Space-Time Pattern Mining: Creating and Analyzing 3D Space-Time Cubes 1. Introduction: Moving beyond static maps When implementing space time pattern mining 3D space time cubes, traditional maps often conceal how geographic patterns develop over time. Traditional GIS maps show where events occur, but a static map can conceal how geographic patterns develop over time. A … Read more
InSAR Surface Deformation Mapping: Tracking Ground Subsidence with Sentinel-1 1. Introduction: How InSAR detects ground subsidence When performing InSAR surface deformation mapping Sentinel 1 subsidence, detecting millimeters of ground displacement from satellite radar requires careful processing. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) is a remote sensing technique that measures changes in the distance between a radar … Read more
Hyperspectral vs Multispectral Remote Sensing: Spectral Resolution Explained 1. Introduction: Why spectral resolution matters Remote sensing allows researchers to investigate Earth’s surface by measuring electromagnetic energy reflected, emitted, or scattered by objects. Different materials interact with electromagnetic radiation differently, producing patterns that can help distinguish vegetation, soil, minerals, water, and built surfaces. However, the usefulness … Read more
Geospatial Cross-Validation in Machine Learning: Preventing Spatial Autocorrelation Leakage 1. Introduction Using Geospatial Cross Validation Machine Learning GIS techniques is essential when modeling spatial phenomena like land surface temperature or soil properties. Machine learning models are increasingly used to predict spatial phenomena, including land surface temperature, soil properties, flood susceptibility, vegetation condition, species distributions, housing … Read more
Querying OpenStreetMap Data at Scale with Python and DuckDB 1. Introduction: Why Combine OpenStreetMap with DuckDB? To Query OpenStreetMap Data Python DuckDB effectively, regional extracts provide detailed, openly accessible geographic data covering roads, buildings, and amenities. OpenStreetMap (OSM) provides detailed, openly accessible geographic data covering roads, buildings, amenities, land use, and countless other geographic features. … Read more
Segment Anything Model (SAM) for Automated Building Extraction in QGIS Introduction Using the Segment Anything Model SAM QGIS building extraction workflow significantly streamlines automated feature digitizing and spatial analysis compared to manual vector tracing. Building footprint extraction is one of the most time-consuming tasks in remote sensing and GIS. In conventional workflows, an analyst examines … Read more
Building Offline-First Field Collection Web Apps with Progressive Web App (PWA) Architecture Introduction “Implementing an Offline First Field Collection Web App PWA GIS is essential when field data collection takes place where internet connectivity is unreliable or unavailable. Field data collection frequently takes place where internet connectivity is unreliable or unavailable. Environmental surveys, agricultural assessments, … Read more
Spatial Regression with R: Fitting Spatial Lag and Spatial Error Models in spdep Introduction When performing spatial regression with R spdep, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) is often the natural starting point for regression analysis. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) is often the natural starting point for regression analysis. In a conventional linear model, we assume that … Read more
Managing Large Geospatial Datasets Locally with DuckDB and the Spatial Extension Introduction Large geospatial datasets can expose the limitations of conventional desktop GIS workflows. Opening a multi-gigabyte vector file may involve parsing geometry, decoding attributes, building rendering structures, and loading data into memory before an analyst can begin meaningful exploration. When a project contains millions … Read more
Extracting Building Footprints from Aerial Imagery Using OpenCV and Python 1. Introduction Mastering the fundamentals of extracting building footprints OpenCV Python offers a practical way to automate part of the building-mapping workflow before investing in deep learning models. Extracting building footprints with OpenCV and Python GIS tools offers a practical way to automate part of … Read more