Milan Konečný

A European Perspective on Digital Earth

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the definition of a European perspective on Digital Earth (DE), identify some actions that can contribute to raise the awareness of DE in the European context and thus strengthen the European contribution to the International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE). The paper identifies opportunities and synergies with the current policy priorities in Europe (Europe 2020, Innovation Union and Digital Agenda) and highlights a number of key areas to advance the development of DE from a European perspective: (1) integrating scientific research into DE; (2) exploiting the Observation Web with human-centred sensing; and (3) governance, including the establishment of stronger linkages across the European landscape of funding streams and initiatives. The paper is offered also as a contribution to the development of this new vision of DE to be presented at the next International DE Conference in Perth, Australia, in August 2011. The global recognition of this new vision will then reinforce the European component and build a positive feedback loop for the further implementation of DE across the globe.

Proposal for a Standard in Cartographic Visualization of Natural Risks and Disasters

The paper considers different examples of cartographic visualization of natural risks and disasters. The ubiquitous mapping of the risk processes is discussed in the direction of process of standardization. It is done on the base of existing standards and proposals for standards in the considered area. Different kinds of disasters caused by earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, floods, oil spills, wildfires and other natural phenomena can be visualized after their modeling in one and the same way. When we have the appropriate classified geographic data, a disaster or natural risk can be modeled using a standard color system (RGB or CMYK) and a standard cartographic symbol system on computer generated maps. Standard color and symbol systems should be designed on cartographic principles to be simple, associated with objects or phenomena and readable for users.

Selected issues of cartographic communication optimization for emergency centers

Abstract Cartographic communication and support within emergency management (EM) are complicated issues with changing demands according to the incident extent and phase of the EM cycle. Keeping in mind the specifics of each purpose, it is obvious that spatial data used for maps preparation and production must be differently visualized even for the same type of emergency incident (traffic accident, fire, and natural disaster). Context-based cartography is a promising methodology to deal with the changing demands of an operational EM center. An overview of cartographic communication is presented within the context of an operational EM center, activities of particular actors, and map use supporting the incident elimination. The authors of the paper respond to a series of questions, for example: what is the current cartographic support of operational EM in the Czech Republic in Digital Earth conditions? What possibilities are there to improve the cartographic communication? How can contextual cartographic services be implemented in a Web environment and how can the usability of results be tested? The paper gives several examples of the usage of cartographic technologies in map creation for various emergency situations.

Thematic Cartography for the Society

“Thematic Cartography for the Society” is prepared on the basis of the best 30 papers presented at the 5th International Conference on Cartography and GIS held in Albena, Bulgaria in 2014. The aim of the conference is to register new knowledge and shape experiences about the latest achievements in cartography and GIS worldwide. At the same time, the focus is on the important European region - the Balkan Peninsula. The following topics are covered: User-friendly Internet and Web Cartography; User-oriented Map Design and Production; Context-oriented Cartographic Visualization; Map Interfaces for Volunteered Geographic Information; Sensing Technologies and their Integration with Maps; Cartography in Education. Focus on user-oriented cartographic approaches.

Adaptive cartography and geographical education

The article focuses on adaptive cartography and its potential for geographical education. After briefly describing the wider context of adaptive cartography, it is suggested that this new cartographic approach establishes new demands and benefits for geographical education, especially in offering the possibility for broader individual participation in the learning process.

Early warning and disaster management: the importance of geographic information (Part A)

Early warning in EU and world. Natural disasters. Disaster management and early warning are treated in many ways on a worldwide, regional, national and sub-national level, in policies in action plans, directives, etc. and also in research and development project.

Introduction to Ubiquitous Cartography and Dynamic Geovisualization with Implications for Disaster and Crisis Management

The chapter concentrates in research of ubiquitous cartography and dynamic geovisualizations of real-time generated models and the project Dynamic Geovisualization in Crisis Management, which is solved at the Masaryk University, is commented.

Flood Management and Geoinformation Support within the Emergency Cycle (EU Example)

Paper describes the state-of-the-art of flood management both in the Czech Republic and in the broader framework of EU. Special focus is given to geoinformation and cartographic issues within consecutive parts of emergency management cycle used in European Union countries (prevention, preparation, response, and recovery phases). For each phase an adaptive mapping solution is outlined. The principles of adaptive cartography and its applications are described.

SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE AND GEOVISUALIZATION IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Support for an emergency management (EM) is one of the important requests for contemporary cartography. Map use demands high flexibility during emergency situations and variety of outputs according to changing situations, requested scope of decision making, and various users involved. Electronic maps are offering more flexible possibilities than traditional analogue maps, but nowadays, despite huge data sources for EM are Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based, still many cartographic interfaces are even less efficient copies of former analogue maps. At the base of this analysis, the focus on the role of GIS, geovisualization, and sensor technologies in emergency management is overviewed. Global description of positional accuracy, projection handling, geodata harmonization, and quality management for EM are described.

Semi-Automated Classification of Landform Elements in Armenia Based on SRTM DEM using K-Means Unsupervised Classification

Abstract Land elements have been used as basic landform descriptors in many science disciplines, including soil mapping, vegetation mapping, and landscape ecology. This paper presents a semi-automatic method based on k-means unsupervised classification to analyze geomorphometric features as landform elements in Armenia. First, several data layers were derived from DEM: elevation, slope, profile curvature, plan curvature and flow path length. Then, k-means algorithm has been used for classifying landform elements based on these morphomertic parameters. The classification has seven landform classes. Overall, landform classification is performed in the form of a three-level hierarchical scheme. The resulting map reflects the general topography and landform character of Armenia.