlife: integrating stakeholder knowledge with modelled patterns of deer abundance by using participatory GIS

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Austin ◽  
S. Cinderby ◽  
J. C. R. Smart ◽  
D. Raffaelli ◽  
P. C. L. White
Keyword(s):  
Community Involvement ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Stakeholder Participation ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Economic Damage ◽  
Participatory Gis ◽  
Wild Deer

Context. Some species that are perceived by certain stakeholders as a valuable resource can also cause ecological or economic damage, leading to contrasting management objectives and subsequent conflict between stakeholder groups. There is increasing recognition that the integration of stakeholder knowledge with formal scientific data can enhance the information available for use in management. This is especially true where scientific understanding is incomplete, as is frequently the case for wide-ranging species, which can be difficult to monitor directly at the landscape scale. Aims. The aim of the research was to incorporate stakeholder knowledge with data derived from formal quantitative models to modify predictions of wildlife distribution and abundance, using wild deer in the UK as an example. Methods. We use selected predictor variables from a deer–vehicle collision model to estimate deer densities at the 10-km square level throughout the East of England. With these predictions as a baseline, we illustrate the use of participatory GIS as a methodological framework for enabling stakeholder participation in the refinement of landscape-scale deer abundance maps. Key results. Stakeholder participation resulted in modifications to modelled abundance patterns for all wild deer species present in the East of England, although the modifications were minor and there was a high degree of consistency among stakeholders in the adjustments made. For muntjac, roe and fallow deer, the majority of stakeholder changes represented an increase in density, suggesting that populations of these species are increasing in the region. Conclusions. Our results show that participatory GIS is a useful technique for enabling stakeholders to contribute to incomplete scientific knowledge, especially where up-to-date species distribution and abundance data are needed to inform wildlife research and management. Implications. The results of the present study will serve as a valuable information base for future research on deer management in the region. The flexibility of the approach makes it applicable to a range of species at different spatial scales and other wildlife conflict issues. These may include the management of invasive species or the conservation of threatened species, where accurate spatial data and enhanced community involvement are necessary in order to facilitate effective management.

Mainstreaming pre-manufactured offsite processes in construction – are we nearly there?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Kwame Ofori-Kuragu ◽  
Robert Osei-Kyei
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Paper ◽  
Sustainable Systems ◽  
Technology Firms ◽  
Current State ◽  
Academic Publications ◽  
The Subject

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the current state of popular modern methods of construction (MMC) and pre-manufactured construction in the construction industry and propose a framework for future implications for practice and future research. Design/methodology/approach This technical paper is based on a narrative review of the extant literature on the subject. First, the Scopus search engine was used to retrieve relevant papers on MMC, offsite and pre-manufactured construction. Second, institutional literature such as reports by industry professional and trade bodies, literature from leading technology firms and contractors with experience of MMC were extracted. These two strands of literature were synthesised and a comprehensive discussion on the topic was provided. Findings Results show that journal publications on MMC and pre-manufactured construction have increased in the past decade. The paper found significant advances in the development of premanufactured and offsite construction approaches with many benefits. Offsite and pre-manufactured construction are viable and sustainable systems currently suitable for wider adoption as the mainstream construction method. Research limitations/implications This technical paper based on an integrative review of relevant literature could have benefitted from interviews of professionals with experience of offsite and pre-manufacture techniques and from wider availability of current academic publications on the subject. Validation of the framework has not been undertaken. Originality/value Not much-published work has been undertaken on the current state of development globally and the viability of these construction approaches. This paper evaluates evidence from academic and industry sources to address this gap. A framework has been developed which can help the industry’s industrialisation drive.

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