Abstract In an early paper defining GDI, McLaughlin (1991) identified the three stages of geospatial database development which have taken place since the 1960s: Stage 1 ( c.1960–1980) witnessed the first uses of computers in surveying and mapping, the first efforts at automating land records, the first GIS software being developed in government laboratories and universities, and the first attempts to build urban and regional information systems.
Rescuing operators of small recreational vessels is a constant resource drain on the limited operating budget of the Canadian Coast Guard. As a result, a new and innovative application of small target surveillance techniques is being developed at the Department of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering, UNB, Canada. This work is being done in support of the development of a strategic decision making tool based on risk modeling to be used to predict where in Canadian waters marine incidents are most likely to occur in support of best resource allocation. Previous research in the use of hyperspectral imaging for search and rescue, resulted in the development of fast, nonparametric "spatio-spectral" template subpixel object detection algorithm. The results of this work are being adapted and enhanced for use with the new, commercially available spaceborne high-resolution optical imagery. Investigations are being made regarding the utility of the Minkowski distance metrics for use in small target detection within a multispectral imagery environment. Further, research is being performed on the employment of the Mahalanobis distance metric to enhance the "spatio-spectral" template by exploiting the variance/covariance information surrounding a potential target. The detection results for the two target vessels were excellent using the Manhattan and Euclidean distance. The best results were had using the Manhattan distance metric with a 5x5 kernel with all 16 yachts detected, no false negatives, and six false positives.
Abstract Recreational boating activities represent one of the highest risk populations in the marine environment. Moreover, there is a trend of increased risk exposure by recreational boaters such as those who undertake adventure tourism, sport fishing/hunting, and personal watercraft (PWC) activities. When trying to plan search and rescue activities, there are data deficiencies regarding inventories, activity type, and spatial location of small, recreational boats. This paper examines the current body of research in the application of remote sensing technology in marine search and rescue. The research suggests commercially available very high spatial resolution satellite (VHSR) imagery can be used to detect small recreational vessels using a sub‐pixel detection methodology. The sub‐pixel detection method utilizes local image statistics based on spatio‐spectral considerations. This methodology would have to be adapted for use with VHSR imagery as it was originally used in hyperspectral imaging. Further, the authors examine previous research on 'target characterization' which uses a combination of spectral based classification, and context based feature extraction to generate information such as: length, heading, position, and material of construction for target vessels. This technique is based on pixel‐based processing used in generic digital image processing and computer vision. Finally, a preliminary recreational vessel surveillance system ‐ called Marine Recreational Vessel Reconnaissance (MRV Recon) is tested on some modified VHSR imagery.
The shift in market emphasis from conventional to digital mapping is now approaching completion in Canada. However, while hardware and software are evolving rapidly, management preparation and practices are not keeping pace. In some private companies, the loosely planned implementation of digital mapping and geographic information systems are resulting in operational bottlenecks and, in some cases, significant financial losses. This paper draws on the industrial experience of the senior writer and examines the impact of digital mapping on the organization structure, systems management activities, and project management procedures in a private company. Some of the more significant issues of managing digital versus conventional mapping operations are discussed and some overal industry concerns are highlighted.
Moses, Michael A. M.R.C.S.(Ed.); Banwell, Paul E. F.R.C.S.; Murphy, James V. F.R.C.S.(Plast.); Quinlan, M Jane F.R.C.A.; Coleman, David J. F.R.C.S.(Plast.) Author Information
ObjectivesTo explore the effect of low incubation temperatures and the consequent slowing of bacterial metabolism on the bactericidal action of anti-tuberculosis drugs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
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