Development of a spatial information system for use in sociological field surveys in Thailand and elementary training in map literacy

实地调查经常在社会科学领域进行，对学生来说是重要的基础训练。基本的地理资料是进行这种实地调查的先决条件，但在许多地区，获得这些基本资料的机会仍然有限。虽然我们可以通过互联网详细浏览卫星图像和道路地图，但这些资料是无法离线浏览的。该项目侧重于学术信息基础材料的线下可得性，并开发了一个空间信息工具，以支持实地调查的三个主要步骤：准备、现场实施和归档。该项目使用的主要材料位于泰国东北部。主要活动及成果如下：EcoNETVIS站点导航实验：我将该系统借给泰国东北部的几位研究人员进行现场实验。之后，我拜访了他们，听取了他们的意见，并讨论了该系统可能的改进。为今后对该地区边寨的实际研究做了前期的实地调查。EcoNETVIS网站导航的改进：根据实验用户的要求，已经实施了许多局部改进。修订了该系统的规格，以将可能的覆盖范围从泰国扩大到邻国。人们发现这一系统在合并老挝和越南的遗留地形图方面是有效的。公众访问：该项目中使用的学术信息多年来一直通过EcoNETVIS网页向泰国公众开放。最近，为了方便泰国公民访问，泰国一家管理自己的地理空间内容门户网站的私营公司向我提供了一个独家平台。目前，一个试用网页已经准备好了，我们一直在为公开发布而合作。

Field surveys are often conducted in the social sciences and are important as elementary training for students. Basic geographical materials are prerequisite for such field surveys, but access to such basic materials are still limited in many regions. Although, we can browse satellite imageries and road maps in detail through the Internet, these materials can not be browsed offline. This project focused on the offline availability of basic materials with academic information, and a spatial information tool has been developed to support three major steps of a field survey: preparation, on-site implementation, and filing. The major materials used in this project are on the northeast of Thailand.Major activities and results are as follows.1. Experiments on the EcoNETVIS site navigation: I loaned the system to several researchers in Northeast Thailand for field experiments. I visited them afterward to listen to their impressions and discuss possible improvements of the system. A preparatory field survey was also conducted for future practical research on frontier villages in this region.2. Improvement of the EcoNETVIS site navigation: According to the requests from experimental users, many partial improvements have been implemented. The specifications of the system were revised to expand possible coverage from Thailand to neighboring countries. This system was found effective in incorporating legacy topographic maps of Laos and Vietnam.3. Public access: Academic information used in this project has been open to the Thai public through the EcoNETVIS Web page for many years. Recently, to provide easier access for Thai citizens, a private company in Thailand managing its own portal site with geospatial contents offered me an exclusive platform. At present, a trial Web page is ready, and we have been collaborating for public release.