Shiode, Narushige; (2005) Information spaces in urban society: Analyses of real and virtual worlds & utilisation of cyberspaces. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This study investigates the emerging information spaces from a geo-spatial perspective and explores the ways to utilise their flexible and dynamic nature. The recent growth of information communication technologies (ICTs) has resulted in the birth and development of a wide range of information communication spaces and cyberspaces. These spaces are increasingly affecting and contributing towards our society. Despite their remarkable growth, only few studies have been conducted on information spaces from the spatial perspective-treating these electronically generated spaces as a geographical entity is still rather uncommon in many disciplines. Nevertheless, users often acquire a certain degree of spatial awareness when they use the Internet, navigate on the Web, or explore one of the many 3D cyber cities. This study aims to uncover some of the spatial characteristics and the dynamics of information spaces so as to comprehend its spatial structure as well as the mechanism of its growth and, thereby, to contribute towards a better utilisation of such spaces. The study first identifies the different types of information spaces and categorise them in terms of their spatial attributes. A subset of each space is then modelled, visualised and compared to its counterpart in the real world. In particular, we discuss the scaling tendency of the spatial distribution of each type of information space and compare them to those observed in the real world. A hypothetical model will be drawn from the comparison on the real and virtual worlds to help simulate the growth of information spaces. Based on these analytical insights, the latter half of the study comprises a series of case studies in which information spaces are utilised as a complementary facility to the real space. The case studies focus on the utilisation of virtual environments from the geographical and planning perspectives. The topics include (1) digitally enhancement of our aesthetic experience, (2) virtual reproduction of historic and remote places, and (3) construction of online, planning-support systems. The increased use of information technology is also discussed as a side-effect of ICT development; with a particular focus on the transition of the planning process as well as the formation of a ubiquitous computing society. The study concludes with discussions on the findings of these approaches and possible future directions stemming from this study.

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