David L. Tulloch

Local‐government data sharing: Evaluating the foundations of spatial data infrastructures

This paper presents a typology of local‐government data sharing arrangements in the US at a time when spatial data infrastructures (SDI) are moving into a second generation. In the first generation, the US National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) theoretically involved a pyramid of data integration resting on local‐government data sharing. Availability of local‐government data is the foundation for all SDI‐related data sharing in this model. However, first‐generation SDI data‐sharing activities and principles have gained only a tenuous hold in local governments. Some formalized data sharing occurs, but only infrequently in response to SDI programmes and policies. Previous research suggests that local‐government data sharing aligns with immediate organizational and practical concerns rather than state or national policies and programmes. We present research findings echoing extending these findings to show that local‐government data sharing is largely informal in nature and is undertaken to support existing governmental activities. NSDI principles remain simply irrelevant for the majority of surveyed local governments. The typology we present distinguishes four distinct types of local‐government data sharing arrangements that reflect institutional, political, and economic factors. The effectiveness of second generation, client‐service‐based SDI will be seriously constrained if the problems of local government take‐up fail to be addressed.

Integrating GIS into farmland preservation policy and decision making

Abstract The paper describes an experiment with the integration of geographic information systems (GIS) into farmland preservation techniques using the data and policies of Hunterdon County, NJ as a case study. The automation process incorporates a variety of factors as criteria for evaluating properties for a purchase of development rights. The spatially explicit criteria include evaluations of the soils, neighboring land uses, proximity to preserved farms, and local communities’ commitment to practices contributing to sustaining farming. This automation is particularly notable in that it uses a parcel-based approach at a county-wide scale. This supports both an assessment of individual farms and a broad understanding of policy outcomes and pattern across the entire county. More interesting are the emerging pattern of benefits and barriers in the automation process highlighted by this exploration.

A closer examination of the relationship between children's weight status and the food and physical activity environment.

OBJECTIVES Conflicting findings on associations between food and physical activity (PA) environments and childrens weight status demand attention in order to inform effective interventions. We assess relationships between the food and PA environments in inner-city neighborhoods and childrens weight status and address sources of conflicting results of prior research. METHODS Weight status of children ages 3-18 was assessed using parent-measured heights and weights. Data were collected from 702 children living in four low-income cities in New Jersey between 2009 and 2010. Proximity of a childs residence to a variety of food and PA outlets was measured in multiple ways using geo-coded data. Multivariate analyses assessed the association between measures of proximity and weight status. RESULTS Significant associations were observed between childrens weight status and proximity to convenience stores in the 1/4 mile radius (OR = 1.9) and with presence of a large park in the 1/2 mile radius (OR = 0.41). No associations were observed for other types of food and PA outlets. CONCLUSIONS Specific aspects of the food and PA environments are predictors of overweight and obese status among children, but the relationships and their detection are dependent upon aspects of the geospatial landscape of each community.

Benefits of Community MPLIS: Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Equity

Traditional measures of benefits have focused primarily on efficiency, with some attention directed towards effectiveness. This paper describes community systems – ostensibly multipurpose land information systems (MPLIS) – that produce three categories of benefits: efficiency, effectiveness and equity (or empowerment). Building on the theoretical model of MPLIS development, the paper defines each type of benefit and describes when and where they can be observed and how they can be measured. The understanding of system benefits promoted by this paper is significant in that it places a higher emphasis on uses of system products throughout the community beyond the agencies that initiate the systems – and therefore community benefits than previous geographic information science benefits research.

Theoretical Model of Multipurpose Land Information Systems Development

Historically, multipurpose land information systems have often been designed for use as community-wide enterprises. Before becoming useful to the community, however, many of these systems encounter prohibitive factors delaying or preventing the satisfaction of the ultimate goals for which they were designed. A criticism of current models is that system developers seeking to build publicly accessible systems do not use them. Since most systems are developed without the guidance of a formal model, system developers often do not fully anticipate likely system issues. Many systems, designed on an ad hoc basis, fail to achieve their full potential, because they have not used an appropriate model to determine a final system outcome. This paper presents a theoretical model describing the stages systems experience during development. These stages are: no development, system initiation, database development, recordkeeping, analysis, and democratization. Additionally, the factors promoting or prohibiting movement from one stage to the next, and the indicators or outcomes of each stage are described. Not only are the individual elements described but also their relationships are described as part of the model. The Multipurpose Land Information System (MPLIS) development model is designed both as a guide for system developers and a tool for discussing and comparing systems.

Green Map Exercises as an Avenue for Problem-Based Learning in a Data-Rich Environment.

Abstract This article describes a series of data-based Green Map learning exercises positioned within a problem-based framework and examines the appropriateness of projects like these as a form of geography education. Problem-based learning (PBL) is an educational technique that engages students in learning through activities that require creative problem solving and applied knowledge rather than lecture and recitation. The experiences speak to the specifics of Green Map use in the classroom but also demonstrate other learning experiences. The projects described in this article have been undertaken in New Jersey, where robust state-wide geospatial databases and strong open records laws allow data exploration and critical review of the data to become central activities in the learning exercises. However, they have occurred outside the traditional venues of geographic education, providing additional insight to ways that students learn from and about geography. The case studies described in the article are divided based on their general context: K–12 and higher education.

Crowdsourcing geographic knowledge: volunteered geographic information VGI in theory and practice

Bargaining with reading habit is no need. Reading is not kind of something sold that you can take or not. It is a thing that will change your life to life better. It is the thing that will give you many things around the world and this universe, in the real world and here after. As what will be given by this crowdsourcing geographic knowledge volunteered geographic information vgi in theory and practice 2013 edition published by springer 2012, how can you bargain with the thing that has many benefits for you?

A progress report on a U.S. National Survey of Geospatial Framework Data

Abstract Although federally supported geospatial data clearinghouses have appeared on the Internet, there exist few resources allowing for a coordinated collection of publicly available geospatial data over large areas. The completion of a national survey of potential producers of geospatial data provides users with a new way of learning about relevant, publicly accessible data when they embark on projects with a spatial component. This article presents a progress report on the National Survey of Geospatial Framework Data. The surveys methodology is described, allowing for readers to anticipate both the nature and extent of the survey results. Also described are the means by which the final results will be released. The survey results will serve as a major national source of information regarding where public geospatial data can be obtained at all levels of government. This article is intended to encourage access to the survey results so the results reach an appropriate audience while still timely and relevant. The survey will serve as a new source of information having implications for access to geospatial data nationwide. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd

Learning from students: geodesign lessons from the regional design studio

This paper explores potential issues in the emerging field of geodesign by examining key lessons learned through design studios. Presenting three distinct projects as examples from regional design studios in an undergraduate landscape architecture program, this paper points out common learning experiences that repeat despite very different contexts. Recurring issues that can be observed from these examples include difficulty in addressing scale, difficulties in dealing with the volumes of data and information available and complications due to perceptions of the false dichotomy between science and design. With the potential to reshape urban planning and design, the need for geodesign to openly embrace a grand vision of itself is evident. However, for these changes to be meaningful, serious changes need to be undertaken in our educational processes developing a generation of urban and regional geodesigners who are better equipped to think scientifically while shaping landscapes and places responsibly and creatively.

Toward a working taxonomy of geodesign practice

As an emerging area of study, geodesign discussions and publications have used practice as a vital source of inspiration and evidence of the early successes of the field. A closer examination of geodesign projects reveals some similarities and differences within the practice currently discussed as geodesign. Using 28 examples of geodesign projects, this paper identifies classes of examples that are similar. Based on the practical evidence represented in the examples, a 3-level classification system is proposed for providing a basic taxonomy for geodesign projects. This taxonomic system characterizes the classes based on: (1) whether the examples ceded some design control to the computer; (2) whether public participation is incorporated into the design process; and (3) whether it employs complex substantive models. This taxonomy offers a means for understanding and describing the diversity of geodesign while also raising new questions about the boundaries and structure of the field.