tion of interaction among space, time, attributes and proce-
dures. The use of multi-source data in a synergetic approach
will require reliable measures on the consistency and quality
of data and will stimulate further work on the modelling and
propagation of uncertainty in data.
The need for connectivity, data sharing, open models, and
transparency to the user for effective geo-processing and
accessing non-homogeneous databases, will require the sci-
entific community to address problems of designing, model-
ling, organising and accessing distributed and heteroge-
neous databases over networks, including the Internet.
Internet and web-based developments will go beyond just
data accessing to address queries, analysis, processing and
visualisation, including mobile and wireless environments.
With respect to the acquisition of geo-data, the idea that
"one collects and many use" will continue to spread with the
establishment of local, national and regional data frame-
works. Therefore, the design and implementation of geo-
spatial data infrastructures in the form of large databases,
distributed databases, and clearinghouses along with data
catalogues, metadata and metadata tools will also be stud-
ied. The related issues of vertical and horizontal data inte-
gration for data aggregation, multi-scale representation and
knowledge extraction and discovery will be dealt with in the
work on data generalisation and data mining.
The populating of spatial databases from new airborne and
spaceborne sensors will continue with the investigation of
their potential in providing geometric and thematic data. The
evolving role of digital imagery in modern geospatial data-
bases, due to its high information content and high degree of
understanding will be investigated. At the same time, we
anticipate a shift towards the maintenance of these data-
bases through the use of enhanced updating approaches
involving multi-resolution, multi-spectral and multi-temporal
imagery. The work on automated change detection, feature
extraction and feature classification from imagery for map-
ping purposes will continue. The existing spatial databases
will play the role of ‘prior’ knowledge to provide cues and
guidance in the (semi-) automated processes. Existing algo-
rithmic and image segmentation techniques will be tested
and transferred to operational environments.
To generate enhanced data sets and expand the use of
image analysis and processing techniques, data fusion tech-
niques employing multi-source actual sensors and compli-
mentary virtual sensor-like data will be investigated. The use
of INSAR and LIDAR technologies for DEM generation will
expand including their integration with optical video and
frame sensors. To serve decision-making and societal needs,
digital mapping operations will integrate both topographic
and thematic aspects, with expansion to 3-D and even near
real-time and 4D applications. The enhancement of extrater-
restrial mapping will continue along with the space explo-
ration activities. Landscape modelling and advanced visual-
isation and multimedia methods will further support the data
exploration and understanding process. Reconstruction of
reality in virtual reality environments from abstract and sym-
bolic data representations, in conjunction with the cognitive
pattern recognition process, will emulate certain functions of
the human brain’s synthetic process and will significantly
improve the interpretation capabilities.
As environment and sustainable development will continue
to be high in the international forums, contributions will be
made also towards the advancement and dissemination of
International Archives of Photogrammerty and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXIII, Part A. Amsterdam 2000. — ——
IQ QI
knowledge on global environmental databases and map-
ping. Together with this will be the advancement of tech-
niques, such as monitoring of landscape changes, for sus-
tainable development.
We plan to put emphasis on the synergy and collaborative
operation of the working groups and the activities of Com-
mission IV to integrate theories, concepts, technologies,
data, products, and systems for the better understanding
and management of the space and our environment. To
complete our holistic approach we will seek inter-commis-
sion co-operation through joint working groups and initia-
tives, while at the same time we will actively pursue co-oper-
ation and contacts with other related organisations, such as
SDH, ICA, FIG, OGC and ISO/TC211.
The proposed theme for the Commission is "New Solutions
for Spatial Understanding". This is to underline the pursue of
innovative approaches by the Commission at the threshold
of the 21st century as we move from data, through informa-
tion, to knowledge for the better understanding of and inter-
action with our space and environment.
The upcoming quadrennial period 2000-2004 is going to be
scientifically and technically challenging for Commission IV.
The working groups of Commission IV will address the pre-
sented topics, trends, and developments as well as their
impact on geo-information systems and digital mapping in
accordance with the Terms of Reference and the resolutions
approved at the ISPRS Amsterdam Congress.
Working Groups of Technical Commission IV for 2000-
2004
WG IV/1 Spatial and Temporal Data Modelling and
Analysis
Chair: Yvan Bédard (Canada)
Co-Chair: Wenzhong (John) Shi (Hong Kong)
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
Chair: Jianya Gong (China)
Co-Chair: Rolf A. de By (The Netherlands)
WG IV/2 Terms of Reference
- Conceptual aspects of inter-operable database envi-
ronments
- Distributed spatial data models
- Connectivity, data sharing, open models and transpar-
ent geo-processing
- Link and integration of imagery, DEM, attribute and
vector data from federated databases
- Generic access, search and retrieval methods for het-
erogeneous databases
- Concurrence control and data security for federated
databases
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