Maps, climate and AI are shaping our urban futures
Climate change, AI and vast amounts of geographic data are transforming the way we understand our cities and environments. Through geographic information science, new tools are being developed to identify areas at risk, analyse inequality and support the urban planning of the future.
Neil Sang’s research in geographic information science focuses on analysing social and environmental issues and developing computer models to better understand processes operating across geographical scales.
– In practice, this often means working with statistics, mapping data and satellite imagery to identify areas that are vulnerable to different processes, such as rising sea levels or urban heat islands. I also look at which groups are affected — for example, whether there are inequalities in exposure and vulnerability — as well as how effective different climate adaptation measures and proposed interventions may be.
Geographic information science is currently developing at a remarkable pace. Much of this progress is being driven by the demands created by climate change and other environmental challenges. At the same time, advances are being made possible by access to new and highly detailed sources of data — from satellite imagery to continuous data streams from the Internet of Things and various open-data initiatives. Increased computing power has also made it possible to analyse enormous datasets in entirely new ways.
Neil Sang finds that many people he meets are unfamiliar with GIS.
– Despite the fact that it underpins so much of modern society. But once I explain what the technology is actually used for – and how it already affects people’s daily lives, professions and organisations – interest tends to grow quickly, and many want to learn more.
At present, his main focus is on completing the Horizon project NICE, which he has worked on for the past five years. As part of the project, he has developed the software tool NICER, which is used to model how nature-based solutions can contribute to the treatment of stormwater and urban wastewater.
– Right now, much of my work involves communication and knowledge-sharing to raise awareness among relevant stakeholders that the tool is available – and free of charge – while we also explore opportunities for the system’s continued development.
Alongside this, he is following developments in artificial intelligence, which over the past year has had a major impact on the GIS field.
– If AI is used thoughtfully, the technology could become absolutely crucial for decision support in both environmental management and urban planning.