.jpg)
As such it is a hotbed of virtual cities and towns which when stepped back from has notable potential for data visualisation, community planning and even public GIS. The movie below is a neat time-lapse detailing how to build a town in 30 minutes:
Showing posts with label GIS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GIS. Show all posts
2012-05-28
How to build a Minecraft town in 30 minutes
Minecraft is a sandbox construction game involving players creating and destroying various types of blocks in a three dimensional environment. The player takes an avatar that can destroy or create blocks, forming fantastic structures, creations and artwork across the various multiplayer servers in multiple game modes.
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As such it is a hotbed of virtual cities and towns which when stepped back from has notable potential for data visualisation, community planning and even public GIS. The movie below is a neat time-lapse detailing how to build a town in 30 minutes:
We will have more on Minecraft in future posts...
As such it is a hotbed of virtual cities and towns which when stepped back from has notable potential for data visualisation, community planning and even public GIS. The movie below is a neat time-lapse detailing how to build a town in 30 minutes:
2012-03-16
WikiGIS Basic Concepts: Web 2.0 for Geospatial Collaboration
We are pleased to announce the latest FutureInternet Journal paper as part of the special issue on NeoGeography and WikiPlanning:
With the emergence of Web 2.0, new applications arise and evolve into more interactive forms of collective intelligence. These applications offer to both professionals and citizens an open and expanded access to geographic information. In this paper, we develop the conceptual foundations of a new technology solution called WikiGIS. WikiGIS’s strength lies in its ability to ensure the traceability of changes in spatial-temporal geographic components (geometric location and shape, graphics: iconography and descriptive) generated by users. The final use case highlights to what extent WikiGIS could be a relevant and useful technological innovation in Geocollaboration.
As an open access journal you can download the full paper direct from Future Internet.
WikiGIS Basic Concepts: Web 2.0 for Geospatial Collaboration
Stéphane Roche 1,* 
, Boris Mericskay 1 , Wided Batita 1 , Matthieu Bach 2 and Mathieu Rondeau 3
, Boris Mericskay 1 , Wided Batita 1 , Matthieu Bach 2 and Mathieu Rondeau 3
1 Centre for Research in Geomatic, Pavillon Casault, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V0A6, Canada2 Fujitsu Canada, 2000, boulevard Lebourgneuf, bureau 300, Québec, QC G2K0B8, Canada3 Interdisciplinary Centre for the Development of Ocean Mapping–CIDCO, 310 allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, QC G5L3A1, Canada
With the emergence of Web 2.0, new applications arise and evolve into more interactive forms of collective intelligence. These applications offer to both professionals and citizens an open and expanded access to geographic information. In this paper, we develop the conceptual foundations of a new technology solution called WikiGIS. WikiGIS’s strength lies in its ability to ensure the traceability of changes in spatial-temporal geographic components (geometric location and shape, graphics: iconography and descriptive) generated by users. The final use case highlights to what extent WikiGIS could be a relevant and useful technological innovation in Geocollaboration.
As an open access journal you can download the full paper direct from Future Internet.
2010-10-02
AGI GeoCommunity'10 Postcodes, Points, Lines and Polygons
We presented a plenary this week at the excellent AGI GeoCommunity'10 conference. With notable discussions on cloud based GIS, putting map libraries on the web and the balance between vector and raster data it was, as ever, a conference made by which streams you attended. The Cloud based stream was refreshing, especially after a few notable industry views that people simply don't get 'GIS' while subsequently carrying on to clearly illustrate where the whole problem lies. The AGI is a good crowd and hats off to the organizers, when you take a step back and look at the whole event, it was without question a notable success.
Getting back to 'Clouds' we were asked to create an inspirational movie for the opening session and decided to grab the HDHero, stick it on the outside window of a 5th floor apartment in Camden Town, London, and capture 10,000 images.
The result is below (best in 720p):
As plenary, part of the role is to provoke a bit of controversy to get people talking through the rest of a conference. Through shear accident this was suitably achieved and lessons learnt but as a side note the point was also raised that perhaps all the problem is within the industry is communication.
Our final call was to leave behind the term 'GIS' when communicating the benefits of geographical information to the wider audience and to be upbeat rather than consumed in postcodes, points, lines and polygons.
Stating the need to leave behind the term GIS is of course controversial but the same can be said of Neogeography (see our post, Come in Neogeography Your Time is Up). Terms come, terms go. Cyberspace, Virtual Reality, World Wide Web are all terms that nowadays look aged, perhaps its time to add GIS to the list...
Getting back to 'Clouds' we were asked to create an inspirational movie for the opening session and decided to grab the HDHero, stick it on the outside window of a 5th floor apartment in Camden Town, London, and capture 10,000 images.
The result is below (best in 720p):
As plenary, part of the role is to provoke a bit of controversy to get people talking through the rest of a conference. Through shear accident this was suitably achieved and lessons learnt but as a side note the point was also raised that perhaps all the problem is within the industry is communication.
Our final call was to leave behind the term 'GIS' when communicating the benefits of geographical information to the wider audience and to be upbeat rather than consumed in postcodes, points, lines and polygons.
Stating the need to leave behind the term GIS is of course controversial but the same can be said of Neogeography (see our post, Come in Neogeography Your Time is Up). Terms come, terms go. Cyberspace, Virtual Reality, World Wide Web are all terms that nowadays look aged, perhaps its time to add GIS to the list...
2010-09-07
Data Mash-Ups and the Future of Mapping: JISC Report
Over the past few months we have been working with colleagues here at CASA, University College London and at the University of Nottingham, in association with the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) to write a report on Data mash-ups and the future of mapping. We are pleased to say the report has just been released and is available to download.
Report by Suchith Anand, Michael Batty, Andrew Crooks, Andrew Hudson-Smith, Mike Jackson, Richard Milton, Jeremy Morley
Data Mash-Ups and the Future of Mapping
Executive Summary
The term 'mash-up' refers to websites that weave data from different sources into new Web services. The key to a successful Web service is to gather and use large datasets and harness the scale of the Internet through what is known as network effects. This means that data sources are just as important as the software that 'mashes' them, and one of the most profound pieces of data that a user has at any one time is his or her location. In the past this was a somewhat fuzzy concept, perhaps as vague as a verbal reference to being in a particular shop or café or an actual street address. Recent events, however, have changed this. In the 1990s, President Bill Clinton's policy decision to open up military GPS satellite technology for 'dual-use' (military and civilian) resulted in a whole new generation of location-aware devices.Around the same time, cartography and GIScience were also undergoing dramatic, Internet-induced changes.
Traditional, resource intensive processes and established organizations, in both the public and private sectors, were being challenged by new, lightweight methods. The upshot has been that map making, geospatial analysis and related activities are undergoing a process of profound change. New players have entered established markets and disrupted routes to knowledge and, as we have already seen with Web 2.0, newly empowered amateurs are part of these processes. Volunteers are quite literally grabbing a GPS unit and hitting the streets of their local town to help create crowdsourced datasets that are uploaded to both open source and proprietary databases.
The upshot is an evolving landscape which Tim O'Reilly, proponent of Web 2.0 and always ready with a handy moniker, has labelled Where 2.0. Others prefer the GeoWeb, Spatial Data Infrastructure, Location Infrastructure, or perhaps just location based services. Whatever one might call it, there are a number of reasons why its development should be of interest to those in higher and further education. Firstly, since a person's location is such a profound unit of information and of such value to, for example, the process of targeting advertising, there has been considerable investment in Web 2.0-style services that make use of it. Understanding these developments may provide useful insights for how other forms of data might be used. Secondly, education, particularly research, is beginning to realize the huge potential of the data mash-up concept. As Government, too, begins to get involved, it is likely that education will be expected to take advantage of, and indeed come to relish, the new opportunities for working with data.
This TechWatch report describes the context for the changes that are taking place and explains why the education community needs to understand the issues around how to open up data, how to create mash-ups that do not compromise accuracy and quality and how to deal with issues such as privacy and working with commercial and non-profit third parties. It also shows how data mash-ups in education and research are part of an emerging, richer information environment with greater integration of mobile applications, sensor platforms, e-science, mixed reality, and semantic, machine-computable data and speculates on how this is likely to develop in the future.
There are two versions for download: the first is an optimised version (900Kb) and the second is the one with full resolution graphics (14Mb)
2010-08-17
Virtual Brisbane: Developing 3DGIS and Online Planning
The combination of CAD and GIS produces a powerful toolkit for 'Online Planning' and Virtual Brisbane developed by the Brisbane City Council in Queensland Australia is a great example.
The model base data was produced using oblique aerial images and LiDAR data. The LiDAR data was used to generate the digital terrain model which was then textured with rectified ortho imagery. The buildings were created by taking point cloud data from the LiDAR scans and extruding the building forms. Structures were then textured using images harvested from the oblique imagery.
The model is run within a real-time system on a spatially accurate digital globe which is capable of viewing GIS information through the SHP file format. This is key as it allows any other spatial dataset to be visualised and queried within the model.
Hats off to Brisbane for putting the model to use for public consultation. As readers will know sadly our own efforts five years ago failed due to issues with copyright on the base data (see The Guardian Article for full info). Its also nice to use the term 'Online Planning' again as it was the title of our PhD thesis.
Planning is about communication, the communication of space and place in relation to built form. The advent of digital networks provides the opportunity to radically change the concept of communication within not only the urban planning system but also wider fields related to the development of the built environment.
How we communicate is increasingly becoming digital and the rise of the Internet in particular during the last decade has freed planning from the constraints of working hours and the reliance of specific locations and times to portray information.
Information can now be visualised, communicated and manipulated at any location, any place, at any time, as long as we have the political, cultural, and economic means that gives us access to the relevant technologies. These technologies are on the edge of a new revolution in our ability to design, communicate and plan at a distance.
The revolution on the horizon is one of inhabited virtual place; a place where the environment is represented digitally in three dimensions and communication is achieved through avatars, defined as an individual’s visual embodiment in the virtual environment. Avatars in these emerging environments are the stakeholders, the occupants and the commuters of the digital realm. As such they are also the citizens that will design, occupy and manipulate built form in the development of digital planning and they will have a say in the future planning process. These developments contribute towards a digital, ‘Online’ planning system, which is explored in a series of working examples throughout the thesis.
You can read the Online Planning/Digital Urban PhD Thesis here (15Mb PDF).
Take a look at Virtual Brisbane.
The project is still in its early stages and currently is utilised principally for plan scenario testing, development assessment and community engagement. The aim is to continue for the model to be utilised by Neighbourhood Planning and other City planning sections in order to communicate complex planning scenarios in an effective way.
What was traditionally consigned to artist impressions and 2D maps can now be presented to the community in an accurate way which is easy to grasp. This fosters a more informed community and gives residents the potential to collaborate more deeply in the planning process.
The movie below provides an insight into the model:
The model base data was produced using oblique aerial images and LiDAR data. The LiDAR data was used to generate the digital terrain model which was then textured with rectified ortho imagery. The buildings were created by taking point cloud data from the LiDAR scans and extruding the building forms. Structures were then textured using images harvested from the oblique imagery.
The model is run within a real-time system on a spatially accurate digital globe which is capable of viewing GIS information through the SHP file format. This is key as it allows any other spatial dataset to be visualised and queried within the model.
Hats off to Brisbane for putting the model to use for public consultation. As readers will know sadly our own efforts five years ago failed due to issues with copyright on the base data (see The Guardian Article for full info). Its also nice to use the term 'Online Planning' again as it was the title of our PhD thesis.
Planning is about communication, the communication of space and place in relation to built form. The advent of digital networks provides the opportunity to radically change the concept of communication within not only the urban planning system but also wider fields related to the development of the built environment.
How we communicate is increasingly becoming digital and the rise of the Internet in particular during the last decade has freed planning from the constraints of working hours and the reliance of specific locations and times to portray information.
Information can now be visualised, communicated and manipulated at any location, any place, at any time, as long as we have the political, cultural, and economic means that gives us access to the relevant technologies. These technologies are on the edge of a new revolution in our ability to design, communicate and plan at a distance.
The revolution on the horizon is one of inhabited virtual place; a place where the environment is represented digitally in three dimensions and communication is achieved through avatars, defined as an individual’s visual embodiment in the virtual environment. Avatars in these emerging environments are the stakeholders, the occupants and the commuters of the digital realm. As such they are also the citizens that will design, occupy and manipulate built form in the development of digital planning and they will have a say in the future planning process. These developments contribute towards a digital, ‘Online’ planning system, which is explored in a series of working examples throughout the thesis.
You can read the Online Planning/Digital Urban PhD Thesis here (15Mb PDF).
Take a look at Virtual Brisbane.
2010-06-11
MRes Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation: Curriculum, Aims and Admission
Below we provide full details for 2010 entry on the new MRes in Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation (ASAV). The course reflects the current state of play in geographic, urban and architectural information systems with an emphasis on visualisation, analysis and modelling. Taught at the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, home of digital urban, it is an innovative and exciting opputunity to study at UCL with a MRes acting as a pathway to a PhD or further career in ASAV.
Course Executive Summary
The Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) is an initiative within University College London to develop research in emerging computer technologies in several disciplines dealing with geography, space, location, and the built environment. As an interdisciplinary research centre expertise is drawn from archaeology, architecture, cartography, computer science, environmental science, geography, planning, remote sensing, geomatic engineering, and transport studies. The Centre is located within The Bartlett at UCL, from which it is administered but it has associated students and faculty in other faculties, specifically in Geography and in Civil (Geomatic) Engineering. This structure generates a unique blend of knowledge forming the core of the MRes ASAV.
The MRes is unique in its focus on complexity, modelling, mapping and visualisation, pulling together the latest research in urban form, functionality and communication. Recent changes in the rise of web-based technologies and the development of low cost yet complex visualisation and analysis packages has generated a notable change in the demand for more traditional vendor specific information systems and computer aided design courses.
The MRes ASAV reflects this change with a look towards Web 3.0 (Read, Write, Execute) technologies and methods to deliver skills required for current/future professionals and policy makers engaged in spatially related projects.
Curriculum Structure
The course has a strong research component based around developing new methodologies from new task specific software and techniques that have emerged as part of what may be termed the ‘Web Revolution’. CASA has been at the forefront of these changes that have impacted the way we share, communicate and distribute information, specifically information relating directly to geographic and spatial entities. These changes have steadily emerged since the mid 1990’s and it is now quite clear that location and space now represent a third force in information technology besides more traditional computer and communication science.
We reflect these changes within the interlinked laboratory-research-based mini project with data collection focused on ‘remote data mining’ rather than fieldwork in the traditional planning/geographical/architectural sense. Indeed these research led skills are increasingly becoming a key element in shaping our understanding of complex spatial functions.
Vast amounts of previously unused data are becoming available either from changes in accessibility, due to the nature of the network and cloud based computing, changing national data policies or more widely as a result of new mass data collection methodologies.
The programme aims to provide training in the principles and skills of social and spatial research. Its aims include a strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodology and methods of data collection and analysis to support and enable independent and group research projects. In addition to focusing on research skills, subject specific modules provide students with the opportunity to develop an excellence in spatial analysis with the specific skill set to engage and contribute to the current debates in urban and spatial continuums.
The course runs full-time over 12 months. The taught element of the course is delivered on two days per week over the first two terms.
BENVGSA1 - Group Mini Project: Digital Visualisation
The module introduces the students to methods of visualisation and data mining within the geospatial domain. Developed as a group project the module aims to provide an understanding of the juxtaposition between research, data capture and data display methodologies. As such the module is developed to build upon the taught sections of the course (BENVGSA3 and BENVGSA4) to develop initial research questions for the dissertation (BENVGSA2). Project assessment will be on a group basis.
Credits: 30
Terms: 1 and 2
BENVGSA2 - Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation MRes Dissertation
The module is based around the writing, preparation of an original research project in the form of a Masters Dissertation. Students will be required to plan the research and dissertation from an early stage with ongoing development building on both the mini-project and taught courses developed through the year. The research topic will be defined under the guidance of the students dissertation supervisor with the support of the Course Director. The aim is to produce a unique, individual piece of work with an emphasis on data collection, analysis and visualisation linked to policy and social science orientated applications.
Credits: 90
Terms: 1, 3, 4
BENVGSA3 - GI Systems and Science
The aim of this module is to equip students with an understanding of the principles underlying the conception, representation/measurement and analysis of spatial phenomena. As such, it presents an overview of the core organising concepts and techniques of Geographic Information Systems, and the software and analysis systems that are integral to their effective deployment in advanced spatial analysis.
Credits: 15
Term: 1
BENVGSA4 - Spatial Modelling and Simulation
This course will introduce students to the theory, principles and applications of mathematical and computer modeling as applied to cities. It will be based on five interrelated themes: an introduction to definitions of models as they relate to the philosophy of science; the model-building process involving calibration and prediction; types of urban models ranging from land use transportation models, microsimulation, discrete choice, cellular automata and agent-based models; the exploration of two specific types of model, namely land use transportation; and then cellular automata ABM.
Credits: 15
Term: 2
EDUCGE01 - Investigating Research
EDUCGE02 - Professional Development in Practice
ADMISSIONS
For details of how to apply, please see http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate-study/application-admission If you decide to apply, you will need to submit an application form, two references (either two academic references or one academic reference and one work reference), transcript(s) of your degree(s) (must be officially translated if applicable). Please note that all application forms and supporting documents need to submitted directly to the College Admissions Office (address on application form).
Informal enquiries should be directed to the course director, Dr Andrew Hudson-SmithThere are no application deadlines for any Bartlett programmes but we do advise applicants to apply sooner rather than later, as once offers of admission are issued for all the vacancies available, it is no longer possible to issue any further offers of admission to applications which are received subsequently. We would advise that you seek to submit an application no later than June 2011 if you wish to be considered for the 2011/12 academic session.
Course Executive Summary
The Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) is an initiative within University College London to develop research in emerging computer technologies in several disciplines dealing with geography, space, location, and the built environment. As an interdisciplinary research centre expertise is drawn from archaeology, architecture, cartography, computer science, environmental science, geography, planning, remote sensing, geomatic engineering, and transport studies. The Centre is located within The Bartlett at UCL, from which it is administered but it has associated students and faculty in other faculties, specifically in Geography and in Civil (Geomatic) Engineering. This structure generates a unique blend of knowledge forming the core of the MRes ASAV.
The MRes is unique in its focus on complexity, modelling, mapping and visualisation, pulling together the latest research in urban form, functionality and communication. Recent changes in the rise of web-based technologies and the development of low cost yet complex visualisation and analysis packages has generated a notable change in the demand for more traditional vendor specific information systems and computer aided design courses.
The MRes ASAV reflects this change with a look towards Web 3.0 (Read, Write, Execute) technologies and methods to deliver skills required for current/future professionals and policy makers engaged in spatially related projects.
Curriculum Structure
The course has a strong research component based around developing new methodologies from new task specific software and techniques that have emerged as part of what may be termed the ‘Web Revolution’. CASA has been at the forefront of these changes that have impacted the way we share, communicate and distribute information, specifically information relating directly to geographic and spatial entities. These changes have steadily emerged since the mid 1990’s and it is now quite clear that location and space now represent a third force in information technology besides more traditional computer and communication science.
We reflect these changes within the interlinked laboratory-research-based mini project with data collection focused on ‘remote data mining’ rather than fieldwork in the traditional planning/geographical/architectural sense. Indeed these research led skills are increasingly becoming a key element in shaping our understanding of complex spatial functions.
Vast amounts of previously unused data are becoming available either from changes in accessibility, due to the nature of the network and cloud based computing, changing national data policies or more widely as a result of new mass data collection methodologies.
Course Aims
Course Delivery
Modules
The module introduces the students to methods of visualisation and data mining within the geospatial domain. Developed as a group project the module aims to provide an understanding of the juxtaposition between research, data capture and data display methodologies. As such the module is developed to build upon the taught sections of the course (BENVGSA3 and BENVGSA4) to develop initial research questions for the dissertation (BENVGSA2). Project assessment will be on a group basis.
Credits: 30
Terms: 1 and 2
BENVGSA2 - Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation MRes Dissertation
The module is based around the writing, preparation of an original research project in the form of a Masters Dissertation. Students will be required to plan the research and dissertation from an early stage with ongoing development building on both the mini-project and taught courses developed through the year. The research topic will be defined under the guidance of the students dissertation supervisor with the support of the Course Director. The aim is to produce a unique, individual piece of work with an emphasis on data collection, analysis and visualisation linked to policy and social science orientated applications.
Credits: 90
Terms: 1, 3, 4
BENVGSA3 - GI Systems and Science
The aim of this module is to equip students with an understanding of the principles underlying the conception, representation/measurement and analysis of spatial phenomena. As such, it presents an overview of the core organising concepts and techniques of Geographic Information Systems, and the software and analysis systems that are integral to their effective deployment in advanced spatial analysis.
Credits: 15
Term: 1
BENVGSA4 - Spatial Modelling and Simulation
This course will introduce students to the theory, principles and applications of mathematical and computer modeling as applied to cities. It will be based on five interrelated themes: an introduction to definitions of models as they relate to the philosophy of science; the model-building process involving calibration and prediction; types of urban models ranging from land use transportation models, microsimulation, discrete choice, cellular automata and agent-based models; the exploration of two specific types of model, namely land use transportation; and then cellular automata ABM.
Credits: 15
Term: 2
EDUCGE01 - Investigating Research
EDUCGE02 - Professional Development in Practice
ADMISSIONS
For details of how to apply, please see http://www.ucl.ac.uk/
Informal enquiries should be directed to the course director, Dr Andrew Hudson-SmithThere are no application deadlines for any Bartlett programmes but we do advise applicants to apply sooner rather than later, as once offers of admission are issued for all the vacancies available, it is no longer possible to issue any further offers of admission to applications which are received subsequently. We would advise that you seek to submit an application no later than June 2011 if you wish to be considered for the 2011/12 academic session.
2010-05-25
The Geospatial Industry in 2015: Summary and 35 Papers from the AGI
The geospatial information (GI) industry is undergoing radical change. Stimulated by a range of new global challenges, the balance of power between existing and new players is shifting. UK Government policy is also undergoing transformation with the publication of the UK Location Strategy, the transposition of the INSPIRE Directive into UK law, the passing of the M
arine & Coastal Access Bill and plans to change the business model of Ordnance Survey. The economic strictures, under which the public and private sectors will need to operate, as we attempt to handle enormous public debt, are also certain to drive changes in behaviour.
There can be little doubt that in 5 years the industry will look very different. Over the past year the Association for Geographic Information (AGI) has been exploring the future of the geospatial industry in the UK in the first public foresight project of this kind. Edited by Andrew Coote, Steven Feldman and Robin McLaren, The Geospatial Industry in 2015, has a medium-term horizon five years hence.
In seeking diverse points of view, the study invited industry opinion formers to contribute Expert Papers in their particular field, covering data and technology, vertical market sectors and policy drivers.
This is an extremely useful document for anyone interested in geo-spatial issues. You can read the summary (4Mb pdf) as well as the full 10 papers on policy, 13 papers on markets and 12 papers on data and technology, including our own on augmented reality.
Its quite a resource...
There can be little doubt that in 5 years the industry will look very different. Over the past year the Association for Geographic Information (AGI) has been exploring the future of the geospatial industry in the UK in the first public foresight project of this kind. Edited by Andrew Coote, Steven Feldman and Robin McLaren, The Geospatial Industry in 2015, has a medium-term horizon five years hence.
In seeking diverse points of view, the study invited industry opinion formers to contribute Expert Papers in their particular field, covering data and technology, vertical market sectors and policy drivers.
This is an extremely useful document for anyone interested in geo-spatial issues. You can read the summary (4Mb pdf) as well as the full 10 papers on policy, 13 papers on markets and 12 papers on data and technology, including our own on augmented reality.
Its quite a resource...
2010-05-12
MRes Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation (ASAV) - Applications and Entry Now Open
We are pleased to announce that Applications and Entry to our new course - MRes in Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation (ASAV) at the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, University College London is now open. We have put together the course over the last few months to reflect the current state of play in geographic, urban and architectural information systems with an emphasis on visualisation, analysis and modelling. It is an innovative and exciting MRes which acts as a pathway to a PhD in ASAV.
Course Executive Summary
The Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) is an initiative within University College London to develop research in emerging computer technologies in several disciplines dealing with geography, space, location, and the built environment. As an interdisciplinary research centre expertise is drawn from archaeology, architecture, cartography, computer science, environmental science, geography, planning, remote sensing, geomatic engineering, and transport studies. The Centre is located within The Bartlett at UCL, from which it is administered but it has associated students and faculty in other faculties, specifically in Geography and in Civil (Geomatic) Engineering. This structure generates a unique blend of knowledge forming the core of the MRes ASAV.
The MRes is unique in its focus on complexity, modelling, mapping and visualisation, pulling together the latest research in urban form, functionality and communication. Recent changes in the rise of web-based technologies and the development of low cost yet complex visualisation and analysis packages has generated a notable change in the demand for more traditional vendor specific information systems and computer aided design courses.
The MReS ASAV reflects this change with a look towards Web 3.0 (Read, Write, Execute) technologies and methods to deliver skills required for current/future professionals and policy makers engaged in spatially related projects.
Curriculum Structure
The MRes in Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation (MRes ASAV) is unique in its focus on complexity, modelling, mapping and visualisation, pulling together the latest research in urban form, functionality and communication. Recent changes in the rise of web-based technologies and the development of low cost yet complex visualisation and analysis packages has generated a notable change in the demand for more traditional vendor specific information systems and computer aided design courses. The MRes ASAV reflects this change with a look towards Web 3.0 (Read, Write, Execute) technologies and methods to deliver skills required for current/future professionals and policy makers engaged in spatially related projects.
The course has a strong research component based around developing new methodologies from new task specific software and techniques that have emerged as part of what may be termed the ‘Web Revolution’. CASA has been at the forefront of these changes that have impacted the way we share, communicate and distribute information, specifically information relating directly to geographic and spatial entities. These changes have steadily emerged since the mid 1990’s and it is now quite clear that location and space now represent a third force in information technology besides more traditional computer and communication science.
We reflect these changes within the interlinked laboratory-research-based mini project with data collection focused on ‘remote data mining’ rather than fieldwork in the traditional planning/geographical/architectural sense. Indeed these research led skills are increasingly becoming a key element in shaping our understanding of complex spatial functions.
Vast amounts of previously unused data are becoming available either from changes in accessibility, due to the nature of the network and cloud based computing, changing national data policies or more widely as a result of new mass data collection methodologies.
The programme aims to provide training in the principles and skills of social and spatial research. Its aims include a strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodology and methods of data collection and analysis to support and enable independent and group research projects. In addition to focusing on research skills, subject specific modules provide students with the opportunity to develop an excellence in spatial analysis with the specific skill set to engage and contribute to the current debates in urban and spatial continuums.
The course runs full-time over 12 months. The taught element of the course is delivered on two days per week over the first two terms.
BENVGSA1 - Group Mini Project: Digital Visualisation
The module introduces the students to methods of visualisation and data mining within the geospatial domain. Developed as a group project the module aims to provide an understanding of the juxtaposition between research, data capture and data display methodologies. As such the module is developed to build upon the taught sections of the course (BENVGSA3 and BENVGSA4) to develop initial research questions for the dissertation (BENVGSA2). Project assessment will be on a group basis.
Credits: 30
Terms: 1 and 2
BENVGSA2 - Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation MRes Dissertation
The module is based around the writing, preparation of an original research project in the form of a Masters Dissertation. Students will be required to plan the research and dissertation from an early stage with ongoing development building on both the mini-project and taught courses developed through the year. The research topic will be defined under the guidance of the students dissertation supervisor with the support of the Course Director. The aim is to produce a unique, individual piece of work with an emphasis on data collection, analysis and visualisation linked to policy and social science orientated applications.
Credits: 90
Terms: 1, 3, 4
BENVGSA3 - GI Systems and Science
The aim of this module is to equip students with an understanding of the principles underlying the conception, representation/measurement and analysis of spatial phenomena. As such, it presents an overview of the core organising concepts and techniques of Geographic Information Systems, and the software and analysis systems that are integral to their effective deployment in advanced spatial analysis.
Credits: 15
Term: 1
BENVGSA4 - Spatial Modelling and Simulation
This course will introduce students to the theory, principles and applications of mathematical and computer modeling as applied to cities. It will be based on five interrelated themes: an introduction to definitions of models as they relate to the philosophy of science; the model-building process involving calibration and prediction; types of urban models ranging from land use transportation models, microsimulation, discrete choice, cellular automata and agent-based models; the exploration of two specific types of model, namely land use transportation; and then cellular automata ABM.
Credits: 15
Term: 2
EDUCGE01 - Investigating Research
EDUCGE02 - Professional Development in Practice
ADMISSIONS
Informal enquiries should be directed to the course director, Dr Andrew Hudson-Smith.
To apply for a place on this course, please follow the directions from the UCL Admissions website.
Course Executive Summary
The Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) is an initiative within University College London to develop research in emerging computer technologies in several disciplines dealing with geography, space, location, and the built environment. As an interdisciplinary research centre expertise is drawn from archaeology, architecture, cartography, computer science, environmental science, geography, planning, remote sensing, geomatic engineering, and transport studies. The Centre is located within The Bartlett at UCL, from which it is administered but it has associated students and faculty in other faculties, specifically in Geography and in Civil (Geomatic) Engineering. This structure generates a unique blend of knowledge forming the core of the MRes ASAV.
The MRes is unique in its focus on complexity, modelling, mapping and visualisation, pulling together the latest research in urban form, functionality and communication. Recent changes in the rise of web-based technologies and the development of low cost yet complex visualisation and analysis packages has generated a notable change in the demand for more traditional vendor specific information systems and computer aided design courses.
The MReS ASAV reflects this change with a look towards Web 3.0 (Read, Write, Execute) technologies and methods to deliver skills required for current/future professionals and policy makers engaged in spatially related projects.
Curriculum Structure
The MRes in Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation (MRes ASAV) is unique in its focus on complexity, modelling, mapping and visualisation, pulling together the latest research in urban form, functionality and communication. Recent changes in the rise of web-based technologies and the development of low cost yet complex visualisation and analysis packages has generated a notable change in the demand for more traditional vendor specific information systems and computer aided design courses. The MRes ASAV reflects this change with a look towards Web 3.0 (Read, Write, Execute) technologies and methods to deliver skills required for current/future professionals and policy makers engaged in spatially related projects.
The course has a strong research component based around developing new methodologies from new task specific software and techniques that have emerged as part of what may be termed the ‘Web Revolution’. CASA has been at the forefront of these changes that have impacted the way we share, communicate and distribute information, specifically information relating directly to geographic and spatial entities. These changes have steadily emerged since the mid 1990’s and it is now quite clear that location and space now represent a third force in information technology besides more traditional computer and communication science.
We reflect these changes within the interlinked laboratory-research-based mini project with data collection focused on ‘remote data mining’ rather than fieldwork in the traditional planning/geographical/architectural sense. Indeed these research led skills are increasingly becoming a key element in shaping our understanding of complex spatial functions.
Vast amounts of previously unused data are becoming available either from changes in accessibility, due to the nature of the network and cloud based computing, changing national data policies or more widely as a result of new mass data collection methodologies.
Course Aims
Course Delivery
Modules
The module introduces the students to methods of visualisation and data mining within the geospatial domain. Developed as a group project the module aims to provide an understanding of the juxtaposition between research, data capture and data display methodologies. As such the module is developed to build upon the taught sections of the course (BENVGSA3 and BENVGSA4) to develop initial research questions for the dissertation (BENVGSA2). Project assessment will be on a group basis.
Credits: 30
Terms: 1 and 2
BENVGSA2 - Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation MRes Dissertation
The module is based around the writing, preparation of an original research project in the form of a Masters Dissertation. Students will be required to plan the research and dissertation from an early stage with ongoing development building on both the mini-project and taught courses developed through the year. The research topic will be defined under the guidance of the students dissertation supervisor with the support of the Course Director. The aim is to produce a unique, individual piece of work with an emphasis on data collection, analysis and visualisation linked to policy and social science orientated applications.
Credits: 90
Terms: 1, 3, 4
BENVGSA3 - GI Systems and Science
The aim of this module is to equip students with an understanding of the principles underlying the conception, representation/measurement and analysis of spatial phenomena. As such, it presents an overview of the core organising concepts and techniques of Geographic Information Systems, and the software and analysis systems that are integral to their effective deployment in advanced spatial analysis.
Credits: 15
Term: 1
BENVGSA4 - Spatial Modelling and Simulation
This course will introduce students to the theory, principles and applications of mathematical and computer modeling as applied to cities. It will be based on five interrelated themes: an introduction to definitions of models as they relate to the philosophy of science; the model-building process involving calibration and prediction; types of urban models ranging from land use transportation models, microsimulation, discrete choice, cellular automata and agent-based models; the exploration of two specific types of model, namely land use transportation; and then cellular automata ABM.
Credits: 15
Term: 2
EDUCGE01 - Investigating Research
EDUCGE02 - Professional Development in Practice
ADMISSIONS
Informal enquiries should be directed to the course director, Dr Andrew Hudson-Smith.
To apply for a place on this course, please follow the directions from the UCL Admissions website.
2010-02-05
GIS and Augmented Reality in 2015
The last 12 months has seen a turning point in terms of bringing geographically aware augmented reality to mobile devices. Significant developments in locational technology such as the inclusion of a built-in digital compass, GPS (Global Positioning System) and accelerometers into mobile phones have allowed not only location but also heading, and pitch to be detected and therefore incorporated into data display systems. These built-in technologies have brought augmented reality to the hands of the masses, and the phones themselves have sparked a market driven boom in fusing augmented reality with location-based services (LBS).Currently applications are in their infancy and mainly focused on specific topics such as ‘show me where the closest x is’. This however represents the tip of the iceberg with the addition of a GIS into the mix there is notable potential for the industry.
The short paper below was written by Sung-Hyun Jang of the GIS and AR blog and us here at digital urban as part of a larger wide ranging technical report for the Association of Geographic Information which is coming out soon. You can read the short below via Issuu:
To keep up to date with all things GIS and AR, head over to Sung's GIS and AR blog.
The short paper below was written by Sung-Hyun Jang of the GIS and AR blog and us here at digital urban as part of a larger wide ranging technical report for the Association of Geographic Information which is coming out soon. You can read the short below via Issuu:
To keep up to date with all things GIS and AR, head over to Sung's GIS and AR blog.
2009-12-22
Asset Tracking Anywhere 3D Master Planning Tool
3D tools for urban planners are too be honest few and far between. There is a strong need for simple integration between a GIS, 3D model database and a communication suite for architects to upload models direct for consideration within the master planning process. As such we are particularly intrigued by Clover Point's Asset Tracking Anywhere 3D Master Planning Tool.
The movie below provides an overview:
The movie below provides an overview:
The 3D module is tied directly a web GIS linked to real world coordinates, clicking on any object brings back the related meta data and presents it through the interface. The system also access inside buildings and indeed underground.
The engine is designed to accept most common types of 3D models, C4D, Sketchup, 3DSMax, Revit and many others. This allows users, such as Architects, to login via the web, given they have the appropriate rights, give a UTM or position off a monument and scale, and upload their models.
The models are then 'dropped' into the 3D world and the whole system is updated. Many of the other attributes in the model, such as the trees, are placed directly from GIS data, for example if trees are moved in the GIS the 3D model changes as well.
Use Case's include:
· Competing Architects do not see each other's work, due to the inherent security system, but the Planners can see everything. Planners can toggle off and on buildings and complete density studies and forward thinking community plans.
· Planners can use the model in community meeting and stakeholder presentations. It's interactive with controls that are similar to a gaming engine, they are very easy and configurable.
· Engineers, Planners and Architects work together with spatially accurate data to plan future developments. Engineers, for example, can go underground to examine the subterranean infrastructure prior to the plans being placed.
In short, we like the sound of the system, we have not used it ourselves yet but if we manage to get hold of a copy we will post a review.
More information on the whole system see www.cloverpoint.com
2009-06-17
Worlds First Mobile Augmented Reality for Android: GIS in the City
Combine GIS with mobile devices equipped with a digital compass and GPS and what do you get? Datascapes that can be mapped and layered on top of any object in the city, the potential for moving GIS and locational based services direct into the field is to be honest huge and now the first service has launched in the Netherlands via SPRXmobile. Known as Layar, it is the worlds first mobile Augmented Reality browser, which displays real time digital information on top of reality (of) in the camera screen of the mobile phone.
While looking through the phone’s camera lens, a user can see houses for sale, popular bars and shops, jobs, healthcare providers and ATMs. The first country to launch Layar is The Netherlands. Launching partners are local market leaders ING (bank), funda (realty website), Hyves (social network), Tempo-team (temp agency) and Zekur.nl (healthcare provider).
How it works
Layar is derived from location based services and works on mobile phones that include a camera, GPS and a compass. Layar is first avaliable for handsets with the Android operating system (the G1 and HTC Magic). It works as follows: Starting up the Layar application automatically activates the camera. The embedded GPS automatically knows the location of the phone and the compass determines in which direction the phone is facing. Each partner provides a set of location coordinates with relevant information which forms a digital layer. By tapping the side of the screen the user easily switches between layers. This makes Layar a new type of browser which combines digital and reality, which offers an augmented view of the world.
2009-06-04
Flash based GIS: FlashNavigator
FlashNavigator is a rapid development framework, used for publishing geospatial (GIS and CAD) data with Adobe Flash technology in web, desktop and mobile applications. As their website states - unlike other solutions it provides tiled vector to vector conversion of GIS and CAD files and database formats to Flash. Adobe Flash utilizes a vector file format (SWF) which makes it great for GIS and CAD applications. The format is also optimized in consideration to size, making it great for environments like the Internet.
The movie above provides an insight into the system, while Flash is all well and good we do have a few reservations in terms of its use for all but a basic GIS. Due to the use of vector data Flash can quickly slow down according the amount of data loaded, a mix of vector and prerendered tiles - such as used MapTube - but with a higher level of functionality is perhaps a good half way house.
See http://www.flashnavigator.net/ for info and demos...
flashnavigator from Marko on Vimeo.
The movie above provides an insight into the system, while Flash is all well and good we do have a few reservations in terms of its use for all but a basic GIS. Due to the use of vector data Flash can quickly slow down according the amount of data loaded, a mix of vector and prerendered tiles - such as used MapTube - but with a higher level of functionality is perhaps a good half way house.
See http://www.flashnavigator.net/ for info and demos...
2009-05-17
Social Explorer: Online Demographic Information
Social Explorer provides easy access to demographic information about the United States, from 1790 to present. Their online tools are aimed to help you visually analyse and understand the demography of the United States through the use of interactive maps and data reports. The free collection on the website features historical census data maps and reports. This includes a limited subset of socio-economic and demographic data on the United States from 1790 to 2007. Subscribers have access to over 12,000 maps between 1790 and 2007, and over 50,000 variables of data in reports.Communicating and portraying geographical data is not an easy task, as to be honest it can all come across as a bit dull. That said, the video below provides and insight into Social Explorer:
Social Explorer Maps -- Intro from Social Explorer on Vimeo.
Still awake? Its not the most gripping of videos but the tool is actually well worth a look - head over to http://www.socialexplorer.com/ to give it a try.
2009-05-05
LiDAR Scan of London in LandXplorer
The movie below details a 1 meter resolution scan of London using LiDAR (an optical remote sensing technology that measures properties of scattered light to find range and/or other information of a distant target via laser pulses, Wiki). The ability to load in the entire scan of London - some 1,500 kmsq - is thanks to LandXplorer by Autodesk and we are impressed:LiDAR Scan of London from digitalurban on Vimeo.
Autodesk LandXplorer offers a collection of functions to interactively compose, present, explore, analyze, and edit geodata-based 3D models. In a sense, they represent a content management system for 2D and 3D geoinformation, which supports the effective handling of geodata assets.
Take a look at http://www.3dgeo.de/products.aspx for more info, we will have more on the LiDAR scan of London in future posts.
Thanks go to Duncan Smith at CASA for doing the processing and Cities Revealed for the data supplied by Landmap.
2009-02-24
Flexible Foam Display: Use for Geomorphology and GIS?
Picked up via Engadget (we know we should be doing better things with our time...) the movie below details DIS.PLAY a flexible display consisting of foam and force sensors which is deformable. The system works with the parameters position and time like other touch screens as well, but in addition to that, it reacts, above all, on the intensity of pressure:
impress - flexible display from Sillenet on Vimeo.
Combine this with a Geographical Information System and a whole number of possible scenarios come to mind such as trying out fluid motion in terms of flooding scenarios by raising or lowering the land....(?)
See http://www.silkehilsing.de/impress/ for full details.
2009-01-27
Punch Card GIS: The Canada Geographic Information System
The Canada Geographic Information System (CGIS) was developed in the 1950s and 1960s to assist in regulatory procedures of land-use management and resource monitoring. At that time, Canada was beginning to realize problems associated with its seemingly endless boundaries, in combination with natural resource availability.The government therefore decided to launch a national program to assist in management and inventory of its resources. The simple automated computer processes designed to store and process large amounts of data enabled Canada to begin a national land-use management program and become a foremost promoter of geographic information systems (GIS) (ref wikipedia).
The movie below is the second of a three part documentary on the system, it details the digitising process beghind the CGIS and provides an insight into how anywhere in the world can be located using 'numbers':
You can recreate the 1960's experience by loading up ArcMap and making 'beeping' noises while punching small holes in a business card.
Take a look at the other parts via YouTube.
Thanks go to Patrick Weber for sending round the link.
2009-01-21
Data Visualisation the Easy Way: UUorld
UUorld (pronounced "world") is a company with mission to transform information into knowledge by providing a map-making and data-visualization tool. And despite our naturally wary view of such claims they are doing a fantastic job so far. UUorld is one of the easiest and most informative data visualisation tools we have used for a long while. It allows access to a vast online database as well as direct import of data via .CSV files, for the purpose of communication, outrearch or data displays within companies or local authorities this is well worth a look. Non commercial usage is free with commercial use at a economic model changing $49.
In short we are impressed, the big players should take note - in the video below we take UUorld for a spin:
UUorld - Data Visualization Example from digitalurban on Vimeo.
The movie starts off with a look at Population Density in the US - note the peak of New York. The software allows scales and colour to be changed on the fly along with access to the raw data sets for some more detailed spatial analysis. Secondly we move onto number of airports on a global scale, again just to show use of the portal and visualisation before finally visualizing private employment data.
Data visualisation has perhaps never been so easy - take a look at http://uuorld.com/ for details and download, its quite a find.
2008-11-26
GIS Timelapse for Pedestrian Movement Analysis
Tomasz Gutowski has used yesterday's timelapse tutorial to collect and analyse data on pedestrian movement. Using the timestamps from the imagery and vector based positioning to create a density grid the results are remarkably impressive.
Toms YouTube movie below provides full details:
The possibilities are notable and Tom should be congratulated on the methodology...
Toms YouTube movie below provides full details:
The possibilities are notable and Tom should be congratulated on the methodology...
2008-10-31
GIS in Second Life: SIMGIS
Embedded below is an intriguing demo of GIS in Second Life, termed 'SIMGIS' the technology demo has been prepared for International GIS Day 2008:
Three levels of detail are represented in the movie:
Level 1 is a 1:42-scale bare earth terrain model with an orthoimage "satellite" photo draped over it, just like Google Earth.
Level 2 is a reflective LiDAR (airborne laser scanner) surface 1:16-scale build with the same orthoimage. Since the surface is much more complex and represents all large buildings and trees, the orthophoto looks a bit surrealistic. For Level 2 this is a bug, not a feature.
Level 3 is a classic Second Life type immersive 3D build, but at 1:3-scale with real world textures.
See http://blog.simgis.com/ for more details, thanks go to Mal's SL-Edu Blog
2008-07-30
GIS vs Google Earth vs Google Maps: Google Trends
Running GIS, Google Earth and Google Maps through Google Trends throws up some interesting results. The launches of both Google Earth and Maps are instantly noticeable with Google Earth proving by far the most popular search term.Of note is the steady decline in Google Earth with Google Maps now overtaking it for the first month since launch. The number of people searching for GIS was always going to be low and indeed it has dropped slightly overtime. An interactive version of the graph is embedded below:
Comparing Google Earth and Google Maps is of course controversial within the industry and research sector but one cant but wonder if emerging 'cloud based services' will see a further decline in the visibility of the hardcore GIS user compared to the continuing rise of the Neogeographer (?)
Thanks go to Alex from spatial-literacy.org for the Google Trends tip.
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