Strong eventual consistency of the collaborative editing framework WOOT

Commutative Replicated Data Types (CRDTs) are a promising new class of data structures for large-scale shared mutable content in applications that only require eventual consistency. The WithOut Operational Transforms (WOOT) framework is the first CRDT for collaborative text editing introduced by Oster et al. (In: Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW). ACM, New York, pp 259–268, 2006a). Its eventual consistency property was verified only for a bounded model to date. While the consistency of many other previously published CRDTs had been shown immediately with their publication, the property for WOOT remained open for 14 years. We use a novel approach identifying a previously unknown sort-key based protocol that simulates the WOOT framework to show its consistency. We formalize the proof using the Isabelle/HOL proof assistant to machine-check its correctness.

Map Whiteboard Cloud Solution for Collaborative Editing of Geographic Information

For the purpose of exploiting the potential of cloud connectivity in geographical information systems, the Map Whiteboard technology introduced in this article does for web mapping what Google Docs does for word processing; create a shared user interface where multiple parties collaboratively can develop maps and map data while seeing each other work in realtime. To develop the Map Whiteboard concept, we have applied a methodology whereby we have collected technical and functional requirements through a series of hackathons, implemented a prototype in several stages, and subjected this to rigorous testing in a lab environment and with selected users from relevant environments at intermediate scale. The work has resulted in a fully functional prototype that exploits WebSockets via a cloud service to reflect map and data changes between multiple connected clients. The technology has a demonstrated potential for use in a wide range of web GIS applications, something that is facilitated by the interfaces already implemented towards mainstream mapping frameworks like OpenLayers and QGIS-two of the most popular frameworks for Web GIS solutions. Further development and testing are required before operationalization in mission-critical environments. In conclusion, the Map Whiteboard concept offers a starting point for exploiting cloud connectivity within GIS to facilitate the digitalization of common processes within the government and private sector. The technology is ready for early adopters and welcomes the contribution of interested parties.

Deferred Well-Formedness and Validity

This proposal emerges out of conversations about introducting collaborative editing into OpenDocument Format (ODF) applications, as a type of change tracking. Vis-a-vis a document, a lone author is a lesser and included case of collaborative editing. In either case, changes have to be captured, along with their metadata, and reconciled, in the case of conflicting edits. Despite progress on the software side of collaborative editing for a variety of formats, there has been no visible progress on the capturing of changes, or their reconcilation in OpenDocument Format documents. Being habituated, not to say addicted, to markup approaches, it's understandable I find the lack of format discussions disquieting. It's all well and good to have change tracking/collaborative editing, successfully in software, but what the hell am I going to write down in ODF? How to capture changes, from one or many authors, and how to capture reconciliations are the focus of this proposal. That requires unique identification of changes (one or many authors), identifying where changes may be applied, and recording the application of changes (the resulting document).

Photograph Paper Sample Books : A Reference Collection and Web Presentation At George Eastman House

This thesis proposes a model for the cataloging, evaluation, and description of photographic paper sample books in the George Eastman House collection. The model is implemented as a reference resource on Notes - on Photographs, a collaborative website in development at George Eastman House with the support of a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Notes - on Photographs is built on a wiki platform, which is characterized by capabilities for dynamic updating and collaborative editing by a group of users. The model implemented to describe the contents of the paper sample books utilizes these capabilities to further enrich the information resource. Manufacturer paper sample books are invaluable resources in developing a better understanding of the materials of photography; they reveal the evolution of the dominant image-making support for over a century of silver halide photography. This project seeks to do a better job of explaining what they are, why they are valuable, and of promoting a standardized language to facilitate description and communication among professionals engaged in the care, display, and study of photographs. The ability to articulate the technological and material aspects of any medium contributes to better discernment and has implications for establishing authenticity, being conscious of an image maker's aesthetic decisions, dating works, and for understanding the condition and preservation of the object. In most cases photographic paper sample books in the George Eastman House collection are undated, and catalogue records treat the books as single entries rather than complex bound material where each sample has unique characteristics. The work accomplished in this thesis will inform and enrich the object information in the current cataloging system, The Museum System (TMS) at George Eastman House.

Photograph Paper Sample Books : A Reference Collection and Web Presentation At George Eastman House

This thesis proposes a model for the cataloging, evaluation, and description of photographic paper sample books in the George Eastman House collection. The model is implemented as a reference resource on Notes - on Photographs, a collaborative website in development at George Eastman House with the support of a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Notes - on Photographs is built on a wiki platform, which is characterized by capabilities for dynamic updating and collaborative editing by a group of users. The model implemented to describe the contents of the paper sample books utilizes these capabilities to further enrich the information resource. Manufacturer paper sample books are invaluable resources in developing a better understanding of the materials of photography; they reveal the evolution of the dominant image-making support for over a century of silver halide photography. This project seeks to do a better job of explaining what they are, why they are valuable, and of promoting a standardized language to facilitate description and communication among professionals engaged in the care, display, and study of photographs. The ability to articulate the technological and material aspects of any medium contributes to better discernment and has implications for establishing authenticity, being conscious of an image maker's aesthetic decisions, dating works, and for understanding the condition and preservation of the object. In most cases photographic paper sample books in the George Eastman House collection are undated, and catalogue records treat the books as single entries rather than complex bound material where each sample has unique characteristics. The work accomplished in this thesis will inform and enrich the object information in the current cataloging system, The Museum System (TMS) at George Eastman House.