Day 4 of the Geospatial World Forum 2023 had a session on Digital Cities: GEOBIM, which started with the keynote speech by Abdulaziz Faeyz Alfaeyz, Urban Planning and GIS Project Manager, Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), Saudi Arabia. He talked about asset management automation, AI & Digital Transformation Principles in GIS & Urban Planning.
He further talked about the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones also known as MODON, a government organization created by the Government of Saudi Arabia in 2001. It is responsible for the regulation and promotion of Industrial Estates and Technology Zones in Saudi Arabia and to encourage the private sector to become involved in the development, operation and maintenance of Industrial Estates.
He talked about 4 main objectives of GIS for Digital Transformation in MODON:
1. Delivering well-structured GIS data within the organization
2. Introducing a web based GIS data integrated with sharing and presenting platforms
3. Integrated database with CAD and BIM
4. QC/QA of GIS Database model enhancement process
He elaborated on how applying 3D visualization for the industrial cities will enable the stakeholders and business development unit and other departments in MODON to study and analyze the services and opportunities.
Leveraging Enterprise GIS for Asset Management
Dan Culli, GIS Consultant, Locana/TEAM2100, UK talked about TEAM2100, which is a Major flood risk management program that works to provide better tidal protection to London and Thames Estuary.
Thames Estuary Asset Management (TEAM2100) was set up by England’s Environment Agency to create a long-term approach to manage tidal flood defenses in London and the Thames Estuary, including the iconic Thames Barrier. It was developed to plan, inspect, refurbish and improve flood defenses along 330-kilometers of the River Thames and reduce the risk of tidal flooding to protect some 1.4 million people, over 4,000 different assets and over $396 billion worth of property in London, Essex and Kent, which will adapt the riversides to rising sea levels over the next 100 years.
The GIS and Geospatial Strategy to Team2100 has an approach of enterprise, integration and innovation. This is done by giving access to a single source of data and that access is provided through web, mobile and desktop apps. Integration with the other Programme systems is also very important.
He emphasized on how it is an asset management Programme and the need for enhancing the asset management lifecycle. He also talked about enabling the BIM aspects of the program.
He talked about Estuary Eye, a web and desk-based information portal and associated App to offer a common data environment for review, access, management and use of asset data collected and stored. The embedded videos and 3D information provide instant access to complex geospatial asset information. The tools developed enable a highly efficient approach to option and design appraisals, creating an estuary-wide BIM model of the asset system, and an easy visual assessment of live project progress.
ED PARSONS, Geospatial Technologist, Google, UK said, “It is to be driven by data and actionable information rather than opinion.” He talked about Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE), a freely available data and insights tool that uses exclusive data sources and modeling capabilities to help cities and regions measure emissions sources, run analyses, and identify strategies to reduce emissions — creating a foundation for effective action. With EIE, policymakers around the world can continue to make their communities more sustainable, resilient, and adaptive to climate change.
CHRIS SMEATON, Associate Principal – Digital Leader, InSite International, United Arab Emirates concluded the session talking about the broad aspects of a healthy city. “There should be an improvement in the built, social, and physical environments in which people live to achieve healthier urban communities,” he said.
