This book presents the selected peer-reviewed papers from the national conference Futuristic Approaches in Civil Engineering (FACE) 2019. This volume focuses on latest research and challenges in the field of geotechnical, transportation, environmental and water resources engineering. The first part focuses on alternative and sustainable pavement materials, maintenance and rehabilitation of roads, transportation planning, traffic engineering, hybrid vehicles, safety management, and intelligent transport systems. In the second part of the book, basic and advanced research in geotechnical engineering which can provide sustainable solutions to practical problems in foundations, retaining structures, soil dynamics, site characterization, slope stability, dams, rock engineering, environmental geotechnics, and geosynthetics are covered. The third part of the book includes current research in environment, and water resources engineering. The contents of this book will be useful for students, researchers as well as industry professionals.

This book presents the distinctive theoretical and methodological approaches in geography education in South America and more specifically in Brazil, Chile and Colombia. It highlights cartography and maps as essential tools and provides a meaningful approach to learning in geographical education, thereby giving children and young people the opportunity to better understand their situations, contexts and social conditions. The book describes how South American countries organize their scholar curriculum and the ways in which they deal with geography vocabulary and developing fundamental concepts, methodologies, epistemological comprehension on categories, keywords and themes in geography. It also describes its use in teachers' practices and learning progressions, the use of spatial representations as a potent mean to visualize and solve questions, and harnesses spatial thinking and geographical reasoning development. The book helps to improve teaching and learning practices in primary and secondary education and as such it provides an interesting read for researchers, students, and teachers of geography and social studies.

Spatial Modeling in GIS and R for Earth and Environmental Sciences offers an integrated approach to spatial modelling using both GIS and R. Given the importance of Geographical Information Systems and geostatistics across a variety of applications in Earth and Environmental Science, a clear link between GIS and open source software is essential for the study of spatial objects or phenomena that occur in the real world and facilitate problem-solving. Organized into clear sections on applications and using case studies, the book helps researchers to more quickly understand GIS data and formulate more complex conclusions. The book is the first reference to provide methods and applications for combining the use of R and GIS in modeling spatial processes. It is an essential tool for students and researchers in earth and environmental science, especially those looking to better utilize GIS and spatial modeling.

Provides a global perspective on drought prediction and management and a synthesis of the recent state of knowledge. Covers a wide range of topics from essential concepts and advanced techniques for forecasting and modeling drought to societal impacts, consequences, and planning. Presents numerous case studies with different management approaches from different regions and countries. Addresses how climate change impacts drought, the increasing challenges associated with managing drought, decision making, and policy implications. Includes contributions from hundreds of experts around the world.

This doctoral thesis presents a novel approach to landslide risk assessment that explores the various dimensions of landslide risk in an integrated perspective. The research approach introduced here is tailored for use with landslide databases and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A landslide susceptibility model is at the heart of this new approach, enabling to identify and delineate areas at risk of landslides and to assess infrastructure exposure. Landslide risk is a pressing societal issue that is still poorly understood. Temporal landslide hazard is derived from landslide frequency statistics and a hydrological simulation approach to estimate triggering thresholds. These methods are integrated into a powerful toolset for cost modeling that uses historical data to compile, model, and extrapolate damage costs on different spatial scales over time. The combination of this toolset with techniques to analyze fiscal cost impacts supports integrated risk assessment by quantifying the economic relevance of landslide losses.

This book offers a unique multidisciplinary integration of the physics of turbulence and remote sensing technology. Remote Sensing of Turbulence provides a new vision on the research of turbulence and summarizes the current and future challenges of monitoring turbulence remotely. The book emphasizes sophisticated geophysical applications, detection, and recognition of complex turbulent flows in oceans and the atmosphere. Through several techniques based on microwave and optical/IR observations, the text explores the technological capabilities and tools for the detection of turbulence, their signatures, and variability. FEATURES Covers the fundamental aspects of turbulence problems with a broad geophysical scope for a wide audience of readers Provides a complete description of remote-sensing capabilities for observing turbulence in the earth's environment Establishes the state-of-the-art remote-sensing techniques and methods of data analysis for turbulence detection Investigates and evaluates turbulence detection signatures, their properties, and variability Provides cutting-edge remote-sensing applications for space-based monitoring and forecasts of turbulence in oceans and the atmosphere This book is a great resource for applied physicists, the professional remote sensing community, ecologists, geophysicists, and earth scientists.

Estimating evapotranspiration (ET) has been one of the most critical research areas in agriculture because of water scarcity, the growing population, and climate change. The accurate estimation and mapping of ET are necessary for crop water management. Traditionally, researchers use water balance, soil moisture, weighing lysimeters, or an energy balance approach, such as Bowen ratio or eddy covariance towers to estimate ET. However, these ET methods are point-specific or area-weighted measurements and cannot be extended to a large scale. On the other hand, while remote sensing is able to provide spatially distributed measurements, the spatial resolution of multispectral satellite images is often not enough for crops with clumped canopy structures, such as trees and vines. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can mitigate these spatial and temporal limitations. Lightweight cameras and sensors can be mounted on the UAVs and take high-resolution images. Unlike satellite imagery, the spatial resolution of the UAV images can be at the centimeter-level. UAVs can also fly on-demand, which provides high temporal imagery. This book examines the different UAV-based approaches of ET estimation. Models and algorithms, such as mapping evapotranspiration at high resolution with internalized calibration (METRIC), the two-source energy balance (TSEB) model, and machine learning (ML) are discussed. It also covers the challenges and opportunities for UAVs in ET estimation, with the final chapters devoted to new ET estimation methods and their potential applications for future research.

Provides a global perspective on drought prediction and management and a synthesis of the recent state of knowledge. Covers a wide range of topics from essential concepts and advanced techniques for forecasting and modeling drought to societal impacts, consequences, and planning Presents numerous case studies with different management approaches from different regions and countries. Addresses how climate change impacts drought, the increasing challenges associated with managing drought, decision making, and policy implications. Includes contributions from hundreds of experts around the world.

These proceedings present selected research papers from CSNC2017, held during 23th-25th May in Shanghai, China. The theme of CSNC2017 is Positioning, Connecting All. These papers discuss the technologies and applications of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and the latest progress made in the China BeiDou System (BDS) especially. They are divided into 12 topics to match the corresponding sessions in CSNC2017, which broadly covered key topics in GNSS. Readers can learn about the BDS and keep abreast of the latest advances in GNSS techniques and applications.

This book presents current applications of remote sensing techniques for clouds and precipitation for the benefit of students, educators, and scientists. It covers ground-based systems such as weather radars and spaceborne instruments on satellites. Measurements and modeling of precipitation are at the core of weather forecasting, and long-term observations of the cloud system are vital to improving atmospheric models and climate projections. The first section of the book focuses on the use of ground-based weather radars to observe and measure precipitation and to detect and forecast storms, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. It also discusses the observation of clouds using ground-based millimeter radar. The second part of the book concentrates on spaceborne remote sensing of clouds and precipitation. It includes cases from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, using satellite radars to observe precipitation systems. Then, the focus is on global cloud observations from the ClaudSat, Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO), including a perspective on the Earth Clouds, Aerosols, and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) satellite. It also addresses global atmospheric water vapor profiling for clear and cloudy conditions using microwave observations. The final part of this volume provides a perspective into advances in cloud modeling using remote sensing observations.

Sundarbans, a UNESCO heritage site, is the world's largest single chunk of mangroves distributed on the Indian and Bangladesh coasts. The mangroves and associated ecosystems are one of the most fertile ecosystems of the earth. Sundarbans Mangrove Systems: A Geo-Informatics Approach portrays different perspectives of studying Sundarbans and mangroves using geospatial analysis. This book highlights the major issues with the Sundarbans mangrove forest, its future conservation strategies and its ecological importance using geo-informatics technology. It explains the usage of remote sensing data for providing information about the present state of mangroves and their tropic status, including assessment in terms of extent, density of community, condition, diversity, identifying potential habitats and heterogeneity. Furthermore, it discusses the use of hyperspectral remote sensing data for species level classification of mangroves, community zonation for biodiversity assessment and for preparing management plans for conservation. KEY FEATURES Exclusively covers the ecological state of Sundarbans (mangrove systems) through geo-informatic studies Describes the application of a combination of geomorphological, biogeochemical and remote sensing methods to the analysis of temporal changes Includes environmental factors affecting the health and decline of mangroves Covers biodiversity and ecological controls in mangroves ecosystems Discusses a remote sensing approach for tropical forested island and mangroves mapping This book is aimed at graduate students and researchers in environmental sciences, ecology, marine sciences, biology, geosciences and GIS/remote sensing areas.

The main focus of this monograph is synthesizing the importance of geographic approaches to public health and patient care. The chapters are organized into four themed sections: the role of geography in health care reform; the geographies of human health; geospatial data and technologies; and geography in medicine. It is a highly informative book, providing scientific insight for geographers with an interest in advanced geospatial applications and health research. The author is an international expert in geography, GIS, and public health, who co-edited a special issue on "Geospatial Applications in Disease Surveillance," published in the International Journal of Applied Geospatial Research. "Health, Science, and Place is a well-intentioned overview of medical geography in the context of the ACA. Blatt does an excellent job synthesizing ecologic and geographic literatures with what we know about individual health, health care systems, and public health. ... this book fills a need in the field by offering a timely discussion of the ACA and medical geography." - Jennifer L. Moss, The AAG Review of Books, Vol. 4 (2), 2016 "Amy Blatt's pioneering new book on geomedicine and its exciting capacity to promote health and minimize risk is a robust call for understanding the role of geography for everyone's quality of life. In Health, Science, and Place: A New Mode, Dr. Blatt's contributions can be summarized in three categories: comprehensive analysis, creative curating, and targeted innovations... Overall, Dr. Blatt's Health, Science, and Place: A New Model is a pathbreaking book challenging all public health and health communication scholars and practitioners to explore vigorously the role of medical geography as a shining new bridge between geography and patient care." - John C. Pollock, PhD, MPA, Professor of Health Communication and Human Rights, and Faculty Affiliate in Public Health, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ

This book explains the concept of spatial data quality, a key theory for minimizing the risks of data misuse in a specific decision-making context. Drawing together chapters written by authors who are specialists in their particular field, it provides both the data producer and the data user perspectives on how to evaluate the quality of vector or raster data which are both produced and used. It also covers the key concepts in this field, such as: how to describe the quality of vector or raster data; how to enhance this quality; how to evaluate and document it, using methods such as metadata; how to communicate it to users; and how to relate it with the decision-making process. Also included is a Foreword written by Professor Michael F. Goodchild.

This book introduces Python scripting for geographic information science (GIS) workflow optimization using ArcGIS. It builds essential programming skills for automating GIS analysis. Over 200 sample Python scripts and 175 classroom-tested exercises reinforce the learning objectives. Readers will learn to: * Write and run Python in the ArcGIS Python Window, the PythonWin IDE, and the PyScripter IDE * Work with Python syntax and data types * Call ArcToolbox tools, batch process GIS datasets, and manipulate map documents using the arcpy package * Read and modify proprietary and ASCII text GIS data * Parse HTML web pages and KML datasets * Create Web pages and fetch GIS data from Web sources. * Build user-interfaces with the native Python file dialog toolkit or the ArcGIS Script tools and PyToolboxes Python for ArcGIS is designed as a primary textbook for advanced-level students in GIS. Researchers, government specialists and professionals working in GIS will also find this book useful as a reference.

China Satellite Navigation Conference (CSNC) 2013 Proceedings presents selected research papers from CSNC2013, held on 15-17 May in Wuhan, China. The theme of CSNC2013 is: BeiDou Application: Opportunities and Challenges. These papers discuss the technologies and applications of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and the latest progress made in the China BeiDou system especially. They are divided into 9 topics to match the corresponding sessions in CSNC2013, which broadly covered key topics in GNSS. Readers can learn about the BeiDou system and keep abreast of the latest advances in GNSS techniques and applications. SUN Jiadong is the Chief Designer of the Compass/BeiDou system, and the Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); JIAO Wenhai is a researcher at China Satellite Navigation Office; WU Haitao is a professor at Navigation Headquarters, CAS; SHI Chuang is a professor at Wuhan University.

This collection features four peer-reviewed reviews on proximal sensors in agriculture. The first chapter addresses the use of proximal sensors to evaluate crop health and performance throughout the growing season. The chapter reviews the evolution of crop sensors, as well as the issues and limitations facing further development, including the need to develop sensors equipped with the ability to detect stresses other than nitrogen. The second chapter reviews recent advances in using proximal sensors to detect crop health status in horticultural crops. The chapter considers the application of sensors to detect micro-environmental parameters linked to pathogen lifecycles which can then be utilised to predict disease risk. The third chapter reviews advances in using proximal spectroscopic sensors to assess soil health. It assesses principles and technologies, key properties measured, advantages and disadvantages together with applications in improving soil management. The final chapter discusses advances in the use of proximal sensor fusion and multi-sensor platforms for improved crop management. The chapter considers the combination of remote sensing from satellites and weather station data as the basis for crop growth models and explores the benefits of utilising a selection of tools to investigate yield prediction.

This book presents contributions from the joint event 8th INGEO International Conference on Engineering Surveying and 4th SIG Symposium on Engineering Geodesy, which was planned to be held in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on April 1-4, 2020 and was canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic situation. Editors, in cooperation with the Local Organisers, are decided to organize the Conference on-line at October 22-23, 2020. We would like to invite you to participation through http://ingeo-sig2020.hgd1952.hr/index.php/2020/08/31/ingeosig2020-virtual-conference-october-22-23-2020/. The event brought together professionals in the fields of civil engineering and engineering surveying to discuss new technologies, their applicability, and operability.

This book offers a selection of the best papers presented at the 13th International Symposium on Location Based Services (LBS 2016), which was held in Vienna (Austria) from November 14 to 16, 2016. It provides an overview of recent research in the field, including the latest advances in outdoor/indoor positioning, smart environment, spatial modeling, personalization and context awareness, cartographic communication, novel user interfaces, crowd sourcing, social media, big data analysis, usability and privacy.

This book considers the formation of the signal reflected from the sea surface when sensing in the radio and optical range. Currently, remote sensing from space is the main source of information about the processes taking place in the atmosphere and ocean. The correct interpretation of remote sensing data requires detailed information about the rough surface that forms the reflected signal. The first three chapters describe the statistical and spatial-temporal characteristics of the sea surface, focusing on the effects associated with the nonlinearity of sea surface waves. The analysis makes extensive use of data obtained by the authors on a stationary oceanographic platform located on the Black sea. In the next seven chapters, the authors analyze how the nonlinearity of waves affects the formation of a signal reflected from the sea surface.This book is geared for advanced level research in the general subject area of remote sensing and modeling as they apply to the coastal marine environment. It is of value to scientists and engineers involved in the development of methods and instruments of remote sensing, analysis and interpretation of data. It is useful for students who have decided to devote themselves to the study of the oceans.

Methods and Materials for Remote Sensing: Infrared Photo-Detectors, Radiometers and Arrays presents the basic principles and the guidelines for the design of IR and microwave radiometers intended for the detection of weak electromagnetic signals in a noisy background.
Significant attention is paid in this book to the discussion of the origin of the noises and consideration of the physical factors limiting the sensitivity of photo sensors. The physico-chemical properties of narrow-band semiconductors, which are the basic photosensitive materials for the microwave and IR radiometry, are discussed. Also described are the methods for growing the single crystals, epitaxial films and arrays from solid solutions of these compounds for the application in photosensitive detectors.
The main goal of Methods and Materials for Remote Sensing: Infrared Photo-Detectors, Radiometers and Arrays is to present the entire material from the unifying physical viewpoint, which will be helpful for the designers of photo-detecting devices, and professionals contributing in various areas of remote sensing.

Soil and crop sensing is a fundamental component and the first important step in precision agriculture. Unless the level of soil and crop variability is known, appropriate management decisions cannot be made and implemented. In the last few decades, various ground-based sensors have been developed to measure spatial variability in soil properties and nutrients, crop growth and yield, and pest conditions. Remote sensing as an important data collection tool has been increasingly used to map soil and crop growth variability as spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions of image data have improved significantly in recent years. While identifying spatial variability of soil and crop growth within fields is an important first step towards precision management, using that variability to formulate variable rate application plans of farming inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides is another essential step in precision agriculture.The purpose of this book is to present the historical, current and future developments of soil and crop sensing technologies with fundamentals and practical examples. The first chapter gives an overview of soil and crop sensing technologies for precision crop production. The next six chapters provide details on theories, methods, practical applications, as well as challenges and future research needs for all aspects of soil and crop sensing. The last two chapters show how soil and crop sensing technologies can be used for plant phenotyping and precision fertilization. The chapters are written by some of the world's leading experts who have contributed significantly to the developments of precision agriculture technologies, especially in the area of soil and crop sensing. They use their knowledge, experiences, and successful stories to present informative and up-to-date information on relevant topics. Therefore, this book is an invaluable addition to the literature and can be used as a reference by scientists, engineers, practitioners, and college students for the dissemination and advancement of precision agriculture technologies for practical applications.

Fully updated and containing significant new material on photography, laser profiling and image processing, the third edition of this popular textbook covers a broad range of remote sensing applications and techniques across the Earth, environmental and planetary sciences. It focuses on physical principles, giving students a deeper understanding of remote sensing systems and their possibilities, while remaining accessible to those with less mathematical training by providing a step-by-step approach to quantitative topics. Boxed examples, additional photos and numerous colour images engage students and show them how the theory relates to the many real-world applications. Chapter summaries, review questions and additional problems allow students to check their understanding of key concepts and practise handling real data for themselves. Supplementary online material includes links to freely available software, animations, computer programs, colour images and other web-based resources of interest.

This book reports the latest results in the study of Bistatic/Multistatic SAR system and signal processing techniques. Novel research ideas and experimental verification have been collected on all kinds of configurations of Bistatic/Multistatic SAR system, including the preliminary construction of system model, imaging algorithm design, mission design and the corresponding application representations etc. Handy well-prepared tables are provided for readers' quick-reference, and the practical design of an interferometric SAR system is illustrated step by step. The book will be of interest to university researchers, R&D engineers and graduate students in Remote Sensing who wish to learn the core principles, methods, algorithms, and applications of Bistatic/Multistatic SAR system.

This volume contains selected and expanded contributions presented at the 3rd Symposium on Space Optical Instruments and Applications in Beijing, China June 28 - 29, 2016. This conference series is organised by the Sino-Holland Space Optical Instruments Laboratory, a cooperation platform between China and the Netherlands. The symposium focused on key technological problems of optical instruments and their applications in a space context. It covered the latest developments, experiments and results regarding theory, instrumentation and applications in space optics. The book is split across five topical sections. The first section covers space optical remote sensing system design, the second advanced optical system design, the third remote sensor calibration and measurement. Remote sensing data processing and information extraction is then presented, followed by a final section on remote sensing data applications.