Neil Samuel Sang

In a nutshell : I am Data Scientist with the emphasis on Spatial Science.  I combine geo-spatial modelling, remote sensing, statistics and participatory methods to address socio-environmental challenges, particularly in respect of urban planning.

As a society we face complex, inter-linked challenges. In general terms, increasingly extreme climatic events such as flooding, heat and wildfire pose risks to life and property in the short term and over the long term will place strain on both economic and ecosystem resilience. At the same time, societies face disruptive technological change that re-writes the rules as to how we work, travel and socialise.  However, when and where impacts will be felt most is context dependent, with urban areas often being particularly affected. Faced with this increasingly uncertain future, planning must non-the-less coordinate actions for the long term even as competition for space and resources intensifies. This is where Geographical Information Science and computational modelling can help: what are the likely future scenarios and what effect will proposed plans have?

In my research I work to leverage the power of GIS and models to inform spatial planning challenges. That could involve developing software to help apply scientific knowledge to planning challenges (e.g. NICER) or measuring how equitable  access to Urban Green Space is and where it can be improved or developing ways to efficiently monitor the urban environment from satellites, so planner's have the information they need. That information includes the views and opinions of citizens and thus participatory methods are just as important as analysis of satellite imagery. Contentious issues require a decision-making process that builds confidence that a democratically agreed overall plan is achievable. Geodesign directly addresses that issue. I have been an active participant in the International Geodesign Collaboration since its founding. The IGC has over 100 members globally, using geodesign to help local stakeholders plan for future climate scenarios by standardised protocols so lessons may be learned (Sang, Albert and Lu 2020). 

My perspective on the role of Higher Education is that it should teach practical skills but also expand student’s capacity to analytically address complex issues. All the courses I have led or taught at SLU take a mixed group of students from multiple SLU programmes as well as ERASMUS and independent students, the latter often being professionals seeking to upgrade their GIS skills.

Advanced Digital Landscape Analysis with GIS (ADLA) teaches GIS theory and practical techniques for landscape planning. Combining geodesign, spatial modelling and guest lectures from professionals in municipal, regional, and consultancy roles, students learn to address real world planning challenges. https://artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibition/9818513/adla-2022

Geodesign Students work on a wicked planning problem. In 2021 the student’s geodesign work from ALDA was presented as part of the International Geodesign Collaboration study from that year and one student was invited to be part of the further study as a co-author (Sang and Savchenko 2021, see https://mediaspace.esri.com/media/t/1_fj006lf5/245304592 )

Digital Waterscapes combined geodesign, 3D modelling, geospatial analysis, on site analysis and guest lectures from professionals in municipal, utility and consultancy roles to teach students how to plan for a complex site facing a challenging, uncertain, future due to climate change, demographic change and economic drivers.  

https://artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibition/15634119/digital-waterscapes-2026