Urban and Regional Data Management

Human activities as well as various natural phenomena change the environment and impact on the quality of life. Analysis of those dynamics is required for a better understanding of urban modifications, and to facilitate urban growth and development. Research related to the management of urban data has a long tradition. Through the years a variety of challenging research questions has been investigated related to the collection, storage, use and visualisation of the data representing the urban phenomena in a computer-based environment. The role of the citizens and their wellbeing has become a critical aspect in all research and development activities. Since 1971, the Urban Data Management Society (UDMS) has organized international symposia across Europe to promote the development of information systems at a local government level. Initially, the focus of these symposia was mostly on urban applications, but both regional and rural issues have grown in importance over the years. Nowadays, an important aim of UDMS is to provide a forum for people to discuss new approaches, to consider new technologies, and to share practical experiences in the field of urban data management. This book contains a selection of the best 19 out of 42 full papers that were submitted for UDMS 2011. The topics covered represent current trends in urban and regional data management. Urban and Regional Data Management 2011 is divided in four parts: (1) 3D modeling and applications; (2) Data management for local government; (3) Environmental monitoring and assessment; (4) Remote sensing for urban applications, and will proof to be a useful source of information for urban, regional and rural data-related professionals, such as scholars, GIS engineers, geomatic professionals, photogrammetrists, land surveyors, mapping specialists, urban planners and researchers, as well as for postgraduate students and lecturers.