title: Quantitative experimental comparison of single-beam, sidescan, and multibeam benthic habitat maps

authors: Schimel, Alexandre Carmelo Gregory

subjects: accuracy

abstract: Map comparison is a relatively uncommon practice in acoustic seabed classification to date, contrary to the field of land remote sensing, where it has been developed extensively over recent decades. The aim here is to illustrate the benefits of map comparison in the underwater realm with a case study of three maps independently describing the seabed habitats of the Te Matuku Marine Reserve (Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand). The maps are obtained from a QTC View classification of a single-beam echosounder (SBES) dataset, manual segmentation of a sidescan sonar (SSS) mosaic, and automatic classification of a backscatter dataset from a multibeam echosounder (MBES). The maps are compared using pixel-to-pixel similarity measures derived from the literature in land remote sensing. All measures agree in presenting the MBES and SSS maps as the most similar, and the SBES and SSS maps as the least similar. The results are discussed with reference to the potential of MBES backscatter as an alternative to SSS mosaic for imagery segmentation and to the potential of joint SBES–SSS survey for improved habitat mapping. Other applications of map-similarity measures in acoustic classification of the seabed are suggested.

text: Quantitative experimental comparison of single-beam, sidescan, and multibeam benthic habitat maps Map comparison is a relatively uncommon practice in acoustic seabed classification to date, contrary to the field of land remote sensing, where it has been developed extensively over recent decades. The aim here is to illustrate the benefits of map comparison in the underwater realm with a case study of three maps independently describing the seabed habitats of the Te Matuku Marine Reserve (Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand). The maps are obtained from a QTC View classification of a single-beam echosounder (SBES) dataset, manual segmentation of a sidescan sonar (SSS) mosaic, and automatic classification of a backscatter dataset from a multibeam echosounder (MBES). The maps are compared using pixel-to-pixel similarity measures derived from the literature in land remote sensing. All measures agree in presenting the MBES and SSS maps as the most similar, and the SBES and SSS maps as the least similar. The results are discussed with reference to the potential of MBES backscatter as an alternative to SSS mosaic for imagery segmentation and to the potential of joint SBES–SSS survey for improved habitat mapping. Other applications of map-similarity measures in acoustic classification of the seabed are suggested.

year: 2010

title: Is there a connection between monetary unification and real economic integration? Evidence from regime-switching stationarity tests

authors: Holmes, Mark J.

subjects: real interest parity

abstract: We investigate the extent of real convergence among G7 economies in terms of long-run real interest parity. A novel approach is applied where unit-root tests of real interest differentials are embedded within a Markov regime-switching framework. Whereas standard univariate unit-root tests provide little support for parity, we find real convergence is present after allowing for regime switches in real interest misalignments. However, differentials across members of the euro zone are likely to exhibit greater persistence despite nominal convergence. It is non-sequitur to infer from monetary unification that nominal convergence is necessarily conducive to real interest realignments or preventive of misalignments.

text: Is there a connection between monetary unification and real economic integration? Evidence from regime-switching stationarity tests We investigate the extent of real convergence among G7 economies in terms of long-run real interest parity. A novel approach is applied where unit-root tests of real interest differentials are embedded within a Markov regime-switching framework. Whereas standard univariate unit-root tests provide little support for parity, we find real convergence is present after allowing for regime switches in real interest misalignments. However, differentials across members of the euro zone are likely to exhibit greater persistence despite nominal convergence. It is non-sequitur to infer from monetary unification that nominal convergence is necessarily conducive to real interest realignments or preventive of misalignments.

year: 2008

title: Cadastral reform of indigenous land information and environmental sustainability in New Zealand

authors: Jay, Grace Mairi M.

subjects: geography

abstract: New Zealand’s cadastral system has come under scrutiny in recent years, A sharp rise in the number of land claims by the country’s indigenous Maori, accompanied by historic environmental legislation, have prompted milk for cadastral reform. Although no consensus has yet emerged among experts about future cadastral reforms, land information mangers and Maori leaders generally concede the need for the overhaul of current land information management practices. However, any future reforms will have to reconcile seemingly incompatible goals, by being legally sound, culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable. Most of the land in New Zealand is subject to legislation enacted within the past decade, which incorporates concern for the issues of sustainability, as well as the Maori’s cultural values and ancestral rights. The presence of this legislation, and a growing capacity among Maori to be involved, both mean that Maori concepts of land management and sustainability are receiving increasing attention in New Zealand, and are likely to influence the shape of future cadastral reforms for Maori lands.

text: Cadastral reform of indigenous land information and environmental sustainability in New Zealand New Zealand’s cadastral system has come under scrutiny in recent years, A sharp rise in the number of land claims by the country’s indigenous Maori, accompanied by historic environmental legislation, have prompted milk for cadastral reform. Although no consensus has yet emerged among experts about future cadastral reforms, land information mangers and Maori leaders generally concede the need for the overhaul of current land information management practices. However, any future reforms will have to reconcile seemingly incompatible goals, by being legally sound, culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable. Most of the land in New Zealand is subject to legislation enacted within the past decade, which incorporates concern for the issues of sustainability, as well as the Maori’s cultural values and ancestral rights. The presence of this legislation, and a growing capacity among Maori to be involved, both mean that Maori concepts of land management and sustainability are receiving increasing attention in New Zealand, and are likely to influence the shape of future cadastral reforms for Maori lands.

year: 1997