‘Land for infrastructure’ in Ho Chi Minh City: land-based financing of transportation improvement

This paper explores how land-based financing mechanisms are currently used in Ho Chi Minh City as a public-private funding strategy. The Land-for-Infrastructure (LFI) mechanism appears as a solution to produce infrastructures. We found that the implementation of the LFI mechanism remains difficult, but eventually can lead to success. By ‘trial-error-transcend,’ the City managed to build two essential roads while the developers received attractive investment opportunities in urban development. This mechanism cannot, however, be seen as a panacea for the local authorities due to constraints to replicate it and potential undesired ‘side effects.’     

Multiobjective PSO based adaption of neural network topology for pixel classification in satellite imagery

The proposed work involves the multiobjective PSO based adaption of optimal neural network topology for the classification of multispectral satellite images. It is per pixel supervised classification using spectral bands (original feature space). This paper also presents a thorough experimental analysis to investigate the behavior of neural network classifier for given problem. Based on 1050 number of experiments, we conclude that following two critical issues needs to be addressed: (1) selection of most discriminative spectral bands and (2) determination of optimal number of nodes in hidden layer. We propose new methodology based on multiobjective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) technique to determine discriminative spectral bands and the number of hidden layer node simultaneously. The accuracy with neural network structure thus obtained is compared with that of traditional classifiers like MLC and Euclidean classifier. The performance of proposed classifier is evaluated quantitatively using Xie-Beni and β indexes. The result shows the superiority of the proposed method to the conventional one.     

Estimation of a preference map of new consumers for spatial load forecasting simulation methods using a spatial analysis of points

The paper presents a spatial analysis of points especially suited to estimate a preference map for new consumers, which is then used as an analytical tool in spatial electric load forecasting. This approach is an exploratory spatial data analysis used to discover useful point patterns in the spatial location of distribution transformers to calculate a preference value for each area, rating it with respect to a hypothetical load change that may occur. We consider the locations of distribution transformers occupied land. Random points are generated in the study area where the new loads are expected; these points are referred to as unoccupied land. The method uses a generalized additive model (GAM) to estimate the probability of unoccupied land becoming occupied land. We test the approach with data from a real distribution system in a mid-size city in Brazil; the result is a preference map that shows the areas where new consumers are most likely to be allocated. The main advantage of this method is the ability work with a small-scale resolution, which enables the use of a resolution suitable for spatial load forecasting method chosen. We test the calculated probabilities in a spatial load forecasting simulation, yielding results with lower spatial error when compared with the heuristic technique.     

Governance assessment of UAV implementation in Kenyan land administration system

The ‘fit-for-purpose’ (FFP) approach was developed to respond to the challenges that the creation of a sustainable land administration system (LAS) faces. FFP has proved its value in integrating technological innovations such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in LAS. Technological innovations need to consider the governance context when being implemented. Understanding the relevance of the FFP approach and acknowledging the importance of the governance context, this research applies the ‘Fit-for-purpose governance assessment framework’ (FGAF). FGAF helps to understand the challenges that the implementation of UAVs can face in the LAS in Kenya. This governance assessment is based on 16 semi-structured in-depth interviews, three one-day workshops with local stakeholders and UAVs pilot studies to test the technology. The findings suggest that there are major and minor challenges concerning different attributes of FFP qualities. The governance context across counties is fragmented with a high degree of uncertainty and uneven capacity conditions. There are overlapping responsibilities and trust issues among the different actors. Participation of private and non-governmental actors is limited. Yet, steps have been taken toward the adoption of innovative approaches. Although financial resources are limited, the diversity of local and international stakeholders can work as a leverage point to support the implementation of UAVs in the mid and long-term.     

Structural Characteristics and Contemporary Value of Traditional Water Cultural Landscapes in Huizhou Region

Water culture is one of the key issues in Water Ecological Civilization. China’s traditional water cultural landscape embodies rich water cultures, and have a significance in related research and protection practice. This paper proposes the concept of “water cultural landscape,” that is, the landscape formed through humans’ environmental alteration during water activities—including how people use, transform, and manage it. The traditional water cultural landscapes in Huizhou Region have developed over hundreds of years, reflecting the locals’ wisdom in sustainable water use. The water cultural landscape in Huizhou Region should be interpreted as a systematic notion, in which all landscape elements such as ponds, weirs, and shuikous are interdependent, composing the landscape components e.g. valleys, hills, and basins, and establishing water security patterns for cities, towns, villages, and for production. The traditional water cultural landscape in Huizhou Region requires local generations’ long-term maintenance and management, and in turn it is also vital to Huizhou people's life and Huizhou culture. Today, it acts as an ecological infrastructure for sponge countryside and sponge city construction, and an important resource for heritage protection and tourism development.     

新时期空间规划转向与政策绩效提升路径

公共政策限制或扩展了人的行为, 以此牵引空间需求并塑造城乡形态。而城乡 规划的本质即是人类社会对空间需求的集体 意志,是权衡社会、文化、经济和环境等无 边界因素之后的集体选择。城乡规划在新时 期融入了国土空间规划体系,但由于边界不 明确、作用机制不明朗、效果不直接、责任难 认定等原因,在积极贡献的同时,承受了较多 质疑甚至不实之责。为了更加清晰地认知空 间规划及其政策,可以借鉴西方城市发展和 规划理论探索经验,重新认知和区分规划领 域学理、法理、机理的内涵与差别,同时,探 讨提升空间规划政策绩效的路径,大体包括 推动经验判断转向情景演算、识别实施传导 机制、划定可试错的领域并完善纠错机制以 及促进规划政策全过程的知识积累等方面。     

2005年公寓住宅产品设计趋势

本文从居生区规划形态，景观设计、户型设计，立面风格，配套设施，建设技术等方面对2005年公寓住宅产品设计趋势进行了探讨与展望。     

基于生态位理论的城市空间优化策略研究——以增城市为例

土地利用担负着城市空间架构和空间优化的重要功能.从生态位的角度看,城市空间优化具有内在和外在两方面驱动力,分别是土地生态位扩充和土地生态位差.在内外两种驱动力的共同作用下,土地变化方向总是朝着效益最大化和生态适宜度最高的方向发展.根据土地生态位整体效益最大化原理,增城市城市空间优化应当采取以下策略:承接西南、充实中部、优化东部、平衡西部、联合南部、调控北部.     

北京城市快速发展时期双井老工业区转型研究

20世纪90年代以来,北京的城市发展和产业结构调整进入到了新的快速发展时期,受其影响,城区内原有的老工业区也加快了转型调整的步伐.双井老工业区的转型正是在这个特殊时期进行的,通过描述双井老工业区的发展历程和转型后的现状,深入探讨了老工业区转型的动力机制以及转型过程中暴露出的诸多矛盾,最后,从社会主义市场经济角度和城市建设角度提出发展建议.