Geoinformatics in Citizen Science
Abstract: This editorial introduces the special issue entitled "
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OpenStreetMap (OSM) is one of the most well-known volunteered geographic information (VGI) projects that aims to produce a free-world map. However, there are serious concerns about its quality. Numerous studies have assessed the quality of OSM by comparing the OSM database with a reference database. Several researchers have proposed the use of quality indicators as variables that can describe OSM quality in regions where no reference data are available. A quality indicator is a variable that has a significant monotonic relationship with quality measures. In this study, a literature review was conducted to identify and define the main quality measures proposed for assessing the quality of linear features. Owing to limited access to current data, only three quality elements—completeness, positional accuracy, and attribute accuracy—were evaluated in this study. These quality measures were then used to assess the quality of the OSM roads in the province of Quebec. Finally, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test was applied to determine whether there was a significant correlation between the quality measures related to the three quality elements and the five potential quality indicators: population, average income, density of OSM roads, density of OSM buildings, and number of points of interest (POI). The main contribution of this study is testing the following hypothesis: “There is a significant correlation between the five mentioned variables and the measures related to the three quality elements”. Statistical analysis showed that in terms of completeness, the density of OSM roads and population were the best indicators; in terms of positional accuracy, population and income were the best indicators; and in terms of attribute accuracy, completeness was the best indicator. All five variables have significant correlations with the measures of the three elements of quality, except for the following two pairs (attribute accuracy, density of OSM roads) and (attribute accuracy, density of OSM buildings). This study proposes the density of OSM roads and number of POI as two new quality indicators that have not been found in the literature review.
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is one of the most well-known volunteered geographic information (VGI) projects that aims to produce a free-world map. However, there are serious concerns about its quality. Numerous studies have assessed the quality of OSM by comparing the OSM database with a reference database. Several researchers have proposed the use of quality indicators as variables that can describe OSM quality in regions where no reference data are available. A quality indicator is a variable that has a significant monotonic relationship with quality measures. In this study, a literature review was conducted to identify and define the main quality measures proposed for assessing the quality of linear features. Owing to limited access to current data, only three quality elements—completeness, positional accuracy, and attribute accuracy—were evaluated in this study. These quality measures were then used to assess the quality of the OSM roads in the province of Quebec. Finally, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test was applied to determine whether there was a significant correlation between the quality measures related to the three quality elements and the five potential quality indicators: population, average income, density of OSM roads, density of OSM buildings, and number of points of interest (POI). The main contribution of this study is testing the following hypothesis: “There is a significant correlation between the five mentioned variables and the measures related to the three quality elements”. Statistical analysis showed that in terms of completeness, the density of OSM roads and population were the best indicators; in terms of positional accuracy, population and income were the best indicators; and in terms of attribute accuracy, completeness was the best indicator. All five variables have significant correlations with the measures of the three elements of quality, except for the following two pairs (attribute accuracy, density of OSM roads) and (attribute accuracy, density of OSM buildings). This study proposes the density of OSM roads and number of POI as two new quality indicators that have not been found in the literature review.
Введение. Описаны современные электронные ресурсы как инструменты для топонимических исследований. До недавних пор использование геоинформационных систем (ГИС) в исследованиях географических названий нельзя было назвать масштабным. С развитием современных информационных технологий топонимические исследования приобрели новый характер, отличающийся новейшими подходами к сбору и обработке геоданных. Цель статьи – выявить, проанализировать и описать современные электронные средства для сбора и изучения топонимов с целью дальнейшего использования подобных ресурсов в разного рода исследованиях. Материал и методы. Наборы топонимов стали центральным компонентом систем GPS-навигации и онлайн-карт, которые сегодня широко используются в научных исследованиях. Массовая информатизация, развитие высокоскоростного интернета, доступность приобретения и использования портативных компьютеров и мобильных устройств, повышение компьютерной грамотности населения охватывают большинство стран мира, что отражается на качественно новых подходах к изучению топонимической лексики. Результаты и обсуждение. Революция цифрового картографирования и мобильных приложений позволяет простым гражданам вносить свой вклад в обработку топонимического материала в режиме онлайн. С появлением электронных систем Google Maps, Apple Maps, Яндекс.Карты, Bing Maps и им подобных топонимические исследования приобрели новый характер. Изыскания на уровне микротопонимии стали четче и подробнее. Наглядно показано, как можно использовать онлайн-топонимические словари, электронные карты, наукометрические базы данных, географическую базу данных GeoNames и Google-переводчик для проведения топонимических исследований. Указываются преимущества и недостатки современных сайтов и программ, ориентированных на исследования в области топонимики. Делаются выводы о целесообразности привлечения технических средств к топонимическим исследованиям в целом. Научные онлайн-дискуссии на таких площадках, как ResearchGate и Facebook, приводят к реальному взаимодействию ученых и помогают сделать научную мысль глубже, четче и ярче. Заключение. Принимая во внимание всевозможные погрешности вследствие применения современных описанных технологий, считаем необходимым контроль в виде сверки данных, например по этимологии географических имен и т. п. Упомянутые инструменты позиционируются как чрезвычайно полезные для выявления, описания, изучения, комплексного анализа и систематизации топонимического материала. Introduction. The article is devoted to the description of modern electronic resources as tools for toponymic research. Until recently, the use of GIS in geographical name research could not be called widespread. With the development of modern information technologies, toponymic research has acquired new features, characterized by new approaches to the collection and processing of geodata. The purpose of the article is to identify, analyze and describe modern electronic means for collecting and studying toponyms in order to further use such resources in various kinds of research. Material and methods. Toponymic sets have become a central component of GPS navigation systems and online maps, which are now widely used in scientific research. Mass informatization, the development of high-speed Internet, the accessibility of the acquisition and use of laptop computers and mobile devices, and improved computer literacy of the population cover most countries of the world, which is reflected in qualitatively new approaches to studying toponymic vocabulary. Results and discussion. The revolution of digital mapping and mobile applications allows ordinary citizens to contribute to the processing of toponymic material online. With the advent of electronic systems Google Maps, Apple Maps, Yandex.Maps, Bing Maps and the like, toponymic studies have acquired a new character. Any inquiry at the level of microtoponymy has become clearer and more detailed. The author explains the progress in the development of GIS systems, demonstrates how one can use tools such as online toponymic dictionaries, electronic maps, scientometric databases, the GeoNames geographic database and Google translator for conducting toponymic research. The advantages and disadvantages of modern sites and programs focused on research in the field of toponymy are indicated. Conclusions are drawn on the feasibility of attracting technical means to toponymic research in general. The author shows that online scientific discussions on platforms such as ResearchGate and Facebook lead to real interaction between scientists and help to make scientific thought deeper, clearer and brighter. Conclusion. Taking into account all kinds of errors due to the application of the modern technologies described, the author considers it necessary in some places to control in the form of reconciliation of data, for example, on the etymology of geographical names, etc. In general, the tools mentioned in the article are positioned as extremely useful for identifying, describing, studying, comprehensive analysis and systematization of toponymic material.
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