Spatial Data Acquisition Essays - Geographic Information System

Spatial Data Acquisition Spatial data acquisition and system modeling: notes from the field and the lab. Name of Lecturer: Philip Graniero Department of Lecture: Earth Sciences Date and Time of Lecture: January 13th, 2000 at 4:30pm Purpose of Research Project: The primary purpose of the project is to use model simulations to forecast spatial patterns among various species in the environment. By comparing current situations with test results, Graniero hopes to have the ability to predict spatial patterns for species in the environment. This will give environmentalists and scientists alike the ability to prevent specie disaster and to study such areas as future habitat. Description of Research/Technology used: Graniero's first step involved measuring the earth's topography, under the bedrock of the surface. This experiment took place in Newfoundland, Canada. To do this he took a random sampling scheme. These schemes were tested at a density of 40 points per hectare. In order to bring the most precise and comprehensive data to the table, such technologies as mobile computers and GPS systems were used. The field in which was being tested proved to be very difficult to measure due to the changing system and the high demand of physical resource. His objective still remained the same though, to take this data and run a model that would enable him forecast spatial data on various species. The model he used was known as Cellular Automation (CA). The models properties were as follows: a finite set of discrete states and a state transition rule where the next state is determined by; current cell state, states of the nearest neighbours, and the state of other layers. The model worked in specific steps. First, a spatial structure was built. Second, data was collected from it. Third, the simulation of different collection agencies were put forth. Fourth, the model information was compared to the behaviour of actual systems. Fifth, the model was repeated with random initial conditions. Thousands of trials were done at this point. This model is often referred to as a "virtual lab". When the information was taken at the conclusion of each test, it was sent to processing units where it was studied in the form of a grid. These grids were then used to study the spatial patterns of various species. Such future models will be more complex and more specific, thus showing species habitats and migratory trends. Adjusting the variables in the model can allow scientists to measure such activities as the population density of a species. Through the experiment there were three experiment sets. These included populations, disturbances, and resource mapping. The resource spatial structure also varied from uniform, smooth, and "patchy" environments (soil and forest types). Conclusion: This information is very valuable to environmentalists and society in general due to the fact that it "looks-out" for species that may be in danger and monitors the move from one territory to another over a given time frame. Allowing scientists to predict the habitat and density of species in given areas with such models keeps humans aware of the impact they may have. This helps protect the future of species and insures that humans don't interfere with its habitat as well. In conclusion, the model is very useful and as it grows and becomes more sophisticated it should prove to be a valuable resource to environmental scientists.

Corruption Essays - English-language Films, Characters In Macbeth

Corruption Essays - English-language Films, Characters In Macbeth Corruption Corruption of power was a very evident theme in both Emperor Jones and Macbeth. In both plays the main character was corrupted for different reasons. However, many similarities lie within the storyline which contributed to the downfall of both Jones and Macbeth. In both plays, each character began as "common". Jones was even portrayed to be a criminal at one point in his life. They were brought to power by different reasons. Jones? reason was his deception towards his people and Macbeth?s position was appointed to him. Both of these men continued to strive for absolute power. Their selfish and ambitious nature drove them to be power-hungry. This became the tragic flaw in their character. In both plays, the leader realizes that his time as ruler may soon come to and end when the people of the story revolt against him. This did not have as much effect on either of the men because of the fantasy that had been created by their own minds. Jones believed that he can not be killed unless it is of a silver bullet, Macbeth believed that he can not be killed unless it is by one not born of woman. Having absolute power had led these men to think that they were immortal and invincible. However as the story progresses we are shown that they are not immor tal. Another similarity which occured were the apparitions which appeared to Jones and Macbeth when they were each alone. These apparitions caused the men to progress further into their downfall from power. Jones slowly shrinks back to where he has started from which is symbolized by the loss of clothing after each vision is witnessed. Macbeth became more eager to gain success after each of his visions were sighted. This is where there are differences in the reactions of the men. After each apparition Jones became more vulnerable and emotional. The visions that he encounteeds reminded him where he once was and brings him down from his pedestal. At the end of the play he is well aware of the mistakes that he had made and ends up dying by the fantasy he thought would never come true. In contrast to Jones, Macbeth reacted the opposite to the visions that he encountered. The apparitions predicted his future whereas Jones? retold his past. Macbeth was encouraged to pursue the predictions because of the positive outcome foreseen. Unlike Jones Macbeth did not show much emotion especially when his was informed of his wife?s death. He replied that she had picked an inconvenient time to die and he did not have time to grieve for her. The corruption of both Jones and Macbeth was based upon their tragic flaw to gain as much power as possible. Their downfall from the climax showed how ambition can control life. It transforms the person into one of ruthless nature, determined to obtain the highest point of strength at whatever is necessary to accomplish that goal. You create tales in which you end up believing causing you to lose whatever little pride you once had.