Thomas Ott

Bio: Thomas Ott is an academic researcher from University of Mannheim. The author has contributed to research in topics: Geographic information system & GIS and public health. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 4 publications receiving 116 citations.

Time-Integrative Geographic Information Systems: Management and Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Data

Abstract: 1 Introduction.- 1.1 The relationship of space and time.- 1.2 Targets and contents of the book.- 1.2.1 What this book is about.- 1.2.2 What this book is not about.- 1.2.3 How to use this book.- 1.2.4 Structure and organization of the book.- 1.3 Further Reading.- 1.3.1 Introductions in GIS and reference books.- 1.3.2 Data capturing, data management, database technology and data storage.- 1.3.3 Land survey, cadastre, remote sensing and GPS.- 1.3.4 Map projections and reference systems.- 1.3.5 Data models, topology and spatial queries.- 1.3.6 Spatial statistics, spatial analysis and spatial modelling.- 1.3.7 Data warehousing and decision support systems.- 1.3.8 Visualisation techniques, cartography and Web-GIS.- 1.3.9 GIS project management and applications of GIS.- 1.3.10 Manuals and programming language handbooks.- 1.3.11 Philosophical, social, political and legal aspects of GIS.- 2 Conceptualising real world entities in spatio-temporal GIS.- 2.1 The geographer's perspective on space and time.- 2.2 Modelling the real world in Geographic Information Systems.- 2.2.1 Steps in building a GIS.- 2.2.2 Stages of abstraction in modelling a GIS.- 2.2.3 Conceptualising the real world in GIS.- 2.2.4 Geo-coding.- 2.2.5 Geo-referencing.- 2.3 The representation of space in GIS.- 2.3.1 Vector data models.- 2.3.2 Raster data models.- 2.4 Integration of external models in Geographic Information Systems.- 2.4.1 The dasymetric mapping problem.- 2.4.2 The modifiable areal unit problem.- 2.4.3 The closed number set problem.- 2.4.4 The ecological fallacy problem.- 2.5 Spatio-temporal dimensions in GIS.- 3 Integrating time in Geographic Information Systems.- 3.1 Different types of time.- 3.2 Conceptualising time in GIS.- 3.2.1 Snapshots.- 3.2.2 Time slices.- 3.2.3 Topology of time.- 3.2.4 Space-time composite.- 3.2.5 The amendment vector method.- 3.2.6 ER-models of temporal objects.- 3.2.7 patio-temporal object model.- 3.3 Event and database time.- 3.4 Version management.- 3.5 Types of temporal databases.- 4 Implementation of time in GIS.- 4.1 Implementation problems.- 4.2 Project design.- 4.2.1 Top down approach.- 4.2.2 Bottom up approach.- 4.2.3 Acquiring the technology.- 4.3 Implementation constraints.- 4.3.1 Data sources.- 4.3.2 Spatio-temporal GIS approaches.- 4.3.3 Temporal point maps.- 4.3.4 Gazetteer method.- 4.3.5 Raster cell spatio-temporal GIS.- 4.3.6 Past in present snapshots.- 4.3.7 Time slices overlay method.- 4.3.8 Least common geometries method.- 4.3.9 Pseudo-object GIS.- 5 Processing and analysis of temporal data inside a GIS.- 5.1 Common GIS analysis functions.- 5.2 Spatial and thematic queries.- 5.2.1 Spatial queries.- 5.2.2 Thematic queries.- 5.2.3 Statistical analysis.- 5.2.4 Overlay and split.- 5.2.5 Geometric-topological operations.- 5.2.6 Interpolation.- 5.2.7 Network functions.- 5.3 Temporal queries.- 5.4 Process analysis and simulation.- 6 The visualization of spatio-temporal processes.- 6.1 Basic concepts of spatio-temporal visualisation.- 6.2 Displaying time on a map.- 6.3 Multidimensional GIS.- 6.4 GIS and Multimedia.- 7 Examples.- 7.1 Building a historical GIS.- 7.2 Studying historical transport networks.- 7.3 Exploring cultural landscape change.- 7.4 Working with cadastres.- 7.5 Predicting wildfires.- 7.6 Mapping urban growth.- 7.7 Reconstructing archaeological excavations.- 7.8 Mining for business data.- 8 Conclusion.- 8.1 Summary.- 8.2 Outlook.- 9 Appendix.- 9.1 Research bibliography.- 9.2 Internet links.- CD-ROM with examples / code from the book.

Time-integrative geographic information systems

Abstract: Please check the website at http://www.time-gis.de for updates and additions.

Integrating time in Geographic Information Systems

Abstract: A spatio-temporal GIS extends a customary two or three dimensional spatial GIS on the time axis. Hagerstrand (1970) already used an orthogonal relationship between space and time to conceptualise the framework of his Time Geography approach. For his analysis of space-time paths, he made use of the fact that people can only be at one location at a time and that the moving from one location to another needs time.26 A space-time path is defined by the changes of locations over time (see 3.1). This example shows, that in a spatio-temporal framework space and time are equivalent features of an event or a process. Furthermore each entity which physically exists in the real world is defined in a spatio-temporal context which can be conceptualised using spatial, temporal and attribute information (see figure 1.2).

The visualisation of spatio-temporal processes

Abstract: An important aspect of Geographic Information Systems deals with the functionalities used to visualize spatial data. Unsurprisingly this task is usually accomplished by applying methods and techniques provided by cartography, as maps are both, the means and the product of geographical analysis. Recently, many new impulses from the emerging field of visualisation in scientific computing (ViSC) continue to have a strong influence on the methods used to visualize spatiotemporal data. This chapter deals with some basic insight on the visualisation process as well as with classic and modern approaches of displaying temporal data on paper or a computer screen.

The geometry of biological time , by A. T. Winfree. Pp 544. DM68. Corrected Second Printing 1990. ISBN 3-540-52528-9 (Springer)

Abstract: 1980 Preface * 1999 Preface * 1999 Acknowledgements * Introduction * 1 Circular Logic * 2 Phase Singularities (Screwy Results of Circular Logic) * 3 The Rules of the Ring * 4 Ring Populations * 5 Getting Off the Ring * 6 Attracting Cycles and Isochrons * 7 Measuring the Trajectories of a Circadian Clock * 8 Populations of Attractor Cycle Oscillators * 9 Excitable Kinetics and Excitable Media * 10 The Varieties of Phaseless Experience: In Which the Geometrical Orderliness of Rhythmic Organization Breaks Down in Diverse Ways * 11 The Firefly Machine 12 Energy Metabolism in Cells * 13 The Malonic Acid Reagent ('Sodium Geometrate') * 14 Electrical Rhythmicity and Excitability in Cell Membranes * 15 The Aggregation of Slime Mold Amoebae * 16 Numerical Organizing Centers * 17 Electrical Singular Filaments in the Heart Wall * 18 Pattern Formation in the Fungi * 19 Circadian Rhythms in General * 20 The Circadian Clocks of Insect Eclosion * 21 The Flower of Kalanchoe * 22 The Cell Mitotic Cycle * 23 The Female Cycle * References * Index of Names * Index of Subjects

Historical GIS: Technologies, Methodologies, and Scholarship

Abstract: Historical GIS is an emerging field that uses Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to research the geographies of the past. The authors present the first study to define this emerging field comprehensively, exploring all aspects of using GIS in historical research. A GIS is a form of database in which every item of data is linked to a spatial location. This technology offers unparalleled opportunities to add insight to and rejuvenate historical research thought the ability to identify and use the geographical characteristics of data. Historical GIS introduces the basic concepts and tools underpinning GIS technology, describing and critically assessing the visualisation, analytical and e-Science methodologies that it enables, and examining key scholarship in which GIS has been used to enhance research debates. The result is a clear agenda charting how GIS will develop as one the most important approaches to scholarship in historical geography.

Sequential Patterns in Information Systems Development: An Application of a Social Process Model

Abstract: We trace the process of developing and implementing a materials management system in one company over a 15-year period. Using a process research model developed by Newman and Robey, we identify 44 events in the process and define them as either encounters or episodes. Encounters are concentrated events, such as meetings and announcements, that separate episodes, which are events of longer duration. By examining the sequence of events over the 15 years of the case, we identify a pattern of repeated failure, followed by success. Our discussion centers on the value of detecting and displaying such patterns and the need for theoretical interpretation of recurring sequences of events. Five alternative theoretical perspectives, originally proposed by Kling, are used to interpret the sequential patterns identified by the model. We conclude that the form of the process model allows researchers who operate from different perspectives to enrich their understanding of the process of system development.

Efficient detection of motion patterns in spatio-temporal data sets

Abstract: Moving point object data can be analyzed through the discovery of patterns. We consider the computational efficiency of detecting four such spatio-temporal patterns, namely flock, leadership, convergence, and encounter, as defined by Laube et al., 2004. These patterns are large enough subgroups of the moving point objects that exhibit similar movement in the sense of direction, heading for the same location, and/or proximity. By the use of techniques from computational geometry, including approximation algorithms, we improve the running time bounds of existing algorithms to detect these patterns.