Department of Spatial Sciences 2015 … · 2015 Undergraduate/Honours/Postgraduate Project List ......

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Department of Spatial Sciences

2015 Undergraduate/Honours/Postgraduate Project List

The following projects are available for students enrolled in:

SPAT4009 Spatial Sciences Project

ERTH4003 Geoscience Honours Dissertation Preparation

ERTH4001 Geoscience Honours Dissertation

SPAT6002 Spatial Sciences Research Project

Projects have been organised according to disciplines: 1. Surveying/Mine

Surveying; 2. Photogrammetry/Laser scanning; 3. GIS/ Remote

Sensing/Mapping) to assist students. However, as many projects overlap into

more than one discipline area, students are encouraged to check the complete project listing. You are free to select a project from ANY topic area.

* If students wish to suggest their own projects in any area of the spatial

sciences or choose modified versions of the projects listed, please contact the

relevant member of staff.

1. Surveying/Mine Surveying

ANALYSIS OF REPEAT LEVELLING TO DETERMINE VERTICAL LAND

MOTION

Supervisor: Mick Filmer: 207:205, tel. 9266 2582

[email protected]

Project Description:

Differential levelling is an inherently precise height measurement technique, but

contains systematic errors that can cause biases when used as repeat

observations to quantify vertical land motion (VLM). These errors come from

atmospheric refraction, staff/instrument settlement, staff calibration errors to

name but a few. When attempting to identify 1-2 mm/yr of differential VLM over

>10 km, these errors can become significant and introduce artefacts that can be

misinterpreted as VLM. This project will use repeat first-order levelling along the

Scarborough-to-Midland levelling line, re-analysing the raw observations to

attempt to identify these small errors and apply corrections to produce the most

accurate VLM estimates possible. These VLM estimates can then be mapped with

respect to groundwater abstraction data to contribute to an explanation of land

subsidence in the Perth metropolitan region.

mailto:[email protected]

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ASSESSING THE POTENTIAL OF FORWARD GRAVITY MODELLING TO

STUDY THE EARTH’S INTERIOR

Supervisor: Michael Kuhn: 207:225, tel. 9266 7603,

[email protected]


Currently, there is some debate in geophysics and geology on the structure of the

Earth’s interior with special focus on the Earth’s mantle, core-mantle boundary

and so called super plumes within the mantle. Various models have been

proposed that largely differ from each other. This study should assess the

potential of forward gravity modelling in the selection of the most appropriate

geophysical/geological model. For this, the corresponding mass distributions of

available models, existing hypothesis and simulated mass distributions should be

forward modelled and their gravity signal compared to that of the observed

gravity field at the Earth’s surface (e.g. given by an Earth Gravity Model).

Furthermore, the project should apply simple gravimetric inversion techniques in

order to study possible mass distributions at the core-mantle boundary. This will

be a challenging project looking into very interesting aspects of Earth studies.

Resources: FORTRAN77 software for gravity forward modelling (Newton

integration) in space and frequency domain (by the use of spherical harmonics),

various geophysical models of the Earth’s topography, bathymetry, crust and

mantle.

AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF IMPACT AREAS AT THE DARK SIDE OF THE

MOON

Supervisors: Dr Petra Helmholz, Room: 207:204,

[email protected]

Dr David Belton, Room 207:229,

[email protected]


Based on the results of researchers at Curtin (W. Featherstone, M. Kuhn and C.

Hirt) over 280 new impact areas (craters) could be mapped on the moon. The

results are based on gravity maps covering the whole moon using different types

of cartographic projections. However, the detected impact areas are based on a

manual interpretation.

The goal of the project is to implement a workflow for the automatic detection of

impact areas on the moon – especially on the dark side of the moon. After the

image material is reviewed and the decision of the cartographic projection is

made, an image analysis workflow has to be implemented to detect impact areas

automatically. The results can be evaluated using the existing manual created

reference of the bright side of the moon before applying the algorithm to the

gravity maps of the dark side of the moon.


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Gravity maps of the moon with manual detected impact areas (taken from (W. Featherstone, M. Kuhn and C. Hirt, 2013)

COHERENCE ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL TIDE GAUGE RECORDS


[email protected]


Traditionally, sea level is monitored through tide gauge observations. Sea level

variations are influenced by both tidal and non-tidal signals, where the latter are

often an indication of regional or global environmental changes. This project will

analyse globally distributed long-term tide gauge records with specific focus on

coherence between the tide gauge records of neighbouring stations and/or between

different regions.

COMPARISON OF GGMPLUS GRAVITY MAPS TO AUSTRALIAN GRAVITY

OBSERVATIONS

Supervisor: Dr Sten Claessens, 207:333, tel. 9266 3505,

[email protected]

GGMPlus (http://geodesy.curtin.edu.au/research/models/GGMplus/) is a new

recent high-resolution global model of the Earth’s gravity field (Hirt et al. 2013). It

is based on a composite of GRACE and GOCE satellite gravity, the EGM2008 global

gravity model, and short-scale topographic gravity effects. In this project, the

GGMplus model will be compared to the Australian gravity database, which

contains more than 1,300,000 gravity observations. The primary aim of the project

is to evaluate how GGMPlus compares to other global models such as EGM2008.

Hirt, C., S.J. Claessens, T. Fecher, M. Kuhn, R. Pail, M. Rexer (2013) New

ultrahigh-resolution picture of Earth's gravity field, Geophysical Research Letters,

Vol 40, doi: 10.1002/grl.50838



http://geodesy.curtin.edu.au/research/models/GGMplus/

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COMPARISON OF LAND SUBSIDENCE MAPPING WITH GEOLOGICAL DATA

IN THE PERTH BASIN

Supervisors: Mick Filmer: 207:205, tel. 9266 2582

[email protected]

Jon-Philippe Pigois (WA Dept of Water)


Land subsidence has been identified at two continuous GPS (CGPS) stations in the

northern Perth metropolitan area. This is most probably caused by groundwater

extraction from subsurface aquifers for residential and commercial use since the

mid-1970s. Geological information can be used to infer whether the observed

subsidence is due to groundwater extraction, seasonal subsidence/uplift due to

expansive clays, or measurement artefacts. This project will compile available 3D

geological information into useable formats, analysed and mapped with observed

subsidence from InSAR (interferometric synthetic aperture radar) and repeat

levelling. The analysis will look to correlate observed subsidence with geology,

contributing to an understanding of the Earth’s surface response to the

groundwater extraction.

COMPARISON OF REPEAT LEVELLING TECHNIQUES TO DETERMINE

VERTICAL LAND MOTION


[email protected]


Detecting small-magnitude vertical land motion (VLM) from repeat differential

levelling requires the levelling precision to be less than the magnitude of VLM.

First-order levelling is slow and costly, prompting interest in alternative

measurement methods or procedures that are faster, but possibly less precise.

These methods may include lesser orders of surveying, using less rigorous

procedures, or methods such as total station levelling. This project will test the

relative precision of these methods by conducting levelling along part of an east-

west line that has been repeat-levelled using first- and second-order methods

since 2013. There has been some debate as to the standard of levelling required

to detect the small-magnitude VLM – this project should resolve this issue.

COULD A GENERAL BOUNDARY SYSTEM BE ADOPTED IN AUSTRALIA?

Supervisor: Dr Mick Filmer: 207:205, tel. 9266 2582

[email protected]


Australia uses a fixed boundary system where dimensions are accurately

measured and connected to survey marks on the ground. However, the general

boundary system is used by some countries (notably the UK) where the boundary

is only approximately known and usually defined by a physical feature, e.g., a

fence or hedge. A fixed boundary system is expensive to maintain compared to a

general boundary system, but is considered to give certainty as to the boundary

location. This project will examine the differences between these systems,

considering if it is feasible for the general boundary system to be implemented in

Australia.




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DO GRAVIMETRIC TERRAIN CORRECTIONS AFFECT ISOSTATIC

ANALYSES?

Supervisor: Dr Jon Kirby: 207:207, tel. 9266 7701,

[email protected]


Researchers in isostasy generally correlate observed topography with a simple

Bouguer anomaly, in order to determine the elastic thickness. In this project you

will determine the effect of terrain corrections on elastic thickness estimates, by

performing an isostatic analysis with both complete and simple Bouguer

anomalies. The project involves minor computer programming, data analysis, and

image presentation.

DOES AUSTRALIA REALLY NEED A NEW HORIZONTAL GEODETIC DATUM?

Supervisor: Prof. Will Featherstone, Room: 207:211,

0438923018, [email protected]


The introduction of the GDA94 in 2000 caused a great deal of confusion and

inconvenience for users and producers of surveying data in Australia. There are

plans for the introduction of a new GDA, with a rationale being that plate-tectonic

drift makes GDA94 incompatible with the ITRF. This project will re-examine the pros

and cons of Australia adopting a new horizontal geodetic datum only ~15 years since

the last. This project will also explore the alternative of creating a gridfile that will

maintain the status quo, while also allowing select users to work with the ITRF.

Reference:

Featherstone, W.E. (1996) An updated explanation of the Geocentric Datum of

Australia (GDA) and its effects upon future mapping, The Australian Surveyor

41(2): 121-130

EFFECT OF DENSITY VARIATIONS ON MEAN GRAVITY AND GRAVITY

GRADIENT


[email protected]


The knowledge of mean gravity or mean gravity gradient inside the topographic

masses is vital for the rigorous determination of orthometric heights. However,

for the determination of these parameters the knowledge of the topographic

masses is essential, which are not exactly known. In practice the topographic

masses are often modelled by a high-resolution DEM and a constant density (e.g.

2670 kg/m2). This project should study the effect of density variations (both

lateral and vertical) on the determination of mean gravity and gravity gradient.

For the determination of the latter the method of Pioncaré and Prey should be

applied.


integration) and downward continuation of gravity anomalies, ~1.4 million gravity

observations from the Australian national gravity database, GEODATA DEM over

Australia (9-arc-sec by 9-arc-sec) and various global DEMs.




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ESTABLISHMENT OF A GRAVITY BASE-STATION AT CURTIN


[email protected]


With the (fairly) recent move to Building 207, Spatial Sciences is in need of a

gravity base-station. Such a station is used rather like an SSM: to tie local gravity

surveys into Australia’s new national gravity datum, the Australian Absolute

Gravity Datum 2007 (AAGD07). The student would need to locate existing gravity

base-stations within Perth’s metropolitan area, and tie these in to the new Curtin

station in a looping approach. The project hence comprises a few weeks

fieldwork, followed by least-squares data processing, similar to GPS data

processing. The student would need a valid driving licence and his/her own

vehicle.

EVALUATING TEACHING AND LEARNING EFFECTIVENESS OF GEOSPATIAL

AND SPATIAL MAPPING UNITS

Supervisor: Cecilia Xia and Michael Kuhn

207:332, Tel: 9266 7563

[email protected]

Undergraduate

The aim of the project is to evaluate teaching and learning effectiveness of

Geospatial and spatial mapping units. Exploratory and statistical methods such

as, correlation and t-test methods will be used to analyse the students’ quizzes

and assignments and examination in order to identify areas of concern for

teaching and learning. This project will be a great benefit for lecturers and

students for improving their teaching and learning.

EVALUATION OF SURVEY NETWORK ADJUSTMENT SOFTWARE

Supervisor: Dr Sten Claessens, Room: 207:333, Phone: 9266



Various survey network adjustment software packages are available, such as

GeoLab, StarNet, Geoida, Columbus and Move3. Each of these has different

strong and weak points. Previous studies have discovered significant differences

between the outcomes of adjustments with different softare. The cause for some

differences in 1D and 2D networks between GeoLab and MOVE3 has been

identified, but further investigation into 3D networks and other software packages

is required. This project will investigate the cause of differences between results

of 3D adjustments from various network adjustment software packages.

FLEXURE OF THE STIRLING RANGES, WA


[email protected]


The Stirling Ranges in southern WA stand out dramatically from the surrounding

plains, and are easily visible in satellite imagery. Reaching elevations of over

1000 m, these mountains undoubtedly bend the Earth’s crust. The question to be

answered in this project is whether this load is supported by the plate strength,

or whether some form of isostatic compensation keeps them ‘afloat’. Using





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existing gravity and topography data, and theoretical predictions of plate flexure,

you will determine the strength of the lithosphere in this region. The project

involves minor computer programming, data analysis, and image presentation.

FURTHER TESTING OF TOTAL STATION VERSUS SPIRIT LEVELLING

Supervisors: Prof Will Featherstone, Room: 207:211,



Total station levelling (TSL) is a technique that is still to be exhaustively tried and

tested in Australian conditions. Two previous Curtin student projects on this topic

recommended that it be tested on a combination of flat and sloped ground to better

separate the effects of atmospheric refraction. This project will therefore conduct

field surveys to compare the spirit-levelled and TSL height differences on flat and

sloped ground. This will add to the debate on the utility of TSL versus spirit levelling.

Reference:

Johnston, G.M., B. Twilley and S. Yates (2002) Total station levelling. Proceedings

of the 26th National Surveying Conference of the Institution of Engineering and

Mining Surveyors pp. 4-8.

GEOID ERROR MODELLING


[email protected]


Geoid models are constructed from a variety of gravity-related observations and

the propagation of errors in this process is largely unknown. Knowledge of the

spatial accuracy of geoid models is of crucial importance for users, but current

assessment strategies are rife with problems such as unavailability of high-quality

independent data. In this project, a methodology will be developed to create a

spatial error model for gravimetric geoids.

GLOBAL MEAN SEA LEVEL CHANGE OBSERVED FROM SATELLITE

ALTIMETRY AND TIDE GAUGE STATIONS


[email protected]


Mean sea level variation is a prominent indicator for environmental change (e.g.,

climate change) for more than 20 years. The TOPEX/Poseidon and follow-on

Jason satellite altimeter missions have monitored the global oceans at a repeat

cycle of about 10 days. The measured sea level data can be used to derive mean

sea level change rates (e.g. fitting a trend). The results obtained from satellite

altimetry data will be compared from mean sea level changes rates obtained from

long-term tide gauge observations available.

GRAVITY ANOMALIES OVER AUSTRALIA


[email protected]


Various gravity anomalies have been proposed in order to remove the

gravitational effect from topography and deeper seated massed from observed





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gravity observations. Apart from removing the gravitational signal from assumed

to be known mass distributions in geodesy there is also the aim to generate a

field of smooth anomalies in order to minimize interpolation errors between given

stations. This project should derive various gravity anomalies over Australia for

about 1.4 million observed gravity stations. The type of gravity anomalies

considered are:

Free air gravity anomaly

Bouguer gravity anomaly

Isostatic gravity anomaly according to Partt-Hayford

Isostatic gravity anomaly according to Airy-Heiskanen

Isostatic gravity anomaly according to Vening Meinez

Gravity anomalies according Helmert’s 1st and 2nd condensation method

Apart from deriving the above gravity anomalies the project should analyse the

spatial variability of each type.


integration), ~1.4 million gravity observations from the Australian national

gravity database, GEODATA DEM over Australia (9-arc-sec by 9-arc-sec).

HOW ARE LAND BOUNDARIES RE-ESTABLISHED WHEN ORIGINAL

DIMENSIONS DO NOT FIT THE AVAILABLE LAND?


[email protected]


The general public often assumes that Licensed Surveyors re-define existing land

boundaries by simply laying out dimensions of the plan. However, the task is

often more complex than that, as the dimensions (metes) do not always fit neatly

into the available land (defined by the bounds). In this case, some type of

method is required to determine where the boundary should be re-instated on the

ground. Most Australian States and Territories require surveyors to use a

combination of common law principles and case law precedents as guidelines for

making decisions when the boundary position is uncertain. However, this can also

be controlled by regulations and other legislation in some circumstances. This

project will review the practices in different Australian States and Territories,

analysing the different methods that can be used, evaluating how these methods

reconcile with the various principles, precedents and regulations, including the

origin of these defining rules/principles. Examples of how the different methods

can re-define the same boundary in different places will emphasise the difficulty

surveyors can face when trying to re-establish land boundaries.

References:

Campbell G (2011) A principles-based approach to cadastral reinstatement

for Australian jurisdictions. Journal of Spatial Science. 56(1):15-25,

doi:10.1080/14498596.2011.567409

Cumbrae-Stewart FWS (1931) Metes and bounds: a discussion on some

legal problems requiring the cooperation of the surveyor and the lawyer.

The Australian Surveyor, 3(4):179-191

McEwan (1996) Boundary Re-establishment by Mathematical

Proportioning. Geomatica, 50(1)13-25


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HOW CRITICAL IS THE ORIENTATION OF MODERN GNSS ANTENNAS FOR

SURVEYING?

Supervisor: Prof. Will Featherstone, Room: 207:211,



Good GNSS surveying practice dictates that antennas are oriented consistently,

conventionally to North, with respect to some physical marker or pointer on the

antenna. This is so that common-mode antenna errors cancel. Historically, all

GPS antennas had North pointers to remind the surveyor of this, but modern

antennas often neglect this simple reminder. Some may argue that modern

receiver design and manufacture obviate this basic principle. This project aims to

challenge this hypothesis by conducting controlled experiments on the Curtin

GNSS test baselines, e.g., rotating one antenna with respect to another per

baseline under a consistent satellite geometry and mixing different antenna

types. Time permitting, more sophisticated experiments will evaluate absolute

position solutions from online PPP and AUPOS-type processing.

HOW FAR AWAY IS THE HORIZON?

Supervisor: Prof Will Featherstone, Room: 207:211,



This project is motivated by a court case during which the supervisor gave expert

evidence. The distance to the visual horizon depends on the height of the

observer, the curvature of the Earth, and atmospheric refraction. This project will

take the most precise formulas from trigonometric heighting to come up with an

advanced approach for the distance to the horizon that includes subtle effects like

the variation of curvature of the Earth as a function of azimuth and extrema of

atmospheric refraction.

Reference:

Any advanced textbook on geodetic surveying computations.

HOW RELIABLE IS THE FREMANTLE TIDE GAUGE FOR SEA-LEVEL CHANGE?




The Fremantle tide gauge gives one of the longest near-continuous records of sea

level measurement in the Southern Hemisphere (since 1897). As such, it is relied

upon in studies of sea level response to climate variability. However, the

instrumentation has been upgraded over the years and the vertical datum

connections are sometimes ambiguous. This project will examine the history of

the Fremantle site with a view to providing a clear description of the tide gauge

and its datum. The results will be provided to the Permanent Service for Mean

Sea Level (PSMSL) as metadata.

Reference:

Church JA, White NJ (2006) A 20th century acceleration in global sea-level rise,

Geophysical Research Letters 33, L01602, doi:10.1029/2005GL024826.




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THE IMPACT OF ADVERSE POSSESSION ON LAND TITLE

Supervisor: Dr Mick Filmer: 207:205, tel. 9266 2582

[email protected]


Adverse possession is a common-law doctrine that could allow a person

occupying another’s land for a long period of time to be able to claim title to this

land. However, it can be used with the intent to gain another’s land, often at the

expense of members of the public who are not even aware of the existence of this

doctrine. This project will investigate how adverse possession is treated

legislatively in Western Australia compared to (1) other countries and (2) other

Australian States and Territories, and how these differences can impact on the

public. Recommendations will be made as to whether the current form of adverse

possession in Western Australia can be improved, or whether it is even

necessary.

References:

Simmons S (2009) An overview of adverse possession in Australia within

the framework of the Torrens system of land registration and comment on

a related court case. In: Ostendorf B, Baldock P, Bruce D, Burdett M, and

Corcoran P (eds.), Proceedings of the Surveying & Spatial Sciences

Institute Biennial International Conference, Adelaide 2009, Surveying and

Spatial Sciences Institute, pp. 175-187.

Teo Y-T (2008) A critique of the Doctrine of Adverse Possession. Cross-

sections, The Bruce Hall Academic Journal, Volume IV, Ch 11.

INDEPENDENT TESTING OF AUSGeoid09




AUSGeoid09 is the new national standard for Australia, which was computed using

techniques and software developed at Curtin. Our tests indicate that it can deliver

AHD heights from GNSS to within 3-5cm, but this needs independent verification.

The student will use existing and newly acquired GNSS data by the student to

independently verify the precision of AUSGeoid09 (and its gravimetric-only

AGQG2009), with focus on the Perth region where the geoid slopes very steeply.

Reference:

Featherstone WE, Kirby JF, Hirt C, Filmer MS, Claessens SJ, Brown NJ, Hu G,

Johnston GM (2010) The AUSGeoid09 model of the Australian Height Datum,

Journal of Geodesy 85(3): 133-150.

INVESTIGATION INTO THE CORRELATION BETWEEN GLOBAL MODELS OF

GRAVITATIONAL AND TOPOGRAPHIC POTENTIAL


[email protected]


Many global gravity models that describe the Earth’s gravitational potential field

are currently available, e.g. the EGM2008 model. Recently, a similar model of the

Earth’s topographic potential has been created at Curtin: dV_ELL_RET2012

(http://geodesy.curtin.edu.au/research/models/Earth2012/; Claessens and Hirt

2013). This project will investigate how strongly correlated these two models are

at different spectral scales and different terrain types by an evaluation over

different parts of Australia.




http://geodesy.curtin.edu.au/research/models/Earth2012/

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Claessens, S. J., and C. Hirt (2013), Ellipsoidal topographic potential: New

solutions for spectral forward gravity modeling of topography with respect to a

reference ellipsoid, J. Geophys. Res. Solid Earth, 118,

doi:10.1002/2013JB010457.

IS THE FREMANTLE TIDE GAUGE LOCATED ON A STABLE STRUCTURE?


[email protected]


The Fremantle tide gauge provides one of the longest near-continuous sea level

records in the Southern Hemisphere. This sea level record is used (along with

others globally) to investigate sea level change over the past century, but any

such estimates are uncertain if the tide gauge is fixed to a structure that is

vertically unstable. This project will establish a local monitoring system for the

Fremantle tide gauge, conducting a series of repeat surveys using first-order

differential levelling. This will determine whether the wharf structure to which the

tide gauge is fixed is stable over time with respect to local reference marks on

land. The results from this project will be used to advise if a longer term

monitoring project is required.

IS MOTORISED DIGITAL BARCODE LEVELLING FEASIBLE IN AUSTRALIA?




Levelling is a tedious process, even when using digital barcode levels.

Transporting the level and staves on vehicles can significantly accelerate the data

collection. This project will review the usage of motorised levelling, which is used

commonly in Europe, and then devise a system for use in Australia. It will

include the option of using two sets of observers to effectively get forward and

reverse legs with only a single traverse. Time permitting, a prototype will be

tested over a previously observed levelling traverse.

Reference:

Becker, J-M. (1985) The Swedish experience with motorized levelling, Technical

Report, National Land Survey of Sweden, Gavle, Sweden.

OPTIMAL DEM RESOLUTION IN TERRAIN CORRECTION DETERMINATION


[email protected]


In order to determine global terrain corrections digital elevation models (DEMs) of

various resolutions can be used in order to represent the global topographic

masses. Here a coarser resolution is taken for masses further away from the

computation point. In this project, optimal radii will be estimated for which the

resolution can be changed to a coarser one omitting an approximation error,

which is smaller than a given threshold (e.g. 1 microGal). Suitable software based

on existing routines will be written to solve the above question.




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OPTIMAL SPATIAL RESOLUTION OF DEEP-SEATED MASS DISTRIBUTIONS

FOR FORWARD GRAVITY MODELLING


[email protected]


The primary drawback of forward gravity field modelling is that the Earth’s

density distribution must be known. Nowadays, increasingly more information on

the Earth’s mass distribution is available, such as digital elevation models

(DEMs), models of crustal and deeper mass distributions. While there are high

resolution are available for the topography only rather low-resolution data are

available for deeper mass distributions such as the Earth’s crust and mantle. This

study should examine the optimal spatial resolution of deeper-seated mass

distributions required in forward gravity field modelling using spherical harmonic

expansions of global data. The spectral sensitivity of different gravity field

parameters should be examined by means of empirical and analytical degree

variances. Numerical results for the gravitational potential, geoid height and

gravity should be provided. This project is practically a continuation of a study

focusing on topographic and crustal masses only.

Resources: Various FORTRAN77 software and c-shell scripts as well as

geophysical data for the Earth’s crust and mantle.

PREDICTING LAND SUBSIDENCE FROM GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION

RECORDS IN THE PERTH BASIN


[email protected]

Jon-Philippe Pigois (WA Dept of Water)


The Perth metropolitan area has experienced land subsidence since the mid-

1970s, which is most likely to have been caused by groundwater extraction from

subsurface aquifers for residential and commercial use. The groundwater

extraction records available from the WA Department of Water require

investigation and analysis, so likely subsidence areas can be mapped. This

project will map the likely subsidence at the Earth’s surface due to groundwater

extraction. Spatial and temporal correlation between predicted subsidence from

groundwater extraction and observed subsidence will indicate whether the

observed subsidence is real or a measurement artefact.

SEA LEVEL VARIABILITY OBSERVED FROM SATELLITE ALTIMETRY


[email protected]


The TOPEX/Poseidon and follow-on Jason satellite altimeter missions have

monitored the global oceans at a repeat cycle of about 10 days since 1992. The

measured sea level data are taken in this project to study the most dominant

spatial and temporal variation of the global sea level. Here the spatial-temporal

data set (sea level data) will be examined by a principal component analysis

(PCA). This project should perform a PCA of sea level measurements and

summarise the results.




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SPECTRAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EROSION – LITERATURE REVIEW


[email protected]


When topography is eroded by the action of water or wind, how does this change

properties of its power spectrum? Topography is known to have a ‘fractal’ power

spectrum, i.e., the power present in each frequency harmonic decreases with

increasing frequency as an inverse power law. The questions to be answered

include: does erosion act to reduce (i) the power of large-scale (low frequency)

topographic features, (ii) the power of smaller (high-frequency) features, or (iii)

does it reduce the power of all features equally at all scales (frequencies)? In this

project, you will search for and summarise existing literature in peer-reviewed

journals, and perhaps draw your own conclusions. The project requires an

appreciation of Fourier or harmonic analysis, though not necessarily at an

advanced mathematical level.

SUBSIDENCE IN PERTH: WHAT DOES THE GEODETIC EVIDENCE TELL US?




Perth is sinking by 2-6 mm per year, which has been measured by InSAR

(Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar), repeated levelling and continuously

operating GNSS. The subsidence seems to have been caused principally by

extraction of groundwater. This in turn causes an accelerated rise in sea level

relative to the land. This project will assist in the determination of the extent and

rates of subsidence across Perth, then make a revised estimate of sea level

change in the region.

Reference:

Featherstone, W.E., M.S. Filmer, N.T. Penna, L.M. Morgan and A. Schenk (2012)

Anthropogenic land subsidence in the Perth Basin: challenges for its retrospective

geodetic detection, Journal of the Royal Society of WA 95(1): 53-62.

SURVEY NETWORK DESIGN


[email protected]


The design of survey networks that meet certain accuracy, reliability and

economic criteria is usually performed by means of a trial-and-error procedure

using standard least-squares network adjustment software such as Geolab. This

project will evaluate the technical and practical possibilities of improving the

design procedure by making the software provide specific feedback to the user

related to potential network improvement.




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THE SURVEYING OLYMPICS




This is a light-hearted project, but which may just turn into something, e.g., if the

WA SSSI chooses to endorse/organise it. The project student will devise a series

of “events” in which various teams of surveyors compete. The criteria for medals

could include accuracy and speed of measurement, or other metrics devised by

the student. For instance, the levelling gold, silver and bronze could be decided

for the “one peg test”, where a one-way closed traverse is run from and to a

point which has been displaced vertically by a known amount. A benefit to the

student is an opportunity to network with the profession by soliciting suggestions

for events and medal-winning criteria.

TRANSFORMATION FROM CARTESIAN TO GEODETIC COORDINATES


[email protected]


The transformation from Cartesian to geodetic coordinates is extremely common

in many applications, e.g., GPS processing. Many algorithms for the

transformation exist, which differ in terms of accuracy, stability and computation

time. In this project, a comparison of several algorithms will be carried out. This

will involve a numerical simulation.

USING VARIANCE COMPONENT ESTIMATION TO DETERMINE VARIANCES

FOR DIFFERENT OBSERVATION GROUPS WITHIN A LEVELLING NETWORK


[email protected]

Level: Honours


The levelling network covering the Perth metropolitan region has importance as

the historical foundation for repeat levelling to quantify vertical land movement

due to groundwater extraction. A re-adjustment of this network is required, but

as the network has been compiled over several decades and comprises

observations of varying standards, the appropriate variances for these different

groups is not well known. This project will use variance component estimation

(VCE) to obtain improved stochastic information for the different observation

groups. Firstly, different observation groups will be identified and separated,

followed by VCE to determine the appropriate weighting for each group to permit

for the re-adjustment of the Perth levelling network. Gravity values will also need

to be interpolated to benchmarks to apply height corrections to allow for the non-

parallelism of the equipotential surfaces over the network.




15

Photogrammetry/Laser Scanning

Photogrammetry:

CALIBRATION AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF GOPRO CAMERAS FOR

UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAMMETRY


[email protected]


[email protected]

The number of Underwater Photogrammetry applications is large, e.g. inspection

of pipelines and man-made-objects, cultural and historical mapping (coral reefs,

ship wrecks) and the tracking of fish for aquaculture. Underwater equipment

(including cameras) and applications is often expansive. However, in the last

decade, a number of waterproof consumer cameras e.g. “action cameras” became

available which often cost less than $1,000. Many of those cameras use fisheye

lenses which are often not suitable for geometric accurate photogrammetric

applications – at least for above water applications. Previous projects found that

the distortion of the fish eye lenses of action cameras in water is similar to non-

fish-eye cameras above water because of the change of the medium where the

observations are taken.

Nevertheless, for Photogrammetry applications it is also required that the

parameters of the interior orientation of the camera stay stable. The goal of this

project is to capture a serial of test images in order to investigate how stabile the

parameters of the interior orientations are. A small water tank, a calibration

frame, a GoPro camera and the software for the calibration (iWitnessPro and/or

Photoscan) will be available, so the tests can be performed on campus.

CALIBRATION AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF THE TRIMBLE V10 IMAGE

ROVER


[email protected]


[email protected]

The Trimble V10 (figure on the left) is a new image rover

which was recently added to Trimble’s range of surveying

equipment. The device consists of twelve cameras in two

rows. While the cameras in the top row cover a 360 degree

view (images in the first row in the figure below), the cameras

in the bottom row cover a 210 degree view excluding the area

of the operator (images in the second row in the figure

below). Together with the image also GPS RTK readings are

possible if the image rover is operated together with a RTK

unit (see image on the right). However, when images are

taken from several locations in the field, the distances

between objects picked in the images can be measured in

Trimble’s Business Centre (TBC).

However, like all cameras used for photogrammetric application also these

cameras have to be calibrated. For the calibration a special target field is

provided from Trimble. The goal of this project is to calibrate the cameras using

Trimble V10

16

Trimble’s solution and to compare the results with an independent calibration.

The results of a feature pick up using the device on campus is then to be

compared from before and after calibrating the cameras.

Set of images (Fremantle’s Round House) captured with a Trimble V10 image rover.

COMPARISON OF TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING AND

PHOTOGRAMMETRIC METHODS FOR THE SURVEY AND 3-DIMENSIONAL

RECONSTRUCTION OF HERITAGE PLACES IN AND AROUND PERTH – CASE

STUDY ROUND HOUSE FREMANTLE


[email protected],

Dr David Belton, Room: 207.229,

[email protected]

Co-Supervisor: Dr Bernhard Klingseisen, State Heritage Office,

[email protected]

The scale of the project would allow for a few students to cooperatively

investigate a number of technological approaches, focusing on terrestrial laser

scanning and photogrammetry for the usefulness and suitability of heritage

mapping.

Old Mill, South Perth.

17

The State Heritage Office (SHO) maintains a register of currently approximately

1400 places that are of cultural heritage significance at a State level for their

aesthetic, historic, scientific and social values. Included in the register are

buildings, structures, gardens, cemeteries, memorials, landscapes and

archaeological sites amongst other place types. Places are entered in the State

Register after an extensive assessment and registration process, which includes a

brief physical assessment conducted on site to record the physical fabric, which

includes basic site and floor plans. Once entered in the State Register, it is a

requirement that development or change proposed for a place is referred to SHO

for advice to ensure that said changes do not have an adverse impact on the

cultural heritage significance of the place.

The aim of this project is to investigate the usability of terrestrial laser scanning

and/or photogrammetric methods for the physical survey of heritage places, in

order to create a detailed digital record (3D model with photorealistic rendering,

floor plans) that captures an accurate record of the place, with the potential to be

used for reconstruction in case of damage or deterioration, and for marketing and

public awareness campaigns. The methodology should allow for fast, cost

effective and accurate surveys that can be conducted by SHO staff or consultants

with or without a surveying background.

This project is aimed at providing an overview of suitable technologies, and a

comparison of these in terms of time requirements, cost, accuracy and user

friendliness. Case study sites can be for instance the Old Mill in the City of South

Perth (see figure above).

Ultimately the goal is to review current technologies, and consider their suitability

for use at a variety of heritage places. The accuracy and level of detail required

depends on the place and the purpose of the end result, and will be further

specified by the SHO. Details to be captured may include dimensions and

photographic records of exterior (facades, roof form) and interior features

(stairwells, furniture, fire places, etc.) to enable reconstruction. Following the

survey a 3D model with photorealistic rendering will be produced (e.g. as Google

Earth compatible kmz file), from which floor plans and elevations with dimensions

can be extracted.

The final result is a best practice guideline for heritage surveys, including an

overview of technologies and a recommended workflow from the planning of the

study to the final 3D model, including time requirements and cost estimates.

This project is in cooperation with the State Heritage Office which can also

provide details for a number of alternative heritage sites for similar projects (e.g.

Lighthouse Rottnest Island, Fremantle Prison, Leighton Battery …).

18

IMAGERY AND POINT CLOUD CO-REGISTRATION

Supervisors: Dr David Belton, Room 207:229,

[email protected]

Dr Petra Helmholz, Room: 207:204,

[email protected]

Laser scanning systems are seeing increasing adoption to traditional problems

because of the quick and efficient capture of large volumes of 3D point coordinate

data. With the registering of imagery to the point data, the information available

can be increase from purely geometric information with the inclusion of spectral

information in the forms of RGB colour channels. Due to the limit availability of

colour information, it is often underutilised in processing point cloud data,

especially where an in built camera is not present.

The aim of the project will be to use external imagery and map the pixel

information onto the point data. This can be comprised of several steps involving:

identifying targets or coincident pixels and 3D points, solving the exterior

orientation or mapping parameters between the imagery and point data, and

applying the colour information to the point cloud data, or conversely applying

depth information from the point cloud to the imagery. In the case of multiple

images and highly divergent geometry between the scanner and camera, a

method could be explored to identify incorrectly mapped pixels and points.

ACCURACY ANALYSIS AND APPLICATIONS OF MOBILE MAPPING SYSTEMS


[email protected]


[email protected]

Large areas can be scanned in a short time using mobile mapping systems.

Mobile mapping systems (MMS) normally consist of laser scanner system(s)

and/or camera systems to create a 3D point cloud. In addition GPS devices for

positioning are frequently part of mobile mapping systems. Such mobile mapping

systems find a wide range of applications.

One example of MMS in rural areas is the monitoring of firebreaks. Another

example in rural, suburban and urban area is the detection and monitoring of

power lines. Or when scan data are acquired in urban areas at time t1, this scan

data can be used to check the quality of building models which were acquired at

time t0. For all these applications the quality of the data is important – relative

and absolute.

There are three projects offered in the field of mobile mapping. The goal of the

first project is to assess the accuracy of the Department’s MDL Dynascan S250

mobile mapping system (http://www.mdl-laser.com/en/dynascan-s250-survey-

grade-mobile-mapping-system--17866) by comparison the captured scan data

with a reference dataset. For this test, several runs around campus are

performed with difference set ups (e.g. different number of Ground Control Points

for the adjustment) in order to investigate into different accuracy influencing

factors.

The goal of the second project is to check the absolute and relative accuracy of

building models. For this task nine building models on Campus site are available

together with scan data captured with the Department’s MDL Dynascan S250

mobile mapping system. The quality control of such building models can be done

http://www.mdl-laser.com/en/dynascan-s250-survey-grade-mobile-mapping-system--17866

http://www.mdl-laser.com/en/dynascan-s250-survey-grade-mobile-mapping-system--17866

19

under several aspects. For instance, the position of the model(s) compared to the

scan data can be checked (absolute accuracy of the model(s)) or details of the

building like the position of windows or further details can be verified (relative

accuracy of a model(s)).

The third project’s aim is to verify if MMS data is useful to monitor firebreaks and

power-lines. For instance, some details will be able to be picked up in the laser

scanning point cloud while others are only be able to be picked up in the images.

The project will have to investigation which objects can be picked up in only the

scan data, only the images and in the combination of images and scan data.

Bentley campus scanned with the MDL DynaScan S 250 (left: overview, right: zoomed in).

CREATION OF A LOW COST SENSOR SYSTEM FOR 3D MODELLING OF

SMALL SCALE OBJECTS


[email protected]


[email protected]

Low cost sensors getting more and more are prominent for the 3D capturing and

modelling for small scale objects - not only in the field of surveying. Indeed there

are a number of sensors which’s main application is often not focused on

surveying precise measurements. A quite commonly used sensor is for instance

the Microsoft Kinect sensor which uses structured light to detect person to create

3D point clouds (left figure below) or to track their movements (right figure

below) in real time. Other sensors are mobile phone apps using with the build in

sensors and a Structure-from-Motion approaches to create 3D models (e.g. the

app 123D catch). Another possibility is to capture the image with a webcam or a

consumer camera and then to upload the images to internet providers to create a

3D model of the object of interest (e.g. Microsoft’s Photosynth).

Left: 3D point cloud captured using structured light (Microsoft Kinect), Right: real time tracking of movements (Microsoft Kinect).

20

However, as mentioned above most of the applications do not aim to achieve

survey precision. Nevertheless, researcher have shown that when putting the

correct workflow into place and when capturing the images with a specific set out,

it is possible to increase the accuracies of these sensors to make them also

suitable for the precise capturing of small scale 3D models.

There are two projects within this topic. The goal of the first project is into

investigate first into different low cost sensor system and available

software/program library which have the potential for precise 3D reconstruction

of small scale objects. A literature review is required. Afterwards, one on the

possible solutions should be implemented and its precision/accuracy should be

evaluated.

The goal of the second project is to use the low cost sensor system to analyse

objects printed with the Department’s 3D printer. The task is to compare of the

printed objects to find the tolerance of the printer, meaning to determine the

difference between the model which was used to operate the printer and the

actual product.

HMAS SYDNEY II AND THE HSK KORMORAN PROJECT

Supervisor: Dr Petra Helmholz, Room: 207:204,

[email protected]


The location of the wrecks of the HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran were

discovered in 2008 at a depth of 2500 m off the coast of WA. During a revisit in

the same year an extensive collection of 1500 images and 40 hours of video were

collected. Initial processing of these datasets has found that considerable scope

exists for the extraction of 3D models and 3D images from this dataset which was

not originally captured with this purpose in mind (non-calibrated camera).

There are a number of aspects which are necessary in order to create high

accurate 3D models which can be addressed in different projects.

Project 1: The images are taken in 2,500m depth under difficult light conditions.

Images often have a blue cast and hence a radiometric correction of the images

is required. The goal is to investigate in different approaches for the colour

correction and to apply one of these approaches to a small subset of images. The

results have to be evaluated.

Project 2: An essential part of a photogrammetric workflow is the calibration of

the camera to investigate the parameters of the interior orientation. Calibration

always has to be done in the medium the cameras are used and special

procedures have to be followed in order to achieve the highest possible geometric

accuracy. However, because of the conditions deep underwater, not all of the

procedures can always be followed (e.g. rotating the camera). The project would

investigate the influence of the quality of the photogrammetric results regarding

the different limitations during the camera calibration procedure underwater.

Project 3: The aim of this project will be to review the dataset, and to create 3D

models of parts of the Sydney and Kormoran in the locations where enough

images are available. For generating the 3D models, the software 3DM Analyst

should be mainly used. In addition, a map of the site (around the Sydney and the

Kormoran) should be developed. The significance of this work is that the 3D

models of shipwreck sites as well as the created map provide a much more

21

realistic and useful interpretation of the site(s) which will be an important basis

for planning a revisit of the shipwrecks in the near future.

3D reconstruction of the Kormoran foredeck created based on the 2008 taken images (reference: Hollick et al, 2013)

MESA SWISS RANGER 3000 CAMERA


[email protected]


[email protected]

Range cameras are able to

create not only an amplitude images but also a 3D depth images based on observations of

only one camera using a structured light approach. The

mono-scopic sensor delivers spatially resolved surface data at video rate without the need of

stereo matching.

Like every camera for photogrammetric applications, the range camera has to be

calibrated before use. A number of approaches for this calibration

are known

Mesa Swiss Ranger 3000 camera with examples (taken from www.dyve.com).

(e.g. Westfeld and Maas, 2013). Another aspect is to merge all the depth image

taken within one campaign into one depth image (similar to registration with

laser scanning data).

The goal of the first project will be to review three calibration approaches and to

the implement one of these approaches. Afterwards, the in the department

available Swiss Ranger camera is to be calibrated.

The goal of the second project will use the Swiss Ranger sensor to create a

registered depth image. For this project, again at least three existing approaches

have to be reviewed and one of them will have to be implemented. For the

22

evaluation the Department’s Swiss ranger and other active/passive sensors can

be used.

PHOTOGRAMMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE PORTUGUESE VESSEL “SANTO

ANTONIO DE TANNA”


[email protected]

Dr Sten Claessens, Room: 207:333,

[email protected]

Jeremy Green, Department of Maritime Archaeology,

WA Museum

The Portuguese vessel Santo Antonio de Tanna sank in 1698 off the coast of

Kenya and in 1978 the WA Museum had the opportunity to systematically take

images of the ship wreck. The images were captured in stereo pairs (see below)

using two analogue cameras mounted on a frame; a control network using

distance measurements between the control points was established.

Stereo image pair (right and left image) showing the hull of "Santo Antonio de Tanna".

The information of the observed control network and the scanned images from

the 1978 dive are available for this project. The goal of the project is to analyse

the images using photogrammetry and to create a dense 3D point cloud if

possible.

The project would consist of four parts. Firstly, a least squares adjustment and

analysis of the control network is required. Secondly, the parameters of the

interior orientation (IO) and exterior orientation (EO) need to be determined

using the off-the-shelf photogrammetric software solution iWitnessPro (or a

similar suitable close range photogrammetry software solution). Thirdly, on

request of the museum, measurements of specific parts of the ship wreck have to

be observed and an ortho-mosaic is to be calculated. Last but not least, a dense

3D point cloud of the shipwreck is to be created using the software solution

SURE.

During the project you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge of least

squares adjustment and control network surveying to provide suitable ground

control information for the photogrammetric workflow. The use of off-the-shelf

photogrammetric software solutions will give you the opportunity to take a

glimpse into the all-day-photogrammetry applications. Because of the

interdisciplinary nature of the project, the challenges you will face include the

processing of the data which were not captured by a conventional survey.

23

For more information about the ship please check, http://popular-

archaeology.com/issue/september-2011/article/the-santo-antonio-de-tanna-an-

overview

PHOTOGRAMMETRIC MAPPING USING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

(Postgraduate only)


[email protected],

Dr David Belton, Room: 207.229,

[email protected]

The recent introduction of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and corresponding

development of photogrammetric and computer vision software to process the

imagery has given our industry another means of mass data capture and

processing. However, as with all innovation in the Spatial Sciences industry there

is requirement to evaluate quality and improve process to ensure Spatial

Professionals understand the strengths and limitations of new technology and

ultimately, can quantify the integrity of the data produced.

The project will provide you with the opportunity to work with this new

technology in spatial sciences within a spatial sciences company which will also

give you the possibility to develop surveying job skills using UAV systems such as

shown in the figure below. Possible projects can include the analysis of the

suitability of UAV for mine surveying applications, agriculture and environmental

applications as well as Heritage Mapping and Archaeology applications.

Gatewing UAV operation at Land Surveys.

http://popular-archaeology.com/issue/september-2011/article/the-santo-antonio-de-tanna-an-overview




24

DEFORMATION ANALYSIS OF BUILDINGS USING LASER SCANNING

AND/OR PHOTOGRAMMETRY


[email protected]


[email protected]

Dr Sten Claessens, Room: 207:333,

[email protected]

Laser Scanning and Photogrammetry can be used for deformation analysis as it is

a best practise on a number of mine sites. The goal of the project is to capture

laser scans (using Leica’s C10 Terrestrial Scanner) and images (using a digital

SLR) of a building or quarry at the beginning and half way through of the project.

For this purpose control points have to be established meeting class C

requirements. The data sets of both epochs (and prior epochs if available) will

then be analysis for deformations.

USING A 3D SURVEY NETWORK FOR THE CALIBRATION OF

TERRESTRIALLASER SCANNING (TLS) INCLUDING SOFTWARE

IMPLEMENTATION


[email protected]


[email protected]

Critical for the use of cameras and terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) in the field of

Photogrammetry is the calibration of the equipment to address instrumental error

sources such as shown in the figure below. A 3D outdoor test field was

established which will be suitable for laser scanner systems as well as for camera

systems. The goal of the project is to implement an user friendly calibration

software and to evaluate the use for a number of scanners.

Vertical axis

Horizontal

(Trunnion) Axis

Collimation

Axis

B6

Vertical axis

Horizontal

(Trunnion) Axis

Collimation

Axis

B7

Instrumental errors of a TLS system (taken from Lichti, 2012).

25

In Cooperation with the Department of Environment and Agriculture at Curtin

University

UNDERSTANDING CHANGING CANOPY STRUCTURE IN MATURE JARRAH

FOREST


[email protected]


[email protected]

A/Prof Grant Wardell-Johnson, Room 303:196,

[email protected]

A pilot survey using a Leica C10

scanner suggests a considerable

drop in canopy height from old-

growth to that in mature jarrah

regrowth forests surrounding

these veterans. Beside the C10

scan data from 2012 and 2013,

historical data such as aerial

images are available.

The goal of the project is to create

a GIS database based on the

various input data for the iconic

trees in south-western Australia.

Contains of the GIS database

would be canopy height, the app.

volume of these large trees and

their carbon stocks.

IMPLEMENTATION OF AN AUTOMATIC MODELLING APPROACH FOR

ICONIC TREES IN SOUTH-WESTERN WA


[email protected]

Dr Petra Helmholz, Room: 207:204, P

[email protected]

The most consuming aspect of the “standard” workflow from scanning an object

like a tree using Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) to actual model the object of

interest using primitives (cylinders, planes …) or a mesh is the modelling process.

However, automatic approaches are available. After a literature review, the goal

of the project is to implement and adopt such automatic 3D modelling process for

the modelling of iconic trees in south-western WA. Good knowledge of a

programming language (C++ or mathlab) is required for this project.

26

TLS data set of a carbon-dense forest (Top Tree Walk).

In cooperation with the Recreation and Trails Unit, Department of Parks and

Wildlife

REDESIGN OF LONG-DISTANCE TRAIL MAPS


[email protected]

Dr David Lindner, DPAW,

[email protected]

The Department of Parks and Wildlife, through its Recreation and

Trails Unit, manages three long-distance trails across WA (the

Bibbulmun and Cape to Cape Tracks and the Munda Biddi Trail).

Hard copy public maps are available and sold for these trails.

Your project will be to review and redesign the maps for these trails.

An example of an existing map is given in the figure below. The

project will be undertaken in a three-stage process. Firstly,

researching what walkers want on the maps (this analysis will be

facilitated by the department). Then research and analyse best-practice

topographic mapping solutions of tourist bush walking and hiking maps

(internationally). Finally to combine the needs of the user groups with best

practice solutions to produce a high-quality redesigned and updated Bibbulmun

Track map.

Example of a map showing the Bibbulmun track.

27

GIScience/Remote Sensing/Mapping

ANALYSIS OF CRASHES WITHIN AND IN THE VICINITY OF SCHOOL

ZONES IN THE PERTH METROPOLITAN AREA

Supervisor: Cecilia Xia 207:332, Tel: 9266 7563

[email protected]

Undergraduate, honours and Masters

This project will identify crashes within the school zones in the Perth Metropolitan

Area and those in the proximity of the zones based on distances on the network

to identify hot spots related to school zones. The analysis will be done for both

during times of operation and outside the times of operation of the school zones.

Crashes related with the school zones will be analysed based on crash year,

severity, pedestrians involved, unit type, other crash parameters and speed

zones. School zones with a significant number of crashes within the zones or in

their vicinity will be further investigated to determine the adequacy of safety

features provided.

ANALYSIS OF CYCLIST RELATED CRASHES IN THE PERTH METROPOLITAN

REGION


[email protected]



This project will identify locations within the Perth Metropolitan Area with the

highest clusters of cyclist crashes. The study will then explore existing cyclist

infrastructure and hazards within these locations – and compare with similar or

adjacent lower-crash locations. Recommendations to improve cyclist

infrastructure or identification of alternate cyclist routes for the high crash cluster

locations will be the outcome of the study.

Cyclist infrastructure and hazards to consider include existence of bike only or

shared paths, bike lane on road, intersection/s signalised or not, if location is

along a suggested BikeWest cyclist route, narrow or high-speed limited road,

existence of on-road parking, and if within a shopping precinct or school zone.

Ideas for improvements to cyclist safety to consider can be gained from

comparing low-crash locations along Perth Metro cyclist routes, or similar

locations and cyclist infrastructure in bike-friendly Australian and European cities.

AN INVESTIGATION OF FREE AND OPEN SOURCE GIS SOFTWARE

Supervisor: Robert Corner: 207:227, tel. 9266 7605,

[email protected]


A number of free GIS software packages exist. Some are Open Source and some

whilst free are not Open Source. This project will investigate the usefulness of

several of these packages under a range of scenarios to answer, amongst others,

the following questions.




28

Is Open Source better than just Freeware?

Do any of the packages represent serious competition to industry standard

programs such as ArcGIS?

BUILDING A NEARMAP API APPLICATION

Supervisor: Prof Bert Veenendaal, Phone: 9266 7565,

[email protected]

Level: undergraduate

Project Description: High resolution aerial imagery is obtained by Nearmap over the Perth

metropolitan area approximately every month. Hence it is possible to obtain

imagery over both space and time. This project will develop a small application

that uses the Nearmap API to extract imagery in both space and time. The

project will require programming skills and some knowledge of JavaScript.

BUILDING A WEB PROCESSING SERVICE


[email protected]

Level: undergraduate, honours

Project Description: A range of web services are available, providing users with access to geospatial

maps and data via WMS and WFS. The newer sister of these OGC web services

standards is the Web Processing Service (WPS) standard. The objective of this

project is to investigate the use and implementation of WPS within a GIS

application. Students will become familiar with the details of the standard, and be

able to implement it for a GIS function within an application.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF OPEN SOURCE GIS SOFTWARE

DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY FOR DATA INTEGRATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW


[email protected]

Undergraduate

Project Description: Many open source or non-commercial GIS software has been developed for GIS

data management, visualisation and analysis. However, there is no systematic

understanding the capability of this software. The aim of this project is to conduct

a systematic review by searching relevant literatures and testing existing major

software in terms of common characteristics, barriers and its capacity for data

integration.




29

DEVELOP METHODS FOR THE CALCULATION AND VISUAL PRESENTATION

OF CRASH DENSITY TO ALLOW INVESTIGATORS TO IDENTIFY SECTIONS

OF STATE ROADS WITH INCREASED CRASH RISK


[email protected]


Project Description: This project will investigate the application of kernel density estimation methods

for networks on serious single vehicle accidents on state roads in rural areas and

develop a general method that can be applied in various contexts to evaluate

road safety concerns. The project will investigate methods of calculating crash

density which accurately represent the underlying crash distribution, as well as

developing a suitable graphical representation that is easily interpretable.

The context for the development of the method will be the investigation of the

relationship between road shoulder width and crash risk. There is a large body of

evidence which suggests that narrow road shoulders are a significant risk factor.

DEVELOPING SITUATIONAL AWARENESS IN A DISASTER EVENT


[email protected]

Level: honours

Project Description: Over the recent years, a number of major disasters have occurred including

earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, etc. In all cases, the damage and effects to

people and infrastructure has been severe. The developing technologies of Web

2.0, crowdsourcing, sensors, web mapping, location based services, positioning,

etc. have supported the integration of a wider range of data sources over a

shorter period of time in order to assess the situation and respond appropriately.

This project investigates and develops a taxonomy of knowledge, identifying the

extent, diversity and interrelationships of information that can be used in

developing situation awareness in disaster events.

ESTABLISHMENT OF A GEOSERVER WEB SERVICE


[email protected]

Level: undergraduate, honours

Project Description: GeoServer is a Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) mapping server that

provides a means of viewing and editing geospatial data over the web. GeoServer

implements both the WMS and WFS Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)

standards and can integrate with many popular mapping applications such as

Google Maps, Google Earth, Microsoft Virtual Earth and ESRI ArcGIS. This project

involves the establishment of a web service using GeoServer.




30

INVESTIGATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEDESTRIAN INJURIES AND

THE ROAD ENVIRONMENT IN CENTRAL CITY AREAS


[email protected]


This project will investigate the relationship between pedestrian injuries with the

road environment in central city areas. The study will explore the spatial

clustering of crash locations of the non-behaviour crashes and relate them to the

significant parameters of the road environment. The major parameters that will

be considered are speed zones, number of lanes, traffic signals, crossing facilities,

day of week, time of day, pedestrian counts, proximity to old age facilities, sites

of pedestrian concentration such as shopping centres and distance from the

pedestrian place of residence (suburb).

The project objective is to identify the locations of significant pedestrian injuries

in central city areas and relate them with other road information in order to

identify and recommend interventions to minimise or eliminate risk of pedestrian

injuries.

Crash data for the last five years (2004-2009) will be used in the study. Both

spatial and temporal analysis will be undertaken to investigate trends relating to

the most significant correlations established by the study. The trends will be

compared with the measures that have already been implemented to minimise

risk of pedestrian injuries where appropriate.

INVESTIGATION OF AGENT-BASED MODELLING TECHNIQUES


[email protected]

Level: honours

Project Description: The digital earth platforms and technologies are developing from viewing-oriented

to process-oriented, with increasing capabilities for analysis, modelling and

simulation. Agent-based modelling (ABM) is a powerful geocomputational

technique that can be used to support geospatial modelling and simulation. This

project investigates the ABM modelling tools available and does a comparative

study in relation to a range of different geospatial applications.

INVESTIGATING DRIVING BEHAVIOURS OF OLDER PERSONS USING GPS

RECORDING

Supervisor: Cecilia Xia and Michael Kuhn

207:332, Tel: 9266 7563

[email protected]


The primary aim of this project is to test whether GPS utilizing GIS (Geographic

Information System) technologies represents a sensitive and effective tool for

assessing driving behaviours in older drivers. The objectives of the project are:

• To identify the capabilities of GPS tracking technologies for evaluating

driving behaviours;

• To develop a measurement matrix for assessing driving behaviours based

on GPS tracking data; and




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• To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of GPS tracking technologies

in assessing driving performance.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA FINDER MASHUP


[email protected]

Level: undergraduate

Project Description: Develop a Google Maps mashup that finds Australian local government areas

(LGAs) and other admin boundaries or point locations. Enhance the mashup with

some thematic mapping of attributes over LGAs. Investigate the capability of

mashups in integrating geospatial data from multiple sources. Reference:

1. ProgrammableWeb 2012, ‘Australian Postcode Finder’, ProgrammableWeb.com. <

http://www.programmableweb.com/mashup/australian-postcode-finder>

LOCATE WA ON A MOBILE DEVICE

Supervisor: Dr David A. McMeekin: 207:334, tel. 9266 7604,

[email protected]

Dr Petra Helmholz: 207.2.206, tel. 9266 3369

[email protected]


Landgate has recently launched the Locate project ‘a new way to view Western

Australia location based information.’ With this new way of delvering location

based information, this project will explore how this data can be exploited for use

on mobile devices such as iPads, iPhones, iPods and Android devices. Upon

completion of this prject the student will have an excellent understanding of

mobile devices and mobile device usage in the location information area as well

as have a working application on a mobile device using Locate information.

SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF ACCESSIBILITY TO CURTIN BENTLEY CAMPUS


[email protected]



The objective of this research project is to develop a method for understanding of

Curtin staff and student accessibility to Bentley campus, which includes three

elements:

1) Develop an understanding of commuting students and staff through the

use of a survey;

2) Develop a method to measure Curtin staff and student accessibility to

Bentley campus using geospatial technologies; and

3) Identify potential demand for on-site parking.


http://www.programmableweb.com/mashup/australian-postcode-finder



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Methods

1) Develop an online survey to understand staff and students’ commuting

patterns, such as access modes and parking patterns using qualtrics.com;

2) Measure Curtin staff and student accessibility to Bentley campus using

Spatial Composite Access Index; and

3) Identify potential demand for on-site parking using survey instrument.

SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF ELDERLY ACCESSIBILITY TO TRAIN STATIONS: A

COMPARISON OF SENIOR AGE GROUPS


[email protected]



The population structure of Perth is aging and as a result, the understanding of

an aging population’s accessibility to public transport is vital for future transport

and wellbeing planning. The main aim of the project is to understand the

differences of accessibility to train stations between senior groups, 60-69, 70-79,

and 80+ years. In order to achieve the primary aim, the following objectives

have been identified:

• Using visualization techniques such as maps and Bubble chart to illustrate

the variables attracting and deterring the use of train services by the three

senior age groups.

Using spatial and statistical analysis including hotspot analysis, Kruskal-

Wallis H Test, One-Way ANOVA and related post HOC analysis, to highlight

differences in accessibility to Perth train stations and the services and

facilities which attract or deter their use, within the senior age groups.

Implement these techniques using a case study of Perth, Western

Australia.

SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF TRANSPORT-BASED SOCIAL EXCLUSION: A

COMPARISON BETWEEN GREATER PERTH AND MELBOURNE


[email protected]



The project intends to test the assumption that certain groups which exhibit the

highest demand for public transport are disadvantaged by its residence location.

The transport disadvantaged groups (Litman, 2013) include:

The Elderly – Many can no longer drive or are uncomfortable driving long

distances or unable to travel independently due to lack of physical or

cognitive ability. They may also be unable to afford transport.

Low income – are those in households in the lowest two quintiles (i.e.

40%) of both equivalised disposable household income and equivalised

household net worth (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2013).

People who do not own a car – Due any number of circumstances, driving

is not an option.



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The spatial distribution pattern of these three groups was firstly analysed and

compared at statistical area level 1 (SA1) level using Geographic Information

System (GIS) technologies between Greater Perth and Melbourne. The supply of

transit to these three groups were then measured using a supply index (Currie,

2010) for each area of SA1s and the relative supply in relation to the demand of

the groups were evaluated using Gini coefficients and Lorenz curves (Delbosc and

Currie, 2011, Currie, 2010) at a disaggregated level. The results are used to

compare transport levels between various demographics to assess and quantify

any inequities in the current network, as well as identify any new areas of

concern as Perth and Melbourne plans for future upgrades to its current services.

References:

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013). Household Evonomic Wellbeing: Low

Economic Resource Households.

Currie, G. (2010). "Quantifying spatial gaps in public transport supply based on

social needs." Journal of Transport Geography 18(1): 31-41.

Delbosc, A. and G. Currie (2011). "Using Lorenz curves to assess public transport

equity." Journal of Transport Geography 19(6): 1252-1259.

Litman, T. (2013). Evaluating transportation equity, Victoria Transport Policy

Institute.

SPATIAL EVALUATION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

Supervisor: Robert Corner: 207:227, tel. 9266 7605,

[email protected]


The value of non-traded ecosystem services globally has been estimated at US$

33trillion pa. GIS and Remote Sensing may be valuable tools in quantifying

ecosystem services on a more local level. This project will investigate their use in

this context.

SPECTRAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EROSION – LITERATURE REVIEW


[email protected]


When topography is eroded by the action of water or wind, how does this change

its spectral properties? That is, does erosion act to reduce the large-scale

topographic features, the smaller features or does it reduce the amplitude of all

features equally at all scales? In this project, you will search for and summarise

existing literature in peer-reviewed journals, and perhaps draw your own

conclusions.



Department of Spatial Sciences 2015 … · 2015 Undergraduate/Honours/Postgraduate Project List ......

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