Abstract
This paper presents a framework for the design and implementation of learning objects using a competence-based approach. This framework is illustrated by the development of a standalone Windows application (Trilho GOA) whose primary purpose is to create standardized pedagogical contents trough the aggregation and standardization of instructional resources in several formats that can be used later on a Learning Management System (LMS) supporting SCORM 1.2. The paper contains a brief introduction to the developed software, its system architecture, main features and several pedagogical advantages for its users.

Abstract

Abstract
L-systems have been used in Computer Graphics, namely for modelling plants, as well as in a few experiments to model urban environments. However, the lack of geospatial awareness is a limitation and in spite of some developments like open L-systems, that introduced the ability to communicate with the environment, there was a need for more flexibility. This paper presents Geospatial L-systems, a new extension of L-systems that incorporates geospatial awareness, and shows an application in the area of expeditious modelling of urban environments. A modelling system, named XL3D, generates virtual urban environments automatically from a XML based document that contains a modelling specification and accesses data sources in an interoperable way. The integration of geospatial L-systems in this modelling system has increased the potential for automation and the potential to generate virtual urban environments with a higher level of detail and visual fidelity, with a lower level of complexity of the modelling processes. These facts are shown in a case study where a virtual urban environment, taken from an area in the Porto downtown, is generated by this solution.

Abstract
In this paper we address the problem of automatically computing a set of views over a simulated three dimensional enviromnent. The viewing system aims at, for each moment, supplying the user with the most pertinent information in order to allow a good understanding of the evolving environment. Our approach relies on an innovative optimization architecture that enables intelligent optimization techniques based on simulated annealing and genetic algorithms. Reported experiments were performed in urban rescue scenarios from the RoboCup Rescue Domain. We outline the possible extension of the proposed architecture to other visualization problems and argue on how several problems within the fields of Visualization and Rendering can benefit from it.

Abstract

Abstract
The INESC Porto group has participated in the search task (automatic and interactive). Our approach combines high-level features (the 39 con- cepts of the LSCOM-Lite set) with low-level features. We use a large set of low-level features with the intention of analysing as many facets as possible of each shot. The aggregation of large feature sets can be time consuming as it needs to be done at query time. We have developed the BitMatrix indexing method to speed up the search process. For each shot, binary signatures in the form of bit sequences are obtained in an on-line process. At query time, the query bit signature is compared to each of the shots signatures. The automatic run performs above the median, in spite of not using any classifier or any other knowledge sources except the translation of the query into LSCOM-Lite concepts.