Visualization of Big Geodata: An Experiment With Dinsar Deformation Time Series

Abstract

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> This paper describes an experiment carried out within the project “URBAN GEOmatics for Bulk data Generation, Data Assessment and Technology Awareness (URBAN GEO BIG DATA)” on novel technological solutions for encouraging the use of time series of big geodata by scientists, public administrators, and the citizens of urban areas. In this experiment, we focus on fostering the use of ground deformation time series derived through the Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (DInSAR) measurements in urban areas (i.e., Naples, Milan, and Turin) through visualization. Two visualization applications are developed within the project. First, mean deformation velocity maps are visualized; second, the cumulative deformation time series is animated to enable the comprehension of deformation of eighteen years at a glance. The experiment allows experts and non-experts to discover spatio-temporal patterns of deformation. The paper focuses on the characteristics and implementation details of this experiment. Both visualizations are overlaid on a three-dimensional map, i.e., a virtual globe. We use open standards and free and open source software (FOSS) for Web to enable interoperability, replicability, and reusability.</p>

Open Geospatial Software and Data: A Review of the Current State and A Perspective into the Future

“…Nevertheless, OSM data are still useful as a map backdrop or for positional applications, such as routing and size calculations. With OSM data as backdrop and with the availability of building footprint vector data and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) point clouds, the generation of large-scale 3D city models at low cost is increasing [43,78] (see Figure 8). Without active contributors, a geospatial dataset will quickly degenerate.…”

“…The Urban GEO BIG DATA client: OpenStreetMap data visualization with NASA World Wind (left) and ground displacements with Cesium JS (right). These open source virtual globes are not in the OSGeo software stack but Cesium JS is distributed on OSGeo Live(Table 3)[42,43].…”

Multidimensional Visualization and Processing of Big Open Urban Geospatial Data on the Web

“…Ref. [70] explained the method for creating the raster files, which have reduced spatial and temporal resolution; as a result, the deformation time series were summarized. The ImageMosaic data store of GeoServer was used for creating raster time series.…”