Africa suffers from sparse gravity data coverage, limiting geodetic and geophysical applications. This study investigates the integration of Moho information to improve gravity anomaly estimation across large African data gaps. Using the window remove-restore technique, gravity values were estimated with both constant and variable crust-mantle density contrasts. The resulting AFRGDB_V3.1 (5 '& times;5 ') gravity database was generated through unequal-weight least-squares interpolation with optimized weighting of data sources. Accuracy assessment and comparison with previous African gravity databases demonstrate that incorporating Moho information significantly improves gravity anomaly estimation and provides a more reliable gravity database for geodetic and geophysical applications across Africa.
Combining total station and camera, the system measures large dynamic objects. Current calibration mainly covers coaxial and external cameras, lacking research on the vital built-in overview camera of image-assisted total stations. This paper builds its image measurement model and develops overall and stepwise calibration methods. The overall method is unstable and range-limited, whereas stepwise calibration achieves effective parameter decoupling. On this basis, fourth-order bivariate Fourier APs are used for distortion compensation. After correction, MAE and Std reach 0.07 and 0.09 pixels in both x and y directions, offering reliable references for practical calibration.
This paper examines compulsory land acquisition in Tanzania through a spatial justice lens, integrating distributive, procedural, recognitional, and interactional justice within a rule-process-outcome framework. Using a mixed-methods design, the study analysed survey data from 233 Project-Affected Persons and interviews with 15 key stakeholders in the urban vicinities of Dar es Salaam and Mwanza. Findings show that acquisition practices remain compensation-centred, with limited recognition of informal and customary tenure, inadequate participation, and persistent gender disparities. These shortcomings contribute to displacement, peripheralization, livelihood disruption, and the growth of informal settlements. The study argues that spatial justice requires tenure recognition, meaningful participation, gender equity, and inclusive resettlement beyond compensation.
This paper outlines a practical workflow for surveying alpine regions that are susceptible to rockfalls using UAV LiDAR. The primary goal is to capture the area of interest as comprehensively as possible while ensuring high geometric resolution and accuracy. The generated point clouds are utilized to detect deformations with high precision, capable of measuring changes within a few centimeters. The resulting findings contribute to alpine monitoring and thus also to future hazard prevention measures to protect people and nature. In this study, we apply our workflow to the rockfall on Mt. Hochvogel, located at the border between Germany and Austria.
Geoinformatics is a key supporting tool offering innovative solutions for territorial planning and spatial management. This technology, specifically Geographic Information System (GIS), is becoming essential in guiding territorial and economic development in the new globalized context. From exclusively specialized companies to businesses that integrate them into their products and services, a dynamic ecosystem has developed around this technology in Greece. The research takes into account most of the enterprises of the sector and examines in detail a representative sample (26%), offering a comprehensive picture of their general characteristics, directors and employees, technological infrastructure, customer base and financial data.
This paper investigates the valuation practice and pathways to an evidence-based real property transfer taxation in Bahir Dar City. The study relied on a mixed research approach. The findings reveal that the cost approach is used by the urban and infrastructure office regardless of the nature of real properties. However, it does not consider the worth of properties and spatial disparities. Moreover, the existing valuation processes are lengthy, opaque, ineffective, and unclear. The paper recommends adopting an evidence-based valuation approach tailored to the nature of properties and establishing comprehensive legal and institutional frameworks.
Continuous observations from CORS are essential for monitoring crustal deformation but are limited by sparse and uneven station distribution. Moreover, many studies use only horizontal or vertical components, which can lead to incomplete interpretations. We propose a three-dimensional crustal deformation framework based on least squares collocation to improve local deformation estimation in CORS-limited areas. Applied to the Banda Arc region, the analysis identifies three local deformation blocks. At the boundary of blocks 1-2, residual horizontal velocities, vertical uplift, and 3D strain showing energy accumulation indicate a strike-slip fault zone. These results demonstrate the approach's effectiveness for enhancing tectonic insights.
The use of Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) to determine the position of building corners in situations where part of the sky is obscured by their mass leads to the need to use a GNSS receiver combined with an Inertial Motion Unit (IMU). Test measurements demonstrate that it is possible to survey even the internal corners of a building, where multipath effects significantly influence measurements taken with a vertical pole. Finally, the optimal use of RTK measurements with a tilted pole is proposed, depending on the type of points being surveyed.
This study aims to evaluate the impact of National rural land administration information system on access to credit and women's landholding rights Ethiopia. Survey data were used. Findings reveal an improved access to credit and women land holding right post-National rural land administration information system. Positive perceptions of women's landholding rights after national rural land administration information system showed a significant effect (beta = 0.719, p = 0.016), indicating visible and realized improvements. National rural land administration information system is identified as a transformative policy tool, strengthening rural land governance, fostering financial inclusion, and advancing gender equity in rural Ethiopia.
This study investigates the challenges of UAV-based cadastral mapping of boundaries not physically marked in the field, focusing on positional accuracy and on the visibility of different types of boundary markers. Four test fields with different industrial markers and custom-made targets were surveyed using UAV photogrammetry. The results show that custom-made targets provide better visibility and slightly better positional accuracy. At the same time, 157 signalised points achieved a 3D accuracy of 1.1 cm, meeting Slovenian cadastral requirements. The marker's colour, size and background significantly influenced the detection. The findings confirm that UAV photogrammetry is suitable for land boundary data collection when combined with an accurate geodetic framework, appropriate markers, and proper execution.
This study validates terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data by comparing it with traditional geodetic levelling in a bridge pavement survey. Bridge roadway slopes were determined independently using both geodetic levelling and TLS. The comparison demonstrated that differences between slope values obtained by the two methods do not exceed 0.1 parts per thousand, with a standard deviation of 0.05, indicating a high level of agreement and reliability of TLS data. The findings confirm the practical benefits of integrating terrestrial laser scanning into infrastructure inspection technology to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of structural monitoring.
This study examines how Ethiopia's rural cadastral system transformation affects landholders' access to formal credit, using institutional theory and the 8R Responsible Land Management Framework. Surveying 256 landholders in Bahir Dar Zuria Woreda and interviewing Tsedey Bank officers, quantitative data were analyzed with multiple-linear regression and qualitative data thematically. Despite 92% completing Second Level Land Certification, only 1.4% accessed credit, averaging ETB 41,394 (similar to USD 265, based on the February 24, 2026 exchange rate, which is 156.2). Policy reforms positively influenced credit access, while institutional structure and processes had weaker effects. Findings highlight gaps in responsiveness, recognizability, and reflexivity. Strengthening legal frameworks, coordination with financial institutions, awareness, and standardized appraisals are recommended.
This study evaluates the economic impact of land consolidation by predicting profitability changes using machine learning techniques. Research was conducted in the K & imath;z & imath;lcab & ouml;l & uuml;k neighborhood of Denizli, Turkey, using field-based data on parcel structure and farm inputs. Several algorithms - artificial neural networks, decision trees, and linear regression - were tested. Linear regression achieved the best performance (RMSE: 0.0043 validation, 0.0031 testing). Sensitivity analysis showed parcel area, parcel number, and labour as the most influential variables. The results demonstrate that machine learning can reliably estimate post-consolidation profitability using only pre-consolidation data, providing a practical decision-support tool for land consolidation planning.
Zoning plan implementations in T & uuml;rkiye often restrict property rights for public services, while expropriation remains costly and contentious. In 2024, T & uuml;rkiye recognised Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) under Zoning Law No. 3194 as an alternative mechanism. Unlike market-based models, the Turkish approach requires full ownership transfer to the public, often without direct monetary compensation. This study analyses the legal and operational structure of the model through two implementation scenarios. The findings show that TDR can reduce fiscal pressure and limit uncompensated takings disputes, but also raises concerns regarding density management, voluntariness, and valuation credibility.
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are vital for surveying, mapping, and precise positioning, but adjusting these networks for optimal accuracy is complex. This study compares five optimisation methods, Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA), Backtracking Search Algorithm (BSA), and Weighted Differential Evolution (WDE), to the Least Squares (LS) method for improving GNSS network accuracy. Physics-based algorithms, particularly GSA and BSA, showed superior stability and consistency. GSA, in particular, achieved the highest accuracy and reliability, despite being more computationally intensive. These findings offer guidance for practitioners selecting optimisation methods for GNSS data.
