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Spatial
Information Processing
This theme has been recognised by the University as one of nine major strategic research areas for the University of Otago.
The Spatial Information Research Centre (SIRC) was established in 1989 to conduct research and development in the general area of spatial information science. Spatial information is data that is in some sense spatially referenced (i.e, with location), essentially information that could be communicated in the form of a map. As a subject, spatial information science is primarily concerned with the gathering, processing, management, manipulation and presentation of locationally referenced data in applications for agriculture, horticulture, surveying, municipal government, health and similar domains.
Spatial Information Processing involves research connected to the collection, management, analysis and visualisation of spatial information in computer-based information systems. The research associated with the Theme is primarily concerned with improving the design and application of such systems and developing new and improved methods of analysing spatially referenced information. Membership in the Theme crosses departmental and divisional boundaries and frequently inovlves interaction with agencies external to the University of Otago. The general research areas ocvered by the Theme include, but are not restricted to, intelligent systems and machine learning for analysis of spatial data, distributed systems and interoperability, database integration, computer vision, visualisation of multidimensional data, spatial systems analysis and design, land information system reform issues, spatial analysis, health, cultural and other spatially influenced social issues.
Principle Researchers
- Prof. G. Benwell (Info Sci)
- Dr. P. Whigham (Info Sci)
- Dr. C. Aldridge (Info Sci)
- Assoc. Prof. C. Hoogsteden (Surv)
- Mr. N. Sutherland (Surv)
- P. Fitzharris (WSM)
- Prof. C. Townsend (Zoo)
Funding Sources
• FRST
• Lottery Science
• Telecom New Zealand
• University of Otago Research Grants
• World Health Organisation
Postgraduate Study & Research
Thirty five postgraduate students are currently working on spatially-oriented research topics. SIRC is currently associated with many different departments within the University including History, Botany, Zoology, Surveying, Marketing, and Computer Science.
Research Projects
More than ten major research projects have been undertaken in the Centre over the last three years. Major on-going projects include:
- MicroClimate and Digital Terrain Models
- Three Dimensional Spatial Information Systems
- Spatial Decision Support Systems
- Relationships between public health and catchment ecology in association with the Taieri and Southern Rivers Programme
- The Global Atlas on Violence and Health in association with the World Health Organization.
- Cities and Health Programme in association with the World Health Organization
Information regarding other Major, and emerging research themes at the University of Otago can be found at http://www.otago.ac.nz/research/themes/index.html