Computation and Visualization for the Understanding of Dynamics

in Geographic Domains

16-18 October 2006

Maritime institute of Technology & Graduate Studies

Washington, D.C.

Co-organizers: May Yuan and Kathleen Stewart Hornsby

One of the most important developments in Geographic Information Science is the expansion of theories, models, and technologies to effectively discern and interpret spatiotemporal patterns, relationships, and interactions among features, activities, processes, and events in geographic domains. A basic assumption of the proposed workshop posits that understanding our world requires a thorough comprehension of dynamics in geographic domains at all levels. Dynamics in geographic domains cuts across a wide spectrum of spatiotemporal themes, ranging from individual travel activities to global environmental change. At one scale, dynamics reflects the movement patterns or the change to entities over time, where entities go in and out of existence, as well as the internal evolution of properties of entities; at another scale, dynamics is manifested through interactions among geographic systems, restructuring these systems, and developing new systems. Hence, a thorough comprehension of dynamics in geographic domains challenges all aspects of information computation and visualization from the development of effective analytical, reasoning, and modeling environments to understanding intricate relationships and interactions evolving in our ever-changing world.

Building upon the success of the workshop on Geospatial Data Mining and Visualization held in 2003, the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS) is hosting this workshop to bring together leading researchers from multiple disciplines to discuss next-generation computation and visualization models needed for the understanding of dynamics in geographic domains. The workshop is sponsored by geospatial intelligence communities and covers travel expenses for all selected workshop participants. Twenty (20) participants will be selected from UCGIS member institutions to join representatives from an array of government agencies to discuss visions, challenges, and research needs in the topical area. In addition to plenary sessions, breakout-group meetings, and open-space discussions, the workshop will invite representatives from intelligence communities to demonstrate current uses of spatiotemporal information technologies and elaborate on needs for further developments. The workshop is expected to deliver two products: a book on the research and development agenda and an edited book to address broader issues and research challenges on the topical area. Possible topics for consideration at the Workshop include (but are not limited to): spatiotemporal analysis and modeling; spatiotemporal visual analytics; spatiotemporal data mining; spatiotemporal reasoning; and spatiotemporal ontologies.

Position papers (2-3 pages) are invited from researchers at UCGIS member institutions. Selection of UCGIS participants will be determined by a workshop steering committee. Each position paper should highlight the following two elements:

the applicant’s affiliation, professional development, and potential contributions to and expectation of the workshop
the applicant’s vision, research synopsis, and research leadership related to the workshop theme.

Please submit position papers by 21 May 2006. For questions, please contact either co-organizer myuan@ou.edu or kathleen@spatial.maine.edu

An information session on the workshop will be held in UCGIS Summer Assembly 28 June to 1 July 2006, the Heathman Lodge, Vancouver, Washington. Representatives from UCGIS and government agencies will discuss the workshop program, articulate the broader context and vision for the workshop, and solicit comments and suggestions.