Dariusz Gotlib

Spatial database modeling for indoor navigation systems

Abstract For many years, cartographers are involved in designing GIS and navigation systems. Most GIS applications use the outdoor data. Increasingly, similar applications are used inside buildings. Therefore it is important to find the proper model of indoor spatial database. The development of indoor navigation systems should utilize advanced teleinformation, geoinformatics, geodetic and cartographical knowledge. The authors present the fundamental requirements for the indoor data model for navigation purposes. Presenting some of the solutions adopted in the world they emphasize that navigation applications require specific data to present the navigation routes in the right way. There is presented original solution for indoor data model created by authors on the basis of BISDM model. Its purpose is to expand the opportunities for use in indoor navigation.

Cartographical Aspects in the Design of Indoor Navigation Systems

Abstract The development of indoor navigation systems should utilize advanced teleinformation, geoinformation and cartographical knowledge. The authors analyzed available specifications of prototypes of indoor navigation systems and drew conclusions about how to enhance the use of cartographical methods in the whole process of designing a new system. The analysis proves that cartographical methodology is still very limited in the process of designing indoor navigation systems. Researchers focus mainly on improving the positioning accuracy, and they often neglect the issue of developing spatial databases and the rules of their effective visualization. The process of designing indoor navigation systems, just like in the case of outdoor navigation systems, consists of a number of tasks that can be supported by the theory and practice of cartography. This article presents the issues of determination of spatial database model appropriate for an indoor system, improvement of accuracy of positioning algorithms utilizing spatial data and methodology of generating graphical and voice directions for indoor navigation. In the authors’ opinion, the discussed cartographical methods and techniques may considerably enhance indoor navigation systems and accelerate their development. The fundamental knowledge of cartographical methods should be within the interest of designers of these systems. At present the first attempts in this field may be observed, although they are still not mature and complex

The research on cartographical indoor presentation and indoor route modeling for navigation applications

This paper introduces the issues of cartographical presentation of spatial data in indoor navigation systems. The research covers ensuring appropriate map communication process from modeling spatial data (creating databases) to formulating a cartographical message for the final recipient. The use of construction drawings and architectural plans in the process of visualization is a considerable limitation and can be applied only in the testing phase of navigation systems. Indoor plans created by graphic designers also limit the functionality of the system. For this reason, it is necessary to apply GIS vector data models and cartographical methodology in the development process of maps dedicated to indoor navigation purposes. Moreover, what poses a vital issue is the presentation of a building at many levels of detail (data generalization) and appropriate symbolization designed for displaying on the small screen of a mobile device during the users movement. In a spatial database, apart from a classic navigation graph, additional vector data of probable indoor movement traces should be saved, which would allow for generation of navigation directions as well as optimal cartographical visualization of calculated routes.

Properties of cartographic modelling under contemporary definitions of a map

Abstract The identity of cartography is determined by the manner of defining and interpreting the concept of “map”. However, the term has not been unequivocally articulated as yet. There are many different definitions of maps available in literature – from those viewing map as a scaled-down, planar, graphic representation of geographical space, to those that equate a map to a specific model that is independent of the form of its presentation. Interestingly enough, the basis of such universal treatment of the map concept can be found already in the scientific works from the 1960s. Although contemporary definitions do not limit a map to a single form of presentation, such over-simplification still persists. The issue has become very relevant given the rapidly increasing number of diverse geospatial applications designed to access spatial data and present it in diverse forms. So far, however, there are no clear rules for categorizing a given representation as cartographic or non-cartographic. And this often gives rise to various misconceptions, e.g. regarding the role and responsibilities of cartography as science and practical activity. According to the authors of the article, a map is an ordered informational structure shaped by the years of practical experience and research in the field of cartography. Map arising in the process of cartographic modelling is understood as one of many possible models of the portrayed space. The model is formed in the course of thought processes, including abstraction and generalization in particular. Creation of the model involves the use of symbolism that can be decoded by the recipient. This does not mean, however, that the process of symbolization is limited exclusively to graphical representations. Map is also a tool for presenting spatial information in a visual, digital or tactile way. Therefore, the essence of map is determined by its “model” nature rather than the format of the cartographic message. The authors have assumed that map is formed in the process of cartographic modelling and certain properties of the process can be defined, that distinguish it from other methods of spatial modelling. The properties recognized as characteristic for cartographic modelling include space portraying that enables identification of types of objects and phenomena, describing spatial relationships between objects, as well as their positioning in the applied reference system. In the authors’ opinion, properties of cartographic modelling include also the intentional application of a specific level of generalization determined by the objective of the map, aware authorship of the message, unambiguity of communication and symbolization based on knowledge. The proposed approach should facilitate the classification of different products designed to represent space.

Integration of models of building interiors with cadastral data

Abstract Demands for applications which use models of building interiors is growing and highly diversified. Those models are applied at the stage of designing and construction of a building, in applications which support real estate management, in navigation and marketing systems and, finally, in crisis management and security systems. They are created on the basis of different data: architectural and construction plans, both, in the analogue form, as well as CAD files, BIM data files, by means of laser scanning (TLS) and conventional surveys. In this context the issue of searching solutions which would integrate the existing models and lead to elimination of data redundancy is becoming more important. The authors analysed the possible input- of cadastral data (legal extent of premises) at the stage of the creation and updating different models of building’s interiors. The paper focuses on one issue - the way of describing the geometry of premises basing on the most popular source data, i.e. architectural and construction plans. However, the described rules may be considered as universal and also may be applied in practice concerned may be used during the process of creation and updating indoor models based on BIM dataset or laser scanning clouds

In Search of the Essence of Cartography

Discussed here is the essence of cartography as well as the specifics and the uniqueness in the cartographic modelling process. During the analysis of the theory of cartography and relations to other fields of knowledge, especially philosophy, eight properties of cartographic modelling have been defined which distinguish the process from other methods of space modelling. In attempting to define essential properties of cartographic modelling which would distinguish the process from other methods of space modelling, the authors introduce the notion that the method of cartographic presentation in the form of a map is not limited to graphic representation only. The language of graphic symbols used in classic methods of cartographic presentation is only one form of the cartographic notation of spatial information.

Spatial data processing for the purpose of video games

Abstract Advanced terrain models are currently commonly used in many video/computers games. Professional GIS technologies, existing spatial datasets and cartographic methodology are more widely used in their development. This allows for achieving a realistic model of the world. On the other hand, the so-called game engines have very high capability of spatial data visualization. Preparing terrain models for the purpose of video games requires knowledge and experience of GIS specialists and cartographers, although it is also accessible for non-professionals. The authors point out commonness and variety of use of terrain models in video games and the existence of a series of ready, advanced tools and procedures of terrain model creating. Finally the authors describe the experiment of performing the process of data modeling for “Condor Soar Simulator”.

Potential Application of the Rough Set Theory in Indoor Navigation

The paper presents concepts of using the Rough Set Theory in indoor navigation. In particular, attention was drawn to potential verification of a position received from the positioning system and generation better quality navigation guidelines. The authors proposed the use of expert systems, spatial data for buildings and spatial analysis techniques typical for Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The presented analysis lies within the scope of the research conducted at the Laboratory of Mobile Cartography at Warsaw University of Technology.