Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: An Integrated Approach for Effective Representation and Analysis of Space/Time Environmental Data
EPA Grant Number: R825195Title: An Integrated Approach for Effective Representation and Analysis of Space/Time Environmental Data
Investigators: Peuquet, Donna J. , MacEachren, Alan
Institution: Pennsylvania State University
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: October 10, 1996 through October 9, 1999 (Extended to December 30, 2000)
Project Amount: $585,086
RFA: High Performance Computing (1996) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Human Health , Aquatic Ecosystems , Environmental Statistics
Objective:
The objective of this research was to design and implement a prototype environment that integrates a temporal geographic information system (TGIS) with geovisualization and analysis methods. This integrated environment (called Apoala) has been developed to demonstrate innovative capabilities to support analysis of environmental change and evaluation of possible solutions utilizing large observational data sets. Apoala is intended to serve as a basis for building integrated TGIS/geovisualization systems that can be applied to a wide variety of complex environmental issues.
The Apoala prototype has been designed specifically to include:
1. A fully integrated, multi-representational database model that: (a) integrates object-based, location-based and time-based representations in a tightly coupled manner, (b) is scalable to very large data sets, and (c) can support distribution of data over a number of machines and file systems.
2. A flexible database query protocol linked to a graphical user interface (GUI) that facilitates multidimensional and multi-scale query and analysis in a way that: (a) facilitates ad hoc queries and exploration of the database, (b) is "natural" from a human perspective (e.g., answering "sense" and "until" types of questions), and (c) is fast enough, from an implementation perspective, to allow real-time interaction.
3. A multidimensional, multi-scale geovisualization capability that also facilitates exploratory analysis (as well as more traditional presentation) of time sequences of three-dimensional data, again, in a way that is flexible and powerful, yet also seems natural from the human point of view.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
The Apoala prototype demonstrated several major advancements in the development of new and powerful capabilities for representing and analyzing large and complex space-time data sets.
The original Triad data model was significantly extended to what was named the Pyramid data model. A tree-based parallelization strategy also was implemented and evaluated on a distributed network. The Pyramid model, in concept, has the ability to represent observational data at multiple spatial, as well as temporal scales. Complexities related to the multidimensional nature of the model, however, made it impractical for us to address multiscale representation at the implementational level within the time frame of the research reported here.
A multidimensional, multi-scale geovisualization capability was designed and implemented to support exploratory analysis (as well as more traditional presentation) of time sequences of three-dimensional data. The research demonstrated the potential of visualization environments that enable dynamic, multi-parameter links among representation forms (e.g., maps, parallel coordinate plots) that provide alternative windows on complex multidimensional data.
An interface was developed that allows domain experts to take advantage of a powerful and flexible database query protocol, and intuitive but powerful visual representations and interactive controls for those representations that facilitate structured data exploration and analysis.
Conclusions:
The theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in building the Apoala prototype can serve: (a) as a basis for building integrated Temporal Geographic Information and Visualization systems for application to a wide variety of complex environmental issues, and (b) as an integrative, multidisciplinary methodology and problem-solving tool for posing and answering questions relative to diverse sets of environmental, social, and economic information. The Apoala prototype is the first truly integrated approach to representation and analysis of space/time environmental data.Journal Articles on this Report : 8 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
| Other project views: | All 59 publications | 12 publications in selected types | All 9 journal articles |
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An N, Lu R, Qian L, Sivasubramaniam A, Keefe T. Storing spatial data on a network of workstations. Cluster Computing 1999;2(4):259-270. |
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An N, Jin J, Sivasubramaniam A. Toward an accurate analysis of range queries on spatial data. IEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering 2003;15(2):305-323. |
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Fuhrmann S, MacEachren AM. Navigation in desktop-basierten geo-virtuellen Welten. Kartographische Nachrichten 2001;51(3):132-142. |
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Kraak MJ, Edsall RM, MacEachren AM. Kartographische animaties en legenda's voor temporele kaarten: exploratie en/of interactie. Kartografisch tijdschrift 1997;23(4):13-18. |
R825195 (1998) R825195 (Final) |
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MacEachren AM. Cartography, GIS and the World Wide Web. Progress in Human Geography 1998;22(4):575-585. |
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MacEachren AM, Wachowicz M, Edsall R, Haug D, Masters R. Constructing knowledge from multivariate spatiotemporal data: integrating geographic visualization with knowledge discovery in database methods. International Journal of Geographical Information Science 1999;13(4):311-334. |
R825195 (1998) R825195 (Final) |
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Mennis JL, Peuquet DJ, Qian L. A conceptual framework for incorporating cognitive principles into geographical database representation. International Journal of Geographical Information Science 2000;14(6):501-520. |
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Peuquet DJ. Making space for time: issues in space-time data representation. GeoInformatica 2001;5(1):11-32. |
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Supplemental Keywords:
space-time GIS, space-time data, information interfaces, animation, parallel processing, very large databases., RFA, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, computing technology, geospatial data, data sharing, environmental decision making, space-time environmental data, computer science, geographical information systems, integrated visualization, data management, TGIS/GVIS, information technology, multivariate spatiotemporal visualizationRelevant Websites:
http://www.geovista.psu.edu/grants/apoala/index.htm
http://www.geovista.psu.edu
Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.