Environmental Analysis Using Integrated GIS and Spatial Configurations in Israel

The scope for environmental analysis constitutes a critical factor in recent times, yet demanding importance due to the concerns of environmental sustainability. The study aims at analysing the prospects of implementing an integrated GIS and spatial configuration for environment analysis in Israel. The study adopts an empirical study design to consider the multi-dimensional utilisation of an integrated GIS and spatial configuration for environment analysis. The study considers the materials and methods of the GIS system modelling as well, consisting of satellite imagery, GPS-based location identification, Esri ArcGIS, CyberGIS, and BIM integration to present a comprehensive system for the environmental analysis of Israel. The results of the study indicate that the threats of natural disasters and climate change can be identified based on the synergy of spatial data within an integrated GIS modelling. In many cases, it is also used in collaboration with a BIM to ensure that planning and decision-making processes are sustainable, economically beneficial and environmentally considered. Thus, it is concluded that environmental analysis through the projection of visually represented satellite imagery within an integrated GIS with spatial configurations in Israel can minimise the conflicts between the infrastructural designs, human activities, and environmental sustainability.

Spatial Configuration of Traditional Dwellings in Riyadh Al-Khabra Traditional Town, Saudi Arabia

Traditional buildings, particularly residential dwellings, are spatio-temporal reflections of the society and culture in which they were originally sited. Understanding the nature of this built heritage thus fosters interpretation of previous generations’ experiences in these older settlements, all of which can thus be described as products of several different cultural dimensions. Qassim province, which sits in the central province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is distinguished by having retained various traditional towns and villages, including multiple dwellings representing important eras in the past. However, due to the local population’s abandonment of these traditional towns and movement to new urban areas, and related failures in conservation and restoration, some of these towns have lost many of their unique characteristics, especially with regard to their dwellings. This research thus attempts to interpret the relationships between the spatial configuration of traditional dwellings in Saudi Arabia and their socio-cultural principles and values, focusing on decoding their interior spatial constants and genotypes. The study proposes the use of space syntax theory, represented by the justified plan graph method, as an appropriate socio-spatial methodology for such work, targeting the traditional town of Riyadh Al-Khabra in Qassim province as a case study area, with eight dwellings built between 1900 and 1940 used as examples. Interpretation of analysis results enabled defining spatial constants digitally in these traditional dwellings through the benefit of syntactic analysis techniques, and the main findings of this research reveal the significance of various social and cultural factors and customs among inhabitants with regard to determining the spatial form and properties of traditional dwellings in towns such as Riyadh Al-Khabra.

Effect of spatial configuration on adhesion of 1,2-disubstituted cyclohexane derivatives

Spatial configuration has a significant effect on chemical self-assembly.However,the importance of spatial configuration in supramolecular adhesive materials has been frequently ignored.In this study,the effects of the spatial configuration on cohesion and adhesion were investigated.Owing to the diversities of the chemical structures and assembly patterns,1,2-disubstituted cyclohexane derivatives were used in this combined experimental and theoretical investigation.The self-sorting assembly of enantiopure isomers improved cohesion but had a negative effect on adhesion.In contrast,racemic mixtures displayed stronger adhesion effects.Moreover,it was proven that the cis-configuration was more favorable for supramolecular adhesion than the trans-counterpart.In addition,the influence of the spatial configuration of 1,2-disubstituted cyclohexane derivatives could be effectively mitigated by hydrogen bond donors or acceptors.The addition of natural acids yielded three-dimensional polymeric networks,in which the spatial configuration was not the decisive factor for supramolecular adhesion.

Sustainable Urban Mobility: (A)Synchrony between Subway Systems

The present study analyses the differences between the subways systems of two cities, Lisbon (Portugal) and Brasília (Brazil), verifying the extent to which their subway systems are spatially integrated with the respective urban fabric-which would promote a better synchrony in terms of economy and sustainability. For interpreting the data, the methodology and tools of the Theory of the Social Logic of Space were used, by means of axial maps, researching the relationship between the constructed and empty (public spaces) areas of the urban structures. Based on the findings, meaningful differences between the subway systems and the configuration of urban spaces were observed, as a product of specific design matrixes. In Lisbon, the mobility associated to the subway seems to be encouraged by the integration of the system with the potential for movement provided by the urban tissue (making the secondary centralities articulated with the subway stations more dynamic). In Brasilia, however, there are several difficulties for such mobility, due to the predominant role of the empty spaces in the city which weakens the gathering potential of such areas, despite the fact that such articulation with secondary centralities is also present there.

Exploring visitors’visual perception along the spatial sequence in temple heritage spaces by quantitative GIS methods:a case study of the Daming Temple,Yangzhou City,China

The Daming Temple,built during 457–464 C.E.,is one of the developing ancient temple heritage spaces located in Yangzhou city,P.R.China.Over the past 60 years,variation in visitors’spatial perception along the tour routes in the temple has occurred.This research attempts to reveal the changes in visitors’visual perception along the spatial sequences at 3 different times(i.e.,1962,1973 and 2022).A quantitative GIS-based method,which includes analysing the distribution of visitors’spatial preferences and spatial configuration,is proposed.Digital landscape tools and quantitative estimation methods are used,including mapping within Rhinoceros software,the kernel density estimation(KDE)method within ArcGIS software and spatial syntax analysis within DepthMap software.Extracted geodata from 500 photographs of the heritage space taken by volunteer visitors are analysed within the GIS environment.Values of the mean depth(MD)at both levels of visibility and accessibility are calculated within the visibility graph analysis(VGA)model.Comparisons between the visual preferences of the visitors and the spatial configuration along the spatial sequence are conducted.The results indicate that the spatial sequence has a significant impact on visitors’visual preferences and tour routes.The phenomenon of spatial sequence among dynamic temporal variations and the effects of narrative spaces along the spatial sequence are highlighted and explained,which reveal the relationship between visitors’geospatial preference and the spatial configuration of the temple.Some suggestions are put forwards for further studies on the revitalisation and management of East Asian ancient temple heritage spaces.

Evaluating changes in business distribution within urban rail transit hubs in Beijing via Point of Interest (POI) data analysis (2008-2020)

This paper,set against the backdrop of expanding urban rail networks and dynamic urban development,focuses on the distribution and evolution of commercial Points of Interests(POIs)within the central urban rail transit areas of Beijing.The study examines data from four different years-2008,2013,2017,and 2020-to observe the temporal evolution of commercial entities.It identifies stable explanatory variables affecting the distribution and evolution of commercial POIs,which include rail transit accessibility,characteristics of the working and residential population distribution around stations,and the construction intensity in the vicinity of station areas.Through statistical analysis and model building,relatively stable linear regression equations were established,with R2 values generally maintained above 0.5(except for 2017).The study advances our understanding of the influence of rail transit on urban commercial spaces and how this influence shifts with temporal and urban developmental changes.It elucidates the correlation between changes in the number of businesses and spatial configuration,offering insights and information for urban planners and policy makers.This research also serves as a model for exploring the interplay between urban rail transit and commercial spaces in other major cities.

Does the spatial arrangement of urban landscape matter?Examples of urban warming and cooling in Phoenix and Las Vegas

This study examines the impact of spatial landscape configuration(e.g.,clustered,dispersed)on land-surface temperatures(LST)over Phoenix,Arizona,and Las Vegas,Nevada,USA.We classified detailed land-cover types via object-based image analysis(OBIA)using Geoeye-1 at 3-m resolution(Las Vegas)and QuickBird at 2.4-m resolution(Phoenix).Spatial autocorrelation(local Moran’s I)was then used to test for spatial dependence and to determine how clustered or dispersed points were arranged.Next,we used Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer(ASTER)data acquired over Phoenix(daytime on 10 June and nighttime on 17 October 2011)and Las Vegas(daytime on 6 July and nighttime on 27 August 2005)to examine day-and nighttime LST with regard to the spatial arrangement of anthropogenic and vegetation features.Local Moran’s I values of each land-cover type were spatially correlated to surface temperature.The spatial configuration of grass and trees shows strong negative correlations with LST,implying that clustered vegetation lowers surface temperatures more effectively.In contrast,clustered spatial arrangements of anthropogenic land-cover types,especially impervious surfaces and open soil,elevate LST.These findings suggest that city planners and managers should,where possible,incorporate clustered grass and trees to disperse unmanaged soil and paved surfaces,and fill open unmanaged soil with vegetation.Our findings are in line with national efforts to augment and strengthen green infrastructure,complete streets,parking management,and transit-oriented development practices,and reduce sprawling,unwalkable housing development.

Monitoring the transformation in New Cairo’s urban vitality and the accompanying social and economic phenomena

Many cities in Egypt have been built recently with spatial characteristics that differ structurally from the spatial configuration of the ancient Arab city.There is a growing interest in understanding how social and economic phenomena related to the community are transformed in new cities,particularly those that extend from the old city,as is the case with the city of New Cairo.We have developed an analytical framework to study the effects of spatial configuration on the pace of growth of the new city and identify its characteristics in terms of phenomena related to movement and the distribution of economic activities,as well as urban vitality.A framework for combining quantitative and qualitative analysis helps in understanding phenomena related to the morphology of the development of the new city.Using syntactic analysis,place syntax and field observation,the spatial characteristics of the city of New Cairo were investigated,then compared with Old Cairo to determine which features were enriched in terms of the city’s vitality or what has been lost during the expansion phases,based on the planning concepts that were applied.The study concluded that changes in the characteristics of the spatial configurations of the new Egyptian cities by increasing the flow of vehicular traffic via wide arterial roads do not reflect the requirements of the local community,but instead impede local movement within the city and reduce the integration of its neighbourhoods,turning them into isolated islands.The greatest impact of this is the way in which the characteristics of society in these cities have been limited,resulting in isolation and a lack of connection with the identity of the place and the customs and traditions of the community.This paper presents an analytical framework for evaluating similar cities in terms of the characteristics of this planning configuration,identifying the extent to which the old has been preserved or changed and emphasising the validity of the methodology by evaluating the characteristics of other new cities.

Mosque layout desisn： An analytical study of mosque layouts in the early Ottoman period

This study attempts to quantify the influence of spatial configuration on the functional efficiency of mosque layouts in the early Ottoman period. The literature review consists of two parts. The first part is a theoretical study of the relationship between spatial configuration and functional efficiency of mosque layouts. This part highlights the key syntactical characteristics and effect of spatial configuration on the level of functional efficiency using space syntax theory. The second part is an analytical comparative description of the changes and transfor- mations in the configurations of mosque layouts. The architectural styles are classified into six types based on layout designs. The main benchmarks and indicators involved in measuring the functional efficiency of mosque layouts are analyzed using the A-graph 2009 software program, which provides numerical results. This analysis compares entire samples of mosque layout designs for each category. The numerical results indicate the effect of spatial configurations and the functions of mosque layouts. This study shows that mosques with courtyard layouts are accessible, efficient, and flexible in terms of function because of their distinct syntactical and morphological spatial structures.

Patch isolation and shape predict plant functional diversity in a naturally fragmented forest

Aims It is known that taxonomic diversity can be predicted by the spatial configuration of the habitat,in particular by its area and degree of iso-lation.However,taxonomic diversity is a poor predictor of ecosystem functioning.While functional diversity is strongly linked to the func-tionality and stability of ecosystems,little is known about how changes in the spatial configuration of the habitat affect functional diversity.In this study,we evaluated whether the spatial configuration of forest patches predicts the functional diversity of plants in a fragmented forest.Methods Five functional leaf traits(leaf dry matter content,leaf punch force,specific leaf area,leaf size and leaf thickness)were measured for 23 dominant plant species in 20 forest patches in a naturally fragmented forest on the yucatan Peninsula.Abundance-weighted multivariate and individual trait metrics of functional diversity were calculated and cor-related with size,degree of isolation and the shape of forest patches.Important Findings Patch shape was negatively correlated with multivariate and individ-ual trait(leaf dry matter content and leaf size)metrics of functional diversity.Patch isolation measures were also negatively correlated with individual trait(leaf dry matter content,leaf punch force and leaf size)metrics of functional diversity.In other words,greater patch shape irregularity and isolation degree impoverish plant func-tional variability.This is the first report of the negative effects of patch shape irregularity and isolation on the functional diversity of plant communities in a forest that has been fragmented for a long time.

Prospects of eco-hydrological model for sponge city construction

Introduction:Understanding complex urban eco-hydrological processes through models is an important approach in sponge city construction.However,the research on this has not kept pace with the urgent need for sustainable development of urban water resources,which makes the current construction efficiencies unsatisfactory.Outcomes:This review highlights the importance of establishing a multi-scale urban distributed eco-hydrological model by analyzing the connotations of sponge city construction.Hydrological models that can be configured for sponge city construction were selected.Traditional models have limitations in coupling ecological and hydrological processes,multi-scale and landscape-based simulations,refined simulations,and computational efficiency.By contrast,cellular automaton has a discrete data structure in space,time,and states,is capable of bottom-up computing,and provides a new conceptual framework for simulating complex urban eco-hydrological processes.Discussion and Conclusion:Future model development may focus on the conduction of multi-scale simulation systems,the simulation of coupled urban eco-hydrological processes,the quantification of eco-hydrological responses to land cover composition,spatial configuration and low impact development practices,and improving simulation accuracy.