Time-scale sensitive sensor applications in collecting and analyzing geographic event data

Abstract

Space and time are fundamental concepts in ontological studies. This research applies analytical methods to recognize time-scale of sensor applications in analyzing geographic data. Representations of time in this research are classified into 1) Time-interval, 2) Time-duration, 3) Time-point, and 4) Time-dimension. Time-scale refers the size of temporal intervals either built subjectively or objectively for measuring geographic processes or events. Three types of time scales were identified in sensor detections: 1) existence duration, 2) sensor observation duration, and 3) validity duration. The existence duration in time scale system represents the original factor of a geographic event, sensor observation duration designed by researchers is a ‘tool’ to search the validity duration, and validity duration quantifies a theory can be hold true only during a certain period and at a certain time scale interval. Two experimental researches of time scale sensitive sensor deployment were conducted; 1) Spatial and Temporal Changes of Parking Lot Land Use at SUNY–Buffalo State Applying a UAV Remote Sensor, and 2) Spatial Analysis of Distributions and Habitat Conditions of Fallopia japonica Invasive Species Applying UAV Remote Sensing. The major contribution of this research is to demonstrate geographic features and events occur and distribute at certain time durations.