Towards a new semantically enriched geoprocessing tool adapted to the Territorial Intelligence and socio-ecological foresight main thematics Thomas Leduc , Philippe Woloszyn, and Fernando González Cortés
Thomas Leduca,d , Philippe Woloszynb,e, and Fernando González Cortésc,f a
CERMA UMR CNRS/MCC 1563 - Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Nantes 6, quai François Mitterrand, BP 16202 - 44262 Nantes cedex 2 - France
UMR ESO, Maison de la Recherche en Sciences Sociales, Université de Haute Bretagne - Rennes II, place du recteur Henri Le Moal, CS 24307, 35043 Rennes cedex France
b
Geographical Information Science Consultant, Valencia - Spain
c
Emails: d
[email protected], g
[email protected], f
[email protected]
Abstract:
In the specific context of the Territorial Intelligence, taking some socio-ecological foresight constraint into account, there is a clear requirement of an advanced Geographic Information System with semantic abilities. Indeed, being able to overlay and do some geoprocessing on several spatial thematic layers is a sine qua non but not enough condition. What is strongly required is a systemic approach that includes the anthropocentric view as a fundamental data. To achieve such an ambitious objective, we combine several types of indicators: from urban morphological one such as the partial isovists field (a useful tool to characterize the open space concept, that is the void where the urban pedestrian is immersed) to the (human-processed) soundscape signal through an adaptation of the entropy calculation. The aim of our paper is both to present the GearScape geoprocessing tool and to develop this multi-dimensioned indicator. Keywords: GIS, geomatics, geo-processing, composite indicator, spatial SQL, GearScape
LEDUC T., WOLOSZYN P., 2010. Towards a new semantically enriched geoprocessing tool adapted to the Territorial Intelligence and socio-ecological foresight main thematics. In Grand Ouest days of Territorial Intelligence, IT-GO 2010. Papers on Territorial Intelligence and Socio-ecological Foresight, ENTI, Rennes
I. Introduction One of the three current main research activities in progress in the European Network of Territorial Intelligence (ENTI) aims to develop the territorial information and spread the methods of territorial observation and spatial analysis. Indeed, as noticed by (Franklin, 1992), at the beginning of the 90s: about eighty percent of all data stored in corporate databases has a spatial component. Moreover, (Clinton, 1994) wrote, in one of its key executive orders: Geographic information is critical to promote economic development, improve our stewardship of natural resources, and protect the environment. He established also that modern technology now permits improved acquisition, distribution, and utilization of geographic (or geospatial) data and mapping. He advised the executive branch to develop a coordinated National Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) to support applications of geospatial data in such areas as transportation, community development, agriculture, emergency response, environmental management, and information technology. Lastly, he emphasized the need to avoid wasteful duplication of effort and promote effective and economical management of resources. At last, a European Union working group provided a suite of recommendations, called INSPIRE directive, for inclusion in the legislative framework. The goal of them is to define an open, cooperative infrastructure for accessing and distributing information products and services online (that is a distributed network of databases, linked by common standards and protocols to ensure compatibility and interoperability of data and services). For all the reasons that will be briefly developed in this paper, we assume that the GearScape framework, as an extensible and re-usable GIS, is an essential component of the Territorial Intelligence. Indeed, this GIS software can be seen as a front-end able to access and address a distributed network of spatial databases, linked by common standards and protocols to ensure compatibility and interoperability of data and services. To sum up, the aim is to be able to integrate several geographic datasets from different data providers, and try to produce richer datasets, creating knowledge and raising analytical level. For easiness reason, this should be realized with an uniform framework so as to facilitate multi-disciplinary collaborations. Numerous systems, either open-source either commercial or proprietary, are nowadays available which cover all sectors of geospatial data handling. According to the GIS software typology presented in (Steiniger et al., 2009), one could classified them all into different categories from WebGIS thin client to Spatial DataBase Management System (S-DBMS). In the huge set of existing GIS software solutions, the one we need has to be a: FOSS, portable and cross-platform, standalone, with geo-spatial batch scripting abilities. To rephrase all those conditions, one could say that the solution has to be developed in Java (so as to take benefits from the wide Java Virtual Machine dissemination and its wellknown WORA slogan created by Sun Microsystems: “write once, run anywhere”), it must be a desktop GIS and has to provide a spatial SQL with parameterization ability. To achieve such an objective, the GDMS layer (Bocher et al., 2008 ; Leduc et al., 2009) has been developed. It is both an API and a spatially enhanced SQL syntax, as close as possible to the SQL-92 standard and to the “Simple Features Specification for SQL” (Herring, 2006a; Herring, 2006b) to guarantee a smooth learning curve. Indeed, spatial languages are suitable tools to define, store and share geo-processing… and among all of them, the SQL (Structured Query Language) is probably the most common and the easiest to use. Indeed, the table paradigm - inherent to the SQL language - has been clearly identified as a very useful tool for Rapid Application Development (RAD). In the way from no interoperability to an ideal one, a syntactic level has therefore been reached. With the GearScape project and more precisely with the GearScape Geoprocessing Language (GGL), the GDMS layer has been enriched with parameterization capability (González et al., 2010). With GearScape and its GGL, expectation is to go one step further towards the semantic interoperability. Indeed, GGL is a geo-processing adapted development tool that lets users without programming skills create, execute and share their own geo-processes. It includes an editor to assist the geo-process authoring tasks, a wizard to execute the created geo-process and a model builder to link geo-processes so as to produce a bigger and composite one.
II. The urban Ambioflux project: soundscape approach The Ambioflux’s interdisciplinary project deals with the urban ambiences in the context of the city reLEDUC T., WOLOSZYN P., 2010. Towards a new semantically enriched geoprocessing tool adapted to the Territorial Intelligence and socio-ecological foresight main thematics. In Grand Ouest days of Territorial Intelligence, IT-GO 2010. Papers on Territorial Intelligence and Socio-ecological Foresight, ENTI, Rennes
qualification. The aim of this project is to focus on both environmental and eco-systemic aspects of the study but also on its psychological and anthropological characteristics. Through interactions with environmental phenomenon such as light or sound, urban and architectural spaces produces atmospheres, so called ambiences. This notion of ambiences is related to the human being position through its perception of environmental physical phenomenon during its pedestrian walk. The aim of our work, within Ambioflux’s interdisciplinary research project, is to evaluate, so as to characterize, the impact of sound ambiences (soundscape) onto an urban pedestrian pathway using and extending the spatial formalism we developed in the context of the GearScape tool. With defining ambiences as an anthropocentric view of the global environmental production through physical, human and built constraints of architectural and urban design, we consider urban space as a field of data aimed to ambiences physical parameters description through multi-phenomenal characterization (Woloszyn, 2002). Therefore, this work will focus on informational indices production, in order to provide dynamical GIS-powered outdoor ambience representation tools, taking the sensory aspect of phenomenal perception, mainly aural, into account (Woloszyn et al., 2000). In order to achieve this assumption, soundscape will be considered through spatial informational dimensioned formulation of urban sound sources, soundmarks. R. M. Schafer introduces the word ‘soundmark’ as a derivation of the word ‘landmark’, to identify sounds which sign the outstanding role of sounds for characterizing a place (Schafer, 1992 ; Schafer, 1993). The graphical representation of a soundmark has to clearly define what constitutes the mark is applied for, so that the precise sound source at the origin, its location and its psychophysical extends, mapped within a pedestrian sound-walk into the urban maze. Considering environmental interaction process as a sensation vector from subject to the ambience complex, involved ambient pointer inter dimensional data are sound source localization, with two spatial extends: the spatial sound pressure integrated levels and the entropy indexed values. That scales sound events from soundmarks (maximum informative sound event) to keynotes (null-informative background sound) (Schafer, 1993). Main objective of the GIST batch process we have to define and implement, is to characterize pedestrian pathway through perceiving an urban soundscape (Woloszyn et al., 2009 ; leduc et al., 2009). Among the wide set of available acoustic indicators, the ones we choose are noise energy, sound signal emergence area and informational dimensioning (entropy indexing). The first indicator we present in this paper is energetically: the Equivalent Sound Level abbreviated as Leq. It is formulated in terms of the equivalent steady noise level which in a stated period of time would contain the same noise energy as the time-varying noise during the same time period (EPA, 1974). The following equation corresponds to its discrete formulation: Leq i �1 � 10 � �Ti ÷ Leq = 10 � log� 1 0 � �T ÷ i � time � sound pressure level L operates for corresponding ΔTi slicewhere, for each step i, constant eqi
time.
Concerning the second indicator, we have decided to treat signals in each emergence area (the spatial positions where corresponding soundmark has some acoustic impact) as stochastic processes and to extract some relevant statistical properties from the spectrums. Assuming that the known sources-events probability distribution is based on empirical frequencies measurement issued from the soundscape observation statistics, the entropy index H is expressed as following Shannon’s information fundamental formula:
H=
� 1 �
� p(x )� log�� p( x) ÷÷
X � �for event x to reach the listener. This probability is based on the occurrence’s wherex�p(x) is the probability frequency of the related event x within the soundscape. This value is a measure of the uncertainty of the soundscape events occurrence: the higher the H value, the more unpredictable the corresponding sound
LEDUC T., WOLOSZYN P., 2010. Towards a new semantically enriched geoprocessing tool adapted to the Territorial Intelligence and socio-ecological foresight main thematics. In Grand Ouest days of Territorial Intelligence, IT-GO 2010. Papers on Territorial Intelligence and Socio-ecological Foresight, ENTI, Rennes
event. As a global indicator, maximal entropy constitutes a reliable soundscape originality measurement. What needs to be remembered here, is that a soundwalk among a composite soundscape is fundamentally a time-line process. Soundscape perception integrates not only sound sources emergence and occurrence frequency as parameters but also the temporal structure of the events’ perception. Therefore a slice-time has to be set so as to sequence each pathway. That is the reason why we adopt a discrete decomposition approach: both pathways and soundscape continuous features are thus transformed into discrete counterparts. This classical conversion process is indeed usually carried out as a first step toward making real data suitable for computational evaluation. The discretization scale we use is based on a nominal cell size of 2m x 2m (regularly spaced planimetric positions).
III. The urban Ambioflux project: visualscape approach In the context of this research project, the objective of the current task is to evaluate, so as to characterize, the impact of visual ambiences (visualscape) onto an urban pedestrian pathway using and extending the spatial semantic layer called GDMS (Generic Datasource Management System). (Zacharias, 2001) wrote: the sensory experience of the environment may dominate the information field and hold sway over many of our actions. We personally adhere to (Piombini, 2006)’s simple hypothesis: visualscape plays an important role in the pedestrian’s perception of the surrounding urban environment. Thus, the optimization of the visualscape’s assessment is a good solution to enhance walking practices. In (Gibson, 1979), an ecological theory of visual perception, based on op-tic flow patterns, has been defined. In this theory, real movement plays a vital part in the perception process. The three key ideas of it are: optic array, textured gradients, and affordance. The optic array corresponds to the set of all visual information (about the layout of objects in space) reaching the eye. It is a set of nested solid angles corresponding to surface elements in the environment. The textured gradient provides information about the characteristics (distance, speed, etc.) of the perceived environment. This mechanism requires almost a small signal processing by the cognitive system. At last, the affordance implies that a particular meaning is enclosed in each visual information: the potential use of an object is directly perceivable (e.g. a chair ‘affords’ sitting). In the 1970s, two main approaches emerge in the visibility analysis context: the concept of viewshed in terrain and landscape analysis and the concept of isovist in architecture and urban space. The viewshed analysis is a traditional way of analyzing a visibility field. It is defined as the part of terrain visible from a viewpoint, and is basically applied to the landscape with terrain and topographic differentiation (Lynch, 1976). As noticed in (Yang, 2007), viewshed analysis in GIS is rarely applied to urban settings because the operation is based on raster data or TIN (triangular irregular network) data structure, which have problems of accuracy in representing complex geometry of urban form. (Benedikt, 1979) defines an isovist as “the set of all points visible from a given vantage point in space and with respect to an environment”. This concept has been previously introduced in (Tandy, 1967). As mentioned in one of (Benedikt, 1979) footnotes, “readers familiar with Gibson’s work will see the affinity of isovists with [ambient] optic arrays”. The isovist is simply this optic array, with the wavelength and intensity information omitted (Benedikt and Burnham, 1985). To sum up, an isovist is usually a 2D bounded polygon which is a useful tool to define the open space con-cept. From a morphological point of view, open spaces are usually defined as the empty space, the void, between the surrounding buildings. However, although these open spaces are not material components of the physical world, they can be conceived as part and parcel of our urban heritage (Teller, 2003). (Batty, 2001) puts the emphasis on the fundamental motivations of conducting visibility analysis research. He noticed that the key questions “how far can we see”, “how much can we see”, and “how much space is enclosed” are relevant to develop good urban design. The Gibsonian panoramic visual world can be seen as a set of temporal series of excitations (sort of visual snapshots) one might experience moving about inside the urban fabric. The pedestrian faces urban morphology in the context of its natural movements. As written in (Yang, 2007), human perception is LEDUC T., WOLOSZYN P., 2010. Towards a new semantically enriched geoprocessing tool adapted to the Territorial Intelligence and socio-ecological foresight main thematics. In Grand Ouest days of Territorial Intelligence, IT-GO 2010. Papers on Territorial Intelligence and Socio-ecological Foresight, ENTI, Rennes
influenced and to a certain extent can be manipulated by re-configuring physical urban morphology, under particular ambients constraints (Woloszyn, 2002). Several different spatial analysis methods have been defined to study the plenum conception (Couclelis, 1992) of urban space. As far as concerned, we have decided to focus on the well-known 2D isovist fields (vector based approach) method. Indeed, (Hillier and Hanson, 1984) noticed “human space is in fact full of strategies [...] to reduce the three-dimensional structures to the two dimensions in which human beings move and order space”. Essentially, isovists describe local geometrical properties of spaces with respect to individual observation points and weight all the possible view directions equally. An isovist is a 2D horizontal slice of pedestrian’s surrounding space (see fig. 1).
Figure 1: Diagram showing an Isovist (Conroy, 2001) For the specific analysis of motion trajectories, (Meilinger, 2009) processes view-specific partial isovists. Partial isovists consider only a restricted part of the theoretically available visual field (for example, 90° instead of 360°). They correspond better to the restrictions of the human visual apparatus. To reproduce the dynamic qualities of the Gibsonian visual world that takes into account not only the bifocal vision but also the relatively free movement of the head and shoulders (Teller, 2003), one may consider the partial isovist angle as an input parameter of the parametric model so as to produce range of results.
IV. Combine both approaches in a semantically enriched geo-processing tool In order to exhibit the relevance of our model and its potentialities, we have decided to apply it on the one hand to a pedestrian pathway in Strasbourg city (sound-walk approach) and, on the other hand to a pathway called “parcours confort” in Nantes. Thos both cities are respectively east- and west-coast located cities in France. Our goal is to compare, in term of the acoustic and the visual perception of a pedestrian, those two pathways.
Figure 2: GearScape provides a geo-processing framework adapted to the development of a set of semantic functionalities.
Conclusion LEDUC T., WOLOSZYN P., 2010. Towards a new semantically enriched geoprocessing tool adapted to the Territorial Intelligence and socio-ecological foresight main thematics. In Grand Ouest days of Territorial Intelligence, IT-GO 2010. Papers on Territorial Intelligence and Socio-ecological Foresight, ENTI, Rennes
The GearScape framework presented in this paper is one more step towards one of the main ENTI’s objective. As an efficient geo-processing system, it is a useful software tool to develop the territorial information and spread the methods of territorial observation. Concerning the decision we took to couple GIS&T and acoustic or visibility analysis, this study is another proof of the relevance of the GDMS layer in term of spatial knowledge enhancement. Much more than a syntax with spatial abilities, this layer provides an extensible engine and a set of tools that let us combine the physical features perceived so as to infer the pedestrian feeling and therefore behavior. Empowered with efficient semantics ability one may admit that a new GIS dedicated to the characterization of a sound- or visual-walk in the urban fabric has thus been developed. Regarding next steps of our study, we aim to focus on some specific and relevant indicators (such as moment of inertia or scattering indicators…) so as to characterize a pedestrian mobility in the urban fabric. At last, we have decided to focus on a 2.5D implementation of this model (coupling it with the ones presented in (Morello et al., 2009) and (Yang et al., 2007)) so as to take surrounding buildings, with their elevation component, into account for enhanced mask effects computation.
Acknowledgements The AMBIOFLUX project was funded by CNRS and the French MEEDM Ministry under PIRVE’s (Programme Interdisciplinaire de Recherche Ville et Environnement) contract #1004. Part of the GearScape developments is funded by the AMBIOFLUX project.
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About the authors Dr. Thomas LEDUC, CERMA Laboratory, CNRS, France
T. Leduc received his Ph.D. in computer science from Paris VI University, France, in 1999. After a first CNRS Research Engineer position at LSV and LMT – laboratories of ENS de Cachan (France), he get into CERMA laboratory and Institute for Research on Urban Sciences and Techniques - IRSTV (Nantes, France) in 2003. He is one of the 3 original authors of the free and open source geographic information system called OrbisGIS. His current research activities focus on mobility in the urban fabric (acoustic and visual aspects through human being perception filter), motion dynamic mapping, spatial semantic and spatial processing. Dr. Philippe WOLOSZYN, ESO Laboratory, CNRS, France
CNRS research worker in “Space and Society” ESO laboratory UMR 6590. After his architecture and acoustical engineering diplomas, he gets his degree from University of Nantes, with using specific fractal measurements of architectural geometry, coupled with virtual sound restitution. His recent projects develop a synergy between architects, physicians and psychologists in order to model environmental effects of urban ambient surroundings on people, inhabitants and users. He has been expert for the ‘Transport Energetical and Environmental Assessment’ operational research group of the PREDIT (Interministry Terrestrial Transport National Innovation and Research Program), the CSEA (Architectural Teaching Overhead Council), and the CoNRS (Research National Committee). In 2003, the French National Research Centre (CNRS) awarded him the bronze medal for his interdisciplinary contribution to the Architectural and Urban Research Field. Member of the ENTI board and of its scientific committee, he has coordinated research activities on territorial indicators within caENTI, he animates the task «Combining economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions of sustainable development objectives » within in FP7 job-LIFE European integrating project. Fernando GONZALEZ CORTES, Geographical Information Science Consultant, Valencia, Spain
F. González Cortés received his M.Sc. in computer science from Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Spain, in 2003. He has been software engineer in the gvSIG team for two years, after which he worked on the OrbisCAD project. During two years, he has leaded the development of the OrbisGIS project at IRSTV (FR CNRS 2488) in France. Currently he works as a freelance providing GIS consulting services, custom developments and creating a geo-processing framework called GearScape. LEDUC T., WOLOSZYN P., 2010. Towards a new semantically enriched geoprocessing tool adapted to the Territorial Intelligence and socio-ecological foresight main thematics. In Grand Ouest days of Territorial Intelligence, IT-GO 2010. Papers on Territorial Intelligence and Socio-ecological Foresight, ENTI, Rennes
