Virtual Geographic Environment – A Workspace for Computer-aided Geographic Experiments

摘要：虚拟地理环境（VGE）是计算机辅助地理实验（CAGEs）的一种工作空间和地理分析类型。通过支持地理可视化，地理模拟，地理协同和人类参与，它提供了对应于现实世界的开放的虚拟环境，来协助有关物理和人力方面的计算机辅助地理实验。本文基于一个有关VGEs如何能有助于CAGEs和地理分析的讨论，提出一个明确的、系统的VGEs框架。根据各自不同的功能、相关的问题、以及相应的解决方案讨论了四个子环境:(1)数据环境，（2）建模与模拟环境，（3)互动环境,和（4）协同环境。此外，本文使用一个空气污染的模拟，和对他在不同地理尺度的分析，来演示VGEs促进计算机辅助地理实验的能力。

Abstract: A Virtual Geographic Environment (VGE) is a type of workspace for computer-aided geographic experiments (CAGE) and geographic analyses. By supporting geo-visualization, geo-simulation, geo-collaboration, and human participation, it provides open virtual environments that correspond to the real world to assist computer-aided geographic experiments involving both the physical and human dimensions. Based on a discussion of how VGE can contribute to CAGE and geographic analyses, this article proposes a clear, systematic framework for VGE. Four sub-environments are discussed according to their different functions, pertinent issues, and corresponding solutions: (a) the data environment; (b) the modeling and simulation environment; (c) the interactive environment; and (d) the collaborative environment. Furthermore, a case on the simulation of air pollution and its analysis at different geographic scales is used to demonstrate VGE’s ability to facilitate computer-aided geographic experiments.

引文格式 (To cite this article):
Hui Lin, Min Chen & Guonian Lu (2012): Virtual Geographic Environment: A Workspace for Computer-Aided Geographic Experiments, Annals of the Association of American Geographers, DOI:10.1080/00045608.2012.689234.

文章链接 (To download this article):
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00045608.2012.689234#preview