rassta: Raster-based Spatial Stratification Algorithms

Spatial stratification of landscapes allows for the development of efficient sampling surveys,the inclusion of domain knowledge in data-driven modeling frameworks, and the production of information relating the spatial variability of response phenomena to that of landscape processes. This work presents the rassta package as a collection of algorithms dedicated to the spatial stratification of landscapes, the calculation of landscape correspondence metrics across geographic space, and the application of these metrics for spatial sampling and modeling of environmental phenomena. The theoretical background of rassta is presented through references to several studies which have benefited from landscape stratification routines. The functionality of rassta is presented through code examples which are complemented with the geographic visualization of their outputs.

TRANSFORMATION OF THE SETTLEMENT STRUCTURE OF THE “MOSCOW –SAINT-PETERSBURG” MACROREGION. CASE STUDY OF NOVGOROD REGION

The article is devoted to the process of transformation of the spatial structure of the analytical Russian inter-capital space in the context of global settlement. The emergence of the phenomenon of inter-agglomeration territories is substantiated. A method for determining inter-agglomeration territories through the paths of isochronous transport accessibility of settlements is proposed. The main problems and trends in the development of demographically decreasing territories in the zone of inter-agglomeration influence are outlined. The main historical stages and factors of the restructuring of the settlement system of the macro-region "Moscow-St. Petersburg" in the XVII-XXI centuries are considered. The assessment of social assistance based on data on the transport accessibility of settlements has been carried out. The analysis of the spatial area of settlement of the Novgorod region of the geographic visualization of the database has been carried out. It includes data on the population and the geographical coordinates of the settlements of Russia. The comparison of historical fragments of the settlement structure and their current state is performed on the basis of historical maps and data on the population census. The issue of preserving sustainable spaces in the context of urbanization processes and in connection with modern challenges and threats to the functioning of the city is considered. Competitive advantages and factors of development of inter-agglomeration territories are indicated. The main scenarios of the development of the settlement system of the inter-capital region are considered on the example of the Novgorod region.

Geovisualisierung zur räumlichen Entscheidungsunterstützung

This paper presents a combination of methods for spatial multi-criteria evaluation with principles of geographic visualization. Decision-makers are enabled to test multi-criteria decision strategies through the interactive manipulation of map symbols, linked displays, and transient selection and highlighting of data points. The results of different scenarios can then be compared and calibrated with the user’s knowledge. The paper introduces two case studies for geographic visualization in spatial decision support for public health planning and urban quality of life assessment. The case studies illustrate how map-centred interactive exploration of criteria hierarchies and importance weights affords a deeper insight into decision problems than traditional methods.

Map-Based Exploratory Evaluation of Non-Medical Determinants of Population Health

Multi‐criteria evaluation (MCE) and decision‐making are increasingly combined with interactive tools to assist users with visual thinking and exploring decision strategies. The interactive control of criterion combination rules and the simultaneous observation of geographic space and criterion space provide a means of investigating the sensitivity of the decision outcome to the decision‐maker's preferences. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is an MCE method that has been successfully implemented in management processes including those addressed by Geographic Information Systems. In this paper, we present a map‐based, interactive AHP implementation, which provides a link between a well‐understood decision support method and exploratory geographic visualization. Using a case study with public health data for the Province of Ontario, Canada, we demonstrate that exploratory map use increases the effectiveness of the AHP‐based evaluation of population health.

Argumentation Mapping in Collaborative Spatial Decision Making

Collaboration and decision-making of humans usually entails logical reasoning that is expressed through discussions and individual arguments. Where collaborative work uses geo-spatial information and where decision-making has a spatial connotation, argumentation will include geographical references. Argumentation maps have been developed to support geographically referenced discussions and provide a visual access to debates in domains such as urban planning. The concept of argumentation maps provides for explicit links between arguments and the geographic objects they refer to. These geo-argumentative relations do not only allow for cartographic representation of arguments, but also support the querying of both, space and discussion. Combinations of spatial queries and retrieval of linked arguments provide a powerful way of analyzing and summarizing the current state of a debate. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the original argumentation model and we discuss related research and application development. We also link argumentation mapping to related concepts in geographic visualization, spatial decision support systems, and public participation GIS under the umbrella of collaborative GIS.

Geovisualisierung zur räumlichen Entscheidungsunterstützung

This paper presents a combination of methods for spatial multi-criteria evaluation with principles of geographic visualization. Decision-makers are enabled to test multi-criteria decision strategies through the interactive manipulation of map symbols, linked displays, and transient selection and highlighting of data points. The results of different scenarios can then be compared and calibrated with the user’s knowledge. The paper introduces two case studies for geographic visualization in spatial decision support for public health planning and urban quality of life assessment. The case studies illustrate how map-centred interactive exploration of criteria hierarchies and importance weights affords a deeper insight into decision problems than traditional methods.

Map-Based Exploratory Evaluation of Non-Medical Determinants of Population Health

Multi‐criteria evaluation (MCE) and decision‐making are increasingly combined with interactive tools to assist users with visual thinking and exploring decision strategies. The interactive control of criterion combination rules and the simultaneous observation of geographic space and criterion space provide a means of investigating the sensitivity of the decision outcome to the decision‐maker's preferences. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is an MCE method that has been successfully implemented in management processes including those addressed by Geographic Information Systems. In this paper, we present a map‐based, interactive AHP implementation, which provides a link between a well‐understood decision support method and exploratory geographic visualization. Using a case study with public health data for the Province of Ontario, Canada, we demonstrate that exploratory map use increases the effectiveness of the AHP‐based evaluation of population health.

A Geographic Visualization Approach to Multi-Criteria Evaluation of Urban Quality of Life

This paper proposes to use principles of geographic visualization in conjunction with multi‐criteria evaluation methods to support expert‐level spatial decision‐making. Interactive maps can be combined with analytical tools to explore various settings of multi‐criteria evaluation parameters that define different decision‐making strategies. In a case study, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to calculate composite measures of urban quality of life (QoL) for neighbourhoods in Toronto. The AHP allows for an interactive exploration of decision‐making strategies, while offering a view on spatial patterns in the evaluation results. In particular, an interactive blending between a classical and a contemporary QoL model is supported. This feature is used in a pilot study to assess the usefulness of geographic visualization in urban QoL evaluation. Three user interviews provide positive feedback on the utility and usability of the tool that was operated by the investigator.

A Geographic Visualization Approach to Multi-Criteria Evaluation of Urban Quality of Life

This paper proposes to use principles of geographic visualization in conjunction with multi‐criteria evaluation methods to support expert‐level spatial decision‐making. Interactive maps can be combined with analytical tools to explore various settings of multi‐criteria evaluation parameters that define different decision‐making strategies. In a case study, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to calculate composite measures of urban quality of life (QoL) for neighbourhoods in Toronto. The AHP allows for an interactive exploration of decision‐making strategies, while offering a view on spatial patterns in the evaluation results. In particular, an interactive blending between a classical and a contemporary QoL model is supported. This feature is used in a pilot study to assess the usefulness of geographic visualization in urban QoL evaluation. Three user interviews provide positive feedback on the utility and usability of the tool that was operated by the investigator.