KEYWORDS: Buildings, Visualization, Databases, Geographic information systems, 3D modeling, Statistical analysis, Data modeling, Visual process modeling, Statistical modeling, 3D visualizations
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for buildings that are energy efficient. As a result, there is a need for a standardized and advanced framework for issuing Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). Various organizations, including the European Commission, have emphasized the importance of improving EPC schemes and propose the adoption of a common, homogenous scale of energy classes ranging from A to G. This framework will ensure a more accurate evaluation of the actual energy performance of buildings. Moreover, technological advancements and innovative digital Geographic Information System (GIS) and webGIS tools have enabled the capability to handle and visualize a huge amount of energy performance data. This, in turn, provides a more comprehensive and accessible representation of energy consumption and efficiency at various scales, including dwellings, buildings, regions, and countries. The EU-funded research project entitled “Next-generation Dynamic Digital EPCs for Enhanced Quality and User Awareness” (D^2EPC GA 892984) introduces a comprehensive approach to next-generation Energy Performance Certificates. This approach addresses the main challenges and gaps in the buildings' energy assessment process, based on a common methodology for buildings across the European Union. The webGIS tool, as a part of the overall solution, offers advanced analytical tools, querying, and visualization functionalities, which include mapping and comparison of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) statistics across various geographical scales, attribute and geographical querying, and 3D visualization through the integration of Building Information Models. Our tool also facilitates data interoperability, ensuring seamless data exchange and analysis.
Urban areas are currently facing significant new and/or aggravated existing challenges due to the impacts of climate change, including increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, urban greenness loss, urban flash floods, air quality degradation and increased greenhouse gas emissions, geo-hazards, and urban heat fluxes among others. To enhance urban resilience and efficiently mitigate those impacts, sophisticated digital tools and Decision Support Systems (DSS) could play a determinant role in assisting decision-makers by means of providing access to pertinent data, analytical models as well as thorough insights for prioritizing the most effective mitigation strategies. The Horizon 2020 research and innovation project entitled “Development of a Support System for Improved Resilience and Sustainable Urban areas to cope with Climate Change and Extreme Events based on GEOSS and Advanced Modelling Tools - HARMONIA GA 101003517” introduces a series of innovative digital tools along with novel data services and products. This paper outlines the functioning of an urban-planning DSS that exploits the Harmonia multiparametric risk assessment methodology for a spectrum of different urban perils to eventually offer comprehensive and tangible urban recommendations for mitigating future hazard-driven adverse impacts. The proposed solution will be offered as a web-based application with a user-friendly interface, able to efficiently handle and visualize multidimensional (4D) geospatial information. The overall methodology and the capabilities of the DSS will be demonstrated in four different and diverse European urban environments, i.e., the cities of Milan, Piraeus, Sofia, and Ixelles.
KEYWORDS: Buildings, Process modeling, Earthquakes, Data modeling, Geographic information systems, Remote sensing, Cultural heritage, Satellites, Interferometric synthetic aperture radar, 3D modeling
European cultural heritage (CH) is at risk, threatened by environmental processes strengthened by climate change and anthropogenic pressure. In particular, the slow (landslides, subsidence) and seismic (earthquakes) movements of the soil have a strong impact on the structural stability of our cultural heritage (CH). The actions to be carried out to protect and safeguard CH are in continuous development and this is where the STABLE (STructural stABiLity risk assEssment) project fits. STABLE concerns the design and development of a thematic platform, which combines structural stability models, simulation and damage assessment tools, advanced remote sensing, in situ monitoring technologies, geotechnical and cadastral data sets with the WebGIS application for mapping and long-term monitoring of the CH. The thematic platform, which is the final objective of the project, will therefore support the authorities responsible for the conservation of cultural heritage in the design and implementation of policies for monitoring, preserving and safeguarding our heritage. This will allow effective monitoring and management of CH to prevent or at least reduce the possible irreparable damages. STABLE will coordinate existing skills and research in a synergistic plan of collaborations and staff exchanges to offer a complete transfer of knowledge and training to researchers in the specific area under study. The development of the platform will be the strategy that scientists will have to follow to share and improve CH safeguard methods. It will serve professionals to apply the most advanced technologies in their fields.
As an innovation research action in the spatial planning and in the social innovation arena for Renewable Energy Landscapes (REL), the Planning And Engagement Arenas For Renewable Energy Landscapes (PEARLS) project will reinforce the population’s commitment to secure, clean and efficient energy. REL focus on the change of the population’s relationship with energy and their landscape perception. Paros, Greek Cycladic island as a “isolated piece of land” was selected to investigate several aspects for REL. Paros has wind parks infrastructure establishments, active and inactive. Also, the administrative authorities are “on hold” in several areas, since the infrastructure is outdated and no studies for noise pollution and “line of sight” viewing have been executed. The 3D monitoring of the established infrastructure and 3D GIS techniques highlight the crucial necessity for studies, before any wind parks establishment. PEARLS project, in general, will bring a step change to the way that REL are addressed and monitored before, during and after their establishment, by providing crucial support for the Pan-European Energy Challenge.
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