Remote sensing of urban systems: Hierarchical integration with GIS

Abstract In an age of unprecedented data proliferation, the closer integration of remote sensing (RS) and geographical information systems (GIS) has assumed greater urgency for the handling of disparate, yet complimentary spatial data. At best, RS-GIS integration can facilitate extended inventories, greater analytical flexibility, rapid database updating, and broader potential applications. However, at worst, RS-GIS integration may cause data repetition, compounded errors, analytical complexity, and unfocussed objectives. To ensure more successful integration, this paper will formalize a hierarchically levelled schema for the careful and structured deliberation of all necessary steps. At the top of the hierarchy are the issues of data unity, measurement conformity, positional integrity, statistical relationships, classification compatability, and overall integration design. Each of these, and others throughout the hierarchy, are then more fully examined with reference to specific urban problems such as the land cover/use dichotomy, spatial resolution, and links between urban structure and function. The hierarchical schema will also act as a convenient framework for introducing the papers in this Special Issue, all targeted at urban RS-GIS integration.