Spatial Information Systems and Digital Mapping

Terms of Reference

• Fundamentals of spatial modeling and spatial data structures
• Integration of image analysis and spatial information systems;
• Spatial database design and spatial data access
• Metadata and clearinghouses
• Dynamic spatial information systems and spatial data revision processes
• Digital landscape modeling and visualization, orthoimages, digital terrain models and 3D city models
• Interfacing 3D city models and Computer Aided Facility Management
• Spatial data base generation from SAR, interferometric SAR, lidar, laser, and other aerial and satellite sensor systems
• Digital topographic, thematic and global mapping
• Extraterrestrial mapping

WORKING GROUPS of ISPRS COMMISSION IV

• WG IV/1 - Spatial and temporal data modelling and analysis
• WG IV/2 - Federated databases and interoperability
• WG IV/3 - Data Generalization and Data Mining
• WG IV/4 - Spatial data infrastructures
• WG IV/5 - Image-based Geospatial Databases
• WG IV/6 - Landscape Modelling and Visualization
• WG IV/7 - Data Integration and Digital Mapping
• WG IV/8 - Global environmental databases
• WG IV/9 - Extraterrestrial mapping

WG IV/1 - Spatial and temporal data modelling and analysis

WG IV/1  Terms of Reference

• Fundamentals of spatio-temporal spaces
• Spatio-temporal database design and development
• Spatio-temporal query and analysis
• Three-dimensional GIS modelling
• Multi-dimension and multi-scale models in GIS
• Spatial data quality and spatial model quality in the context of spatio-temporal GIS

WG IV/2 - Federated databases and interoperability

WG IV/2  Terms of Reference

• Conceptual aspects of inter-operable database environments
• Distributed spatial data models
• Connectivity, data sharing, open models and transparent geo-processing
• Link and integration of imagery, DEM, attribute and vector data from federated databases
• Generic access, search and retrieval methods for heterogeneous databases
• Concurrence control and data security for federated databases
• Spatial data standardization (OGC, ISO/TC211)
• Inter-operation specifications for spatial data
• Internet GIS, based on heterogeneous databases
• Collaboration with Commission II (WG II/3, II/4)

WG IV/3 - Data Generalization and Data Mining

WG IV/3  Terms of Reference

• Methods for the generalization, aggregation and abstraction of image and vector data
• Data structures for the representation, processing and integration of multi-source and multi-scale data
• Concepts and techniques for hierarchical data analysis related to image and map object classification
• Methods and algorithms for the cartographic presentation of spatial objects with special focus on real-time, integrated approaches
• Enhancement of spatial data mining through inference using hierarchical classification and aggregation techniques, and synergy between image and map objects
• Cooperation with the ICA Commission on Map Generalization

WG IV/4 - Spatial data infrastructures

WG IV/4  Terms of Reference

• Design and access of large spatial databases
• Development of comprehensive metadata, quality evaluation procedures and their standardization
• Development of techniques for data integration in spatial information systems
• Logical and mathematical data modelling for mapping of spatial data infrastructures
• Development of basic framework concepts for the selection, aggregation and integration of fundamental data

WG IV/5 - Image-based Geospatial Databases

WG IV/5  Terms of Reference

• Design aspects and characteristics of image-based geospatial databases
• Image queries and content-based geospatial information retrieval methods
• Geospatial knowledge management, synthesis, propagation, and communication in image databases
• Integration of digital images and GIS for spatial reasoning
• Imagery in digital libraries and web-based GIS environments
• Multimedia in integrated spatial information systems
• Cooperation with WG II/5

WG IV/6 - Landscape Modelling and Visualization

WG IV/6  Terms of Reference

• Assessment of traditional and new remote sensing data for generating and visualizing landscape models (e.g., orthoimages, DSMs, DTMs and 3D city models)
• Integration of multi-source and multi-scale data in local and regional landscape modelling and visualization applications
• Application and examination of dynamic and kinematic models for integrating multi-temporal landscape data sets and revising spatial databases
• Application and assessment of advanced visualization, virtual reality and multimedia methods for 2-D, 3-D and 4-D mapping tasks in stand-alone or web-based environments
• Cooperation with WG III/7

WG IV/7 - Data Integration and Digital Mapping

WG IV/7  Terms of Reference

• Determination of the characteristics and issues related to data fusion at image, feature and information level.
• Integration of multi-type air- and spaceborne imagery as well as GIS and map data for the enhancement of spatial databases
• Techniques for high quality topographic, thematic and 3D urban mapping requirements and applications using multi-source data
• Mapping from high resolution satellite imagery
• Quality estimation and evaluation of the fused spatial data
• Monitoring of object changes from multi-source and multi-temporal data
• Integration of 3D spatial databases with simulation models for event representation

WG IV/8 - Global environmental databases

WG IV/8  Terms of Reference

• Collection and dissemination of state-of-the-art information and knowledge on development of global environmental databases
• Evaluation, characterization and assessment of global environmental databases
• Promotion of integrated global environmental databases
• Cooperation with related initiatives -Kyoto Protocol, Global Mapping, UN Cartographic Initiative addressing environmental global databases management
• Publication of the second volume of the book ″Global Environmental Databases″
• Cooperation with WG VI/4 and VII/6

WG IV/9 - Extraterrestrial mapping

WG IV/9  Terms of Reference

• Status and technical definition of coordinate systems and geodetic control networks for mapping of planets and satellites
• Documentation of basic spacecraft data-sets for extraterrestrial mapping, current and planned extraterrestrial map-making activities, and planetary cartographic products
• Development and documentation of new techniques for data acquisition and extraterrestrial mapping
• Development of GIS applications to support extraterrestrial exploration and science
• Web-based delivery of extraterrestrial map products and GIS data
• Cooperation with related working groups from ICA, IAU, NASA and ESA