Marcin Kulawiak

Interactive visualization of marine pollution monitoring and forecasting data via a Web-based GIS

This work implements a Web-based Geographic Information System (Web GIS) for an existing oil spill monitoring and forecasting service, developed in the framework of the MARCOAST project. This is achieved by remotely presenting the results of the oil spill forecasting module via a dedicated Web GIS, which allows authenticated end users to view the simulation results in a geographical context. A number of Web GIS technologies for presentation of dissimilar types of semi-dynamic geographic data are applied and their respective capabilities for publishing and remote presentation of interactive geospatial information, such as oil spill spread animation overlaid on background data (terrain elevation data, satellite imagery, etc.), are described. More specifically, technologies like ESRI^(R) ArcIMS^(R) (Arc Internet Map Server) and Open Source GeoServer with OpenLayers client library are implemented. The capabilities of the system for visualization and mapping are illustrated by specific applications concerning the spreading scenarios of oil spills in two selected areas of the Aegean Sea, Greece. The presented Web GIS offers added value in the form of providing the end user with comprehensive and synthetic, both spatial and temporal, environmental information through a remotely customizable user-friendly graphical interface. In this context, its integration to a marine pollution monitoring and forecasting system could result in an enhanced pollution awareness and emergency management tool.

Web-Based GIS as a Tool for Supporting Marine Research

Collecting marine data during hydroacoustic research surveys is a complex task, which not only consists of measurements but also analysis, validation, and interpretation of information acquired by various sensors. Automatic integration, visualization, and processing of collected data allow for a more precise investigation of the researched phenomena. The paper presents a dedicated Web-based system for fusion and dissemination of data from satellite imagery, hydrological measurements using CTD probes, acoustic surveys by multibeam systems, side-scan sonars and singlebeam echosounders, as well as live radar feed and oil spill spread models. The system has been designed as a tool for supporting research using the aforementioned techniques.

A novel method for archiving multibeam sonar data with emphasis on efficient record size reduction and storage

Abstract Over the past few years considerable advances in sonar technology, spatial positioning capabilities and computer processing power have lead to significant improvements in mapping, imaging and technologies of seafloor exploration. Recently, modern multibeam echosounder systems (MBES) capable of recording backscatter data for the whole water column, not just for the seabed, have become available thus providing data allowing for visualization and analysis of objects other than the seabed such as single fish, fish schools or pollution. Unlike bathymetric sonars, which only capture the seafloor, multibeam systems produce very large amounts of data during surveys. Because of this, storing the data collected during hydrographic or scientific cruises becomes a crucial problem. In this context, the paper proposes a new approach for efficient reduction and storage of MBES records. The results of a sample implementation of the algorithm being tested on several different sets of MBES data are also discussed.

Innovative Web-Based Geographic Information System for Municipal Areas and Coastal Zone Security and Threat Monitoring Using EO Satellite Data

The paper presents a novel design of a web-based Safe City & Coastal Zone GIS (SCCZ-GIS). The system integrates data acquired from different remote sensing and geospatial data sources for the purpose monitoring the security of the coastal zone, its inhabitants and critical infrastructure. The system utilizes several innovative technologies and solutions and is capable of direct co-operation with different remote sensing data sources and services, including satellite ground station and ESA Service Support Environment. The system runs in operational mode, and the results of the analysis are ready in quasi real time, that is, immediately after receiving a new scene of satellite imagery. The system may be accessed by authorized users either through a web-based client or mobile device application. The paper describes the architecture of the system and presents several case studies where the software is applied to processing of earth observation satellite and spatial analysis of coastal zone infrastructure.

Geographical Information System for analysis of Critical Infrastructures and their hazards due to terrorism, man-originated catastrophes and natural disasters for the city of Gdansk

The paper presents a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) for assessment and visualization of Critical Infra structure (CI) and its hazards which was developed by the Department of Geoinformatics at Gdansk University of Technology for the City of Gdansk. The system allows spatial processing and mapping of various CI analysis results, with the CI analysis module based on the CARVER2™ technology adapted to particular requirements of the Gdansk City Hall Crisis Management Department (CMD). The system works as an integrated solution for both visualization of hazard scenarios and a team-enabled environment for information analysis and sharing among geographically distributed decision makers. The paper focuses on the sample applications with reference to the analysis, visualization, and mapping in a geographical context of several threat scenarios, such as blast attack, chemical attack, and toxic leakage as well as the spatial distribution of critical infrastructure components in Gdansk, Poland.

Real-time Web-based GIS for Analysis, Visualization and Integration of Marine Environment Data

Visualization and integration of the marine spatial data collected by various marine sensors and sources is an important factor in the context of marine environment sensing and monitoring. Several approaches and techniques of measurements are available to achieve this purpose including direct sampling, airborne and satellite imagery, and underwater acoustics. The paper briefly describes the state-of-the art marine GIS system developed in the Department of Geoinformatics of Gdansk University of Technology, Poland. The proposed system is able to integrate many different types of marine data, especially those acquired by various acoustic sensors like multibeam sonar (MBSS), echosounder and side scan sonars (SSS), and other external sensors such as satellite data receiver, radar, or automated identification of ships (AIS) data analyzer. Instantaneous 2D and 3D visualization is provided by the two components of the system: GeoServer web-based module and a standalone application basing on ESRI ArcGIS Engine solutions.

The potential of Web-GIS and geovisual analytics in the context of marine cadastre

The importance of the marine environment to human existence makes it imperative that information models represent the multidimensional nature of reality as closely as possible in order to facilitate good governance. Information regarding jurisdiction, as well as the effects of formal law and community interests on the marine environment should be stored in a marine cadastre. The aim of the presented research is to present a concept marine cadastre structure for the EU Member State of Poland as well as show the potential of the application of open standards and Geovisual Analytics for the purpose of marine cadastre data integration, dissemination and analysis with the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS). The paper also presents a sample implementation of the proposed concept in the form of a Web-GIS for analysis and visualisation of risk assessment results in the context of a marine cadastre for the country of Poland.

Characterizing Surface and Air Temperature in the Baltic Sea Coastal Area Using Remote Sensing Techniques and Gis

Abstract Estimation of surface temperature using multispectral imagery retrieved from satellite sensors constitutes several problems in terms of accuracy, accessibility, quality and evaluation. In order to obtain accurate results, currently utilized methods rely on removing atmospheric fluctuations in separate spectral windows, applying atmospheric corrections or utilizing additional information related to atmosphere or surface characteristics like atmospheric water vapour content, surface effective emissivity correction or transmittance correction. Obtaining accurate results of estimation is particularly critical for regions with fairly non-uniform distribution of surface effective emissivity and surface characteristics such as coastal zone areas. The paper presents the relationship between retrieved land surface temperature, air temperature, sea surface temperature and vegetation indices (VI) calculated based on remote observations in the coastal zone area. An indirect comparison method between remotely estimated surface temperature and air temperature using LST/VI feature space characteristics in an operational Geographic Information System is also presented.

GIS for remote sensing, analysis and visualisation of marine pollution and other marine ecosystem components

Pollution detection, environment sensing and appropriate response strategies are important due to the marine ecosystemspsila continuous absorption of pollutants of various origins. Several approaches and techniques of measurements are available for marine environment monitoring including direct sampling, airborne and satellite imagery and underwater acoustics. The huge development in the information technology has provided the possibilities for much faster and more efficient access to survey data, allowing their remote, nearly real-time management, processing and visualisation. The proposed GIS is able to integrate many different types of marine pollution survey data, especially those acquired by various acoustic sensors like Multibeam Sonar Systems (MBSS), echosounder and Side Scan Sonars (SSS). It also supports instantaneous 2D and 3D visualisation in the form of thematic layers that can be overlaid. The system utilises the ArcSDE application server that facilitates storing and managing spatial data (raster, vector, and survey) in a database and ArcGIS Engine GlobeControl and MapControl components for georeferenced presentation of various objects. The set of geoprocessing and spatial analysis methods can be used in order to retrieve relevant information and analysis results.

Integrated visualization and analysis of threats for marine and coastal regions via a Web-based GIS

The paper presents a Web-Based Geographic Information System for integration, visualization and analysis of data on terrorist, ecological and natural threats. The system uses Open Source solutions like the GeoServer internet map server and the OpenLayers Javascript GIS client library to provide easily accessible and up-to date information related to a region of interest. The system is composed of modules which provide the following features: (1) blast and chemical attack simulation; (2) creation of hazard distribution maps; (3) analysis of risk propagation. Apart from hazard information, which maybe obtained from the simulation modules as well as inserted manually, the system collects and integrates data from several external sensors. The latter include a satellite ground station, oil spill simulation models, a radar and Automated Identification of Ships (AIS). The open, modular structure of the system allows for easy inclusion of different data sources, such as Multibeam Sonar Systems (MBSS) and echosounder. The paper presents case studies of the system applications for analysis, visualization and mapping of threats in the coastal area of the city of Gdansk, Poland.