Geospatial AI is the use of AI-based tools for analysing any type of geographic information derived from sources such as satellite imagery, aerial drones, and geographic information systems (GIS). These technologies can be employed in resource management, disaster response, and conservation efforts, offering real-time monitoring and analysis of ecosystems and natural resources.
In this episode, we explore the potential and limitations of using Geospatial AI for climate action. The conversation ranges from trends in democratisation of map-making with easy-to-use GIS tools to the risks and ethical concerns that are associated with the use of GIS data. Our guests discuss the need for community involvement, factoring in local knowledge systems, and ensuring equitable access when it comes to Geospatial AI. They discuss the potential environmental costs and the importance of funding and transparency in technology implementation.
You can read the transcript for this episode here.
Speakers
Cathy Richards
Cathy is the Associate for Digital Resilience and Emerging Technology at The Engine Room. Recently, as a Green Web Fellow, she investigated the benefits, ethical questions, and security risks associated with using GIS for environmental justice. Cathy holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Boston University and an MPA from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. She is from Costa Rica.
Izni Zahidi
Izni is a Civil Engineering academic at Monash University, Malaysia and has over 16 years of academic and industry experience. Her primary research is in using remote sensing, GIS, and modelling to develop sustainable and climate-resilient communities. Her research team assesses environmental risks such as flooding, water pollution, vegetation degradation, and urban heat island effect to improve natural resources management. Her research work has won a Gold Award, Silver Award, and Special Award as selected by the Toronto International Society of Innovation and Advanced Skills in the international competition, Sustainability in Civil Engineering Exhibition and Competition.
Show Notes
Geospatial AI or Geo AI (glossary term)
ArcGIS, Esri’s enterprise geospatial platform
QGIS, a free and open-source platform
Felt Maps, a cloud-native platform
Artificial intelligence for predicting urban heat island effect and optimising land use/land cover for mitigation: Prospects and recent advancements, research paper co-authored by Izni Zahidi
Modelling public social values of flood-prone land use using GIS application SolVES, research article co-authored by Izni Zahidi
Internet of Things or IoT (glossary term)
Tracking Amazon: How Neighbors Are Monitoring Pollution From New Delivery Hub
Wireless Sensors Could be Less Effective in Muddy Soil
How the “Internet of Cows” is Transforming Livestock Farming in Europe
Northern Kenya leads the way in the world's largest IoT conservation network
Semantic Analysis of Social Network Site Data for Flood Mapping and Assessment, research paper co-authored by Izni Zahidi
Navigating GIS, a guide by Cathy Richards
The RECONECT Project: Regenerating Ecosystems with Nature-based Solutions for Hydro-meteorological Risk Reduction
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Credits
Audio Editing: Sharon Joseph and Shivranjana Rathore
Cover Art: Nayantara Surendranath/Pastelstew
Attributions
Intro and Outro: Retro Sounds, Alban_Gogh
