Data Visualisation Archives - Digital Urban

Enhancing Live Weather Monitoring with MQTT and Chart.js

Andy — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 15:10:06 +0000

Introduction

Viewing real-time data from a personal weather station such as a Davis Vantage Pro, a Tempest, or an EcoWhitt device can be complex. However, the majority of systems that process weather data, such as Weather Display, Weewx, or CumlusMx, all have the ability to output MQTT data. This data can be used to display a real-time graph of the data, keeping you engaged with the latest weather updates, and supplemented with any other data which is MQTT-based.

With this in mind, we’ve developed a live weather monitoring dashboard as an illustrative example. This dashboard uses MQTT for real-time data updates and Chart.js for dynamic visualization. We’ve also included a visual indicator for connection status and a brief pulse effect to notify when new data arrives, enhancing the user experience.

You can view it live at: https://finchamweather.co.uk/weathergraph.htm

The data populates as the page loads – we could of course back load it via a database link, but the aim was to simply use MQTT and have a graphing system that streams in data, its a work in progress but here is how we got it working:

Setting Up the Environment

Before we dive into the code, ensure you have the following libraries included in your HTML:

Paho MQTT: for MQTT protocol handling – our MQTT feed is open to use as a test, replace this with your own MQTT details in the main code.
Chart.js: for creating dynamic charts
Chart.js adapter for date-fns: for handling time scales in charts

Initial HTML Setup

We’ll start by setting up the basic HTML structure. This includes elements for displaying the connection status, forecast, weather statistics, and the weather chart.




    
    
    
    
    Live Weather Graph
    
    
    
    


     mqtt: disconnected
    Forecast: Loading...
    
        Max Wind Speed: 0 mph
        Max Temperature: 0 °C
        Min Temperature: 0 °C
        Max Pressure: 0 mbar
        Min Pressure: 0 mbar

Connecting to MQTT

Next, we set up the MQTT connection. The MQTT client will connect to the broker, subscribe to the necessary topics, and handle messages when they arrive.

// MQTT connection settings
var mqtt;
var reconnectTimeout = 2000;
var host = "mqtt.cetools.org";
var port = location.protocol === 'https:' ? 8081 : 8080;
var options = {
    timeout: 3,
    onSuccess: onConnect,
    onFailure: onFailure,
    useSSL: location.protocol === 'https:',
};
var clientID = "clientID" + parseInt(Math.random() * 100);

function updateConnectionStatus(status) {
    const dot = document.getElementById("connectionDot");
    if (status === "connected") {
        dot.className = "dot green";
        document.getElementById("mqttStatus").innerHTML = ` mqtt: connected`;
    } else if (status === "disconnected") {
        dot.className = "dot red";
        document.getElementById("mqttStatus").innerHTML = ` mqtt: disconnected`;
    } else if (status === "reconnecting") {
        dot.className = "dot orange";
        document.getElementById("mqttStatus").innerHTML = ` mqtt: reconnecting`;
    }
}

function pulseDot() {
    const dot = document.getElementById("connectionDot");
    dot.classList.add("pulse-once");
    setTimeout(() => {
        dot.classList.remove("pulse-once");
    }, 1000); // Duration of the pulse-once animation
}

function onFailure(message) {
    console.log("Connection Attempt to Host " + host + " Failed: ", message.errorMessage);
    updateConnectionStatus("disconnected");
    setTimeout(MQTTconnect, reconnectTimeout);
}

function onConnect() {
    console.log("Connected ");
    updateConnectionStatus("connected");
    mqtt.subscribe("personal/ucfnaps/downhamweather/loop");
    mqtt.subscribe("personal/ucfnaps/eink/met");
}

function MQTTconnect() {
    console.log("Connecting to " + host + " on port " + port);
    updateConnectionStatus("reconnecting");
    mqtt = new Paho.MQTT.Client(host, port, clientID);
    mqtt.onMessageArrived = onMessageArrived;
    mqtt.onConnectionLost = function(responseObject) {
        if (responseObject.errorCode !== 0) {
            console.log("Connection Lost: " + responseObject.errorMessage);
            updateConnectionStatus("disconnected");
            setTimeout(MQTTconnect, reconnectTimeout);  // Attempt to reconnect
        }
    };
    mqtt.connect(options);
}

window.onload = function() {
    MQTTconnect();
}

Handling Incoming Messages

When messages arrive, we process the data and update the chart. We also update the connection dot to pulse briefly, indicating new data has been received.

let lastUpdate = Date.now();  // Initialize to current time
let firstUpdate = true;  // Flag to ensure first update happens immediately

let maxWindSpeed = 0;
let maxTemp = -Infinity;
let minTemp = Infinity;
let maxPressure = -Infinity;
let minPressure = Infinity;

function updateWindSpeed(windSpeed, timestamp) {
    weatherChart.data .labels.push(timestamp);
    weatherChart.data.datasets[0].data.push(windSpeed);

    // Update max wind speed
    if (windSpeed > maxWindSpeed) {
        maxWindSpeed = windSpeed;
        document.getElementById('maxWindSpeed').innerText = `Max Wind Speed: ${maxWindSpeed} mph`;
    }

    // Limit the number of data points to keep the chart responsive
    if (weatherChart.data.labels.length > 1440) { // Assuming 1 data point per minute, keep 24 hours of data
        weatherChart.data.labels.shift();
        weatherChart.data.datasets[0].data.shift();
    }

    weatherChart.update();
}

function updateOtherMetrics(temperature, solarRadiation, rainAmount, pressure, timestamp) {
    weatherChart.data.datasets[1].data.push({x: timestamp, y: temperature});
    weatherChart.data.datasets[2].data.push({x: timestamp, y: solarRadiation});
    weatherChart.data.datasets[3].data.push({x: timestamp, y: rainAmount > 0 ? rainAmount : null});
    weatherChart.data.datasets[4].data.push({x: timestamp, y: pressure});

    // Update max and min temperature
    if (temperature > maxTemp) {
        maxTemp = temperature;
        document.getElementById('maxTemp').innerText = `Max Temperature: ${maxTemp} °C`;
    }
    if (temperature < minTemp) { minTemp = temperature; document.getElementById('minTemp').innerText = `Min Temperature: ${minTemp} °C`; } // Update max and min pressure if (pressure > maxPressure) {
        maxPressure = pressure;
        document.getElementById('maxPressure').innerText = `Max Pressure: ${maxPressure} mbar`;
    }
    if (pressure < minPressure) { minPressure = pressure; document.getElementById('minPressure').innerText = `Min Pressure: ${minPressure} mbar`; } // Limit the number of data points to keep the chart responsive if (weatherChart.data.labels.length > 1440) { // Assuming 1 data point per minute, keep 24 hours of data
        weatherChart.data.datasets[1].data.shift();
        weatherChart.data.datasets[2].data.shift();
        weatherChart.data.datasets[3].data.shift();
        weatherChart.data.datasets[4].data.shift();
    }

    weatherChart.update();
}

function updateForecast(forecast) {
    document.getElementById('forecast').innerText = `Forecast: ${forecast}`;
}

function onMessageArrived(message) {
    console.log("Message Arrived: " + message.destinationName + " : " + message.payloadString);
    if (message.destinationName === "personal/ucfnaps/downhamweather/loop") {
        const data = JSON.parse(message.payloadString);
        const windSpeed = data['windSpeed_mph'];  // Adjust this key according to your data structure
        const temperature = data['outTemp_C'];  // Adjust this key according to your data structure
        const solarRadiation = data['radiation_Wpm2'];  // Adjust this key according to your data structure
        const rainAmount = data['dayRain_mm'];  // Adjust this key according to your data structure
        const pressure = data['pressure_mbar'];  // Adjust this key according to your data structure

        const nowTimestamp = new Date();

        // Update wind speed every time
        updateWindSpeed(windSpeed, nowTimestamp);

        if (firstUpdate || Date.now() - lastUpdate >= 60000) {
            // Update other metrics every minute
            updateOtherMetrics(temperature, solarRadiation, rainAmount, pressure, nowTimestamp);
            lastUpdate = Date.now();
            firstUpdate = false;  // Ensure subsequent updates follow the interval
        }

        // Pulse the dot when new data arrives
        pulseDot();
    } else if (message.destinationName === "personal/ucfnaps/eink/met") {
        const forecast = message.payloadString;
        updateForecast(forecast);
    }
}

Chart.js Setup

Now, let’s configure Chart.js to visualize the weather data. We will use multiple datasets to display wind speed, temperature, solar radiation, rain amount, and pressure.

// Chart.js setup
const ctx = document.getElementById('weatherChart').getContext('2d');
const weatherChart = new Chart(ctx, {
    type: 'line',
    data: {
        labels: [],  // Time labels
        datasets: [{
            label: 'Wind Speed (mph)',
            data: [],
            borderColor: 'rgba(75, 192, 192, 1)',
            borderWidth: 3,
            fill: false,
            yAxisID: 'y-axis-1',
            tension: 0.1
        },
        {
            label: 'Temperature (°C)',
            data: [],
            borderColor: 'rgba(255, 99, 132, 1)',
            borderWidth: 3,
            fill: false,
            yAxisID: 'y-axis-2',
            tension: 0.1
        },
        {
            label: 'Solar Radiation (W/m²)',
            data: [],
            borderColor: 'rgba(255, 206, 86, 1)',
            borderWidth: 3,
            fill: false,
            yAxisID: 'y-axis-3',
            tension: 0.1
        },
        {
            label: 'Rain Amount (mm)',
            data: [],
            borderColor: 'rgba(54, 162, 235, 1)',
            borderWidth: 3,
            fill: false,
            yAxisID: 'y-axis-4',
            tension: 0.1
        },
        {
            label: 'Pressure (mbar)',
            data: [],
            borderColor: 'rgba(153, 102, 255, 1)',
            borderWidth: 3,
            fill: false,
            yAxisID: 'y-axis-5',
            tension: 0.1
        }]
    },
    options: {
        responsive: true,
        plugins: {
            legend: {
                position: 'top',
            },
            title: {
                display: true,
                text: 'Live Weather Data'
            },
            decimation: {
                enabled: true,
                algorithm: 'lttb',
                samples: 100,  // Adjust this value as needed for performance
            },
        },
        scales: {
            x: {
                type: 'time',
                time: {
                    unit: 'minute'
                },
                title: {
                    display: true,
                    text: 'Time'
                }
            },
            'y-axis-1': {
                type: 'linear',
                position: 'left',
                beginAtZero: true,
                title: {
                    display: true,
                    text: 'Wind Speed (mph)'
                }
            },
            'y-axis-2': {
                type: 'linear',
                position: 'right',
                beginAtZero: true,
                title: {
                    display: true,
                    text: 'Temperature (°C)'
                },
                grid: {
                    drawOnChartArea: false
                }
            },
            'y-axis-3': {
                type: 'linear',
                position: 'right',
                beginAtZero: true,
                title: {
                    display: true,
                    text: 'Solar Radiation (W/m²)'
                },
                grid: {
                    drawOnChartArea: false
                }
            },
            'y-axis-4': {
                type: 'linear',
                position: 'right',
                beginAtZero: true,
                title: {
                    display: true,
                    text: 'Rain Amount (mm)'
                },
                grid: {
                    drawOnChartArea: false
                }
            },
            'y-axis-5': {
                type: 'linear',
                position: 'right',
                beginAtZero: true,
                title: {
                    display: true,
                    text: 'Pressure (mbar)'
                },
                grid: {
                    drawOnChartArea: false
                }
            }
        },
        interaction: {
            intersect: false,
            mode: 'nearest',
        },
        elements: {
            line: {
                cubicInterpolationMode: 'monotone',
            },
        },
    }
});

Conclusion

By integrating MQTT and Chart.js, it is possible to create a dynamic and real-time weather monitoring dashboard. The connection status indicator provides immediate feedback on the connection state, and the pulsing effect when new data arrives enhances user experience by visually notifying them of updates.

This setup can be further extended by adding more datasets, customizing the chart’s appearance, or integrating additional sensors. The data of course couple be from any feed, but real-time weather monitoring provides a good example of how IoT and web technologies can be combined to create realtime dashboards.

The post Enhancing Live Weather Monitoring with MQTT and Chart.js appeared first on Digital Urban.

Open Gauges – Physical and Digital Data Display Devices

Andy — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 17:49:06 +0000

Developed at the Connected Environments Lab at The Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, University College London, the Open Gauges Project was launched in October 2021 as part of the Module on Sensor Data Visualisation (CASA0019) within the MSc in Connected Environments.

The Open Gauges Github Repository provides full access to the original Fusion 360 design files, .STL files to 3D print gauges, code and graphics for the gauge dials. It also allows new gauges/code to be uploaded into new branches via the Gibhub page.

The project aims to allow open-source data gauges to be built, modified, and viewed as both physical (3d printed) and digital gauges.

Depending on the user’s preference the models can be made to run from any online data source – such as an MQTT feed – from Weather Data with Air Pressure, Temperature, Wind Speed etc though to Air Quality Gauges, Noise Meters, Energy etc. The project was created by Professor Andrew Hudson-Smith and Dr Valerio Signorelli.

A total of 5 Dial Graphics are provided in this initial release – sized to fit into the 3D printed cases.

The 5 Dial Graphics are – Temperature (-10 to 40 oC), Wind Speed (0-60 mph), Wind Dir (0 – 360), Air Pressure (950 – 1050 mb) and Co2 (400 – 1400 ppm).

In addition to reading the MQTT data and using the Servo Easing Library for the servo, the code also includes a time function, allowing the gauge to turn the LED lights/Servo on and off at set times. This is used to turn off at night and on again in the morning.

The code can be used to create any gauge with a range from 180 to 360 degrees using a standard SG90 servo. A gear train is used to extend the servo range with the ability to calibrate in the code. On load, the servo performs a sweep function, to aid the calibration process.

The aim was to make displaying data, via both a physical and digital device, as easy as possible – to recreate the simplicity of a gauge but to update it to use current data standards.

Due to its simplicity, the design can be edited to accommodate a range of styles, from dual displays through to retrofitting old devices. Indeed retrofitting (only if a device is beyond repair of course) can give new life to old barometers, barographs, pressure gauges etc, all with the same code and design.

At the present time (October 22nd, 2021) this page is under development with new designs, a full walkthrough of how to make one, an Augmented Reality Version and new examples (such as Air Quality) incoming.

To underline the developing nature of the project – see our Neopixel Barometer Open Gauge, included 28th October 2021, the Open Energy Gauge graphic, included 9th November 2021 and the Voltmeter Gauge, added 11th November 2021 over at the Connected Environments site and the Open Weather Map NeoPixel Barometer, here on Digital Urban (June, 2022).

The gauges are made to be as simple as possible to make but allow enough flexibility to allow them to be used to display a wide range of data types, the parts list below provides details for the full gauge, with lighting.

Parts List

The main parts are:

Node MCU Arduino Board – we have been using the (MakerHawk boards). However, any Arduino compatiable board will suffice, the ease of using the above boards is the code will work without and changes to the pins.
SG90 Servo – any SG90 style servo will work, we would however recommend the MG90S Micro Servo as it provides a smoother travel to the gauage pointer.
Lights – Pimorini White LED Backlight Module – 38.7mm x 11.9mm x 2mm, although any low power led will also suffice
PLA for 3D Printing – Any PLA for the main parts, the dials graphics are printed on paper and laid flat on a disc (see 3D Printer Files) printed in transparent PLA. This can be left out but it allows the dial to lay flat and provides a nice diffused light. eSun Transparent PLA works well.

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Datascape – New 3D Dataviz tool from Daden

Andy — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:24:59 +0000

This is intriguing, a new 3D package to map and explore data – Datascape, by Daden Ltd, known perviously for their work in Second Life, provides an immersive environment in which users can explore and interact with data from almost any source.
David Burden, Daden’s Managing Director said “Datascape is ground-breaking and we’re expecting visualisations that tell a story and show how the additional power of immersion can lead to better understanding and communication”
The movie below provides an insight into the possibilities:

DATASCAPE – A VIRTUAL WORLD FOR YOUR DATA from DadenMedia on Vimeo.
Key Features
Datascape can be delivered as a standalone desktop application, or as a networked or internet delivered multi-user system. Using Datascape you can:

Import data from a wide variety of data sources, with native support for Excel, CVS and SQL and access to XML, JSON and other through ETL tools such as Kettle
Import data from web services such as RSS, Twitter and other feeds and real-time data
Visualise up to 65,000 entities at a time
Dynamically map and re-map data parameters onto plot features – with up to 10 features being available per plot point
Plot multiple datasets in the same subjective space
Filter, group, and highlight data
Use force-graph algorithms to plot network graphs
Plot geospatial and temporal data with time-on-a-stick
Save spaces for later analysis, or share them with other users, with over a dozen users being able to collaborate in the same space, each visible to each other
Animate data in time or space
“Scrub” data through a dynamic filter window

There is a free version available (limited to 2000 data points) linked to Dadens’ recently announced data visualisation competition. The competition is open to individuals, academics and commercial users with the winning entries being featured on Daden’s website and in a supporting press release. All submissions must be received by 17:00 GMT on 12 November 2012, via the Daden Website . Winners will be announced on 1 Dec 2012. Competition rules and entry details can be found on the website.

Read more about Datascape over at the Daden site

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3D Visualisation of World Flight Paths

Andy — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 10:07:00 +0000

Robin Edwards, a student on our MRes in Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation here at the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, University College London, has used Processing to create a visualisation using data from OpenFlights.org. The clip below visualises approx 50,000 active flight-paths,interpolating motion along great circle paths for dynamic effect:

Robin notes that it does not account for multiple airlines or scheduled flights, but the path data still seems a reasonable proxy for flight visualisation.

For more head over to http://geotheory.org/

We like it so much it is slide one in our lecture on Geography in a Web 3.0 World at the Research Methods Festival 2012 at Oxford University next week…

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6 Fellowships £10,000 Each at The Centre for Spatial Analysis and Policy (CSAP) in Leeds or the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) in London

Andy — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:33:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce the availability of six fellowships are available to support individuals in non-academic institutions to undertake defined research projects at the Centre for Spatial Analysis and Policy (CSAP) in Leeds or the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) in London. The Fellowships will provide individuals with an opportunity to learn and apply spatial analytical methods to their own data.

Value

Fellowships are valued at up to £10,000 each and will cover costs for up to 3 months for full-time projects and 6 months for part-time work (although other temporal arrangements may be considered).

Eligibility

To qualify to apply for a fellowship individuals should:

– Belong to a non-academic organisation
– Have a degree (preferably in geography)
– Have the support of their organisation
– Be located in the UK.

Application Procedure

To apply for a fellowship, please include the following by email under single cover and preferably as one PDF file:

– A completed User Fellowship application form
– A letter of support from your employer

Applications should be sent to Amy O’Neill, TALISMAN Project Assistant: a.oneill@leeds.ac.uk

Deadline

We require all materials to be sent together by 4pm on September 21, 2012.

Enquiries

If you would like further information about the fellowships or to discuss a potential project before applying, please contact:

At CSAP:

Mark Birkin, email: m.h.birkin@leeds.ac.uk

John Stillwell, email: j.c.h.stillwell@leeds.ac.uk

AT CASA:

Andy Hudson-Smith, email: a.hudson-smith@ucl.ac.uk

TALISMAN is a node of the National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) and is funded through the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of a strategy to improve the standard of research methods across the UK social science community. The key rationale for TALISMAN is to act as a catalyst for methodological innovation by forging strong links between research and capacity building in geospatial analysis and simulation. TALISMAN is based at the University of Leeds and the University College London.

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Public Transport Flows in London: A CASA Movie

Andy — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:06:00 +0000

Sometimes in a research lab you step back in awe at some of the research going on around you. The work from the team behind the new Simulacra blog from CASA is one of those moments, visualising the dynamic geography of the urban transport system:

Public Transport flows, London from Joan Serras on Vimeo.

The movie above details the public transport flows of London, it is interesting to note the bus network transition from night to day, the steady ‘pulse’ of the tube network throughout its service and the Stansted-Heathrow-Gatwick connection defined by the coach network.

Take a look at http://simulacra.blogs.casa.ucl.ac.uk/ for full details, including an amazing country wide version.

The post Public Transport Flows in London: A CASA Movie appeared first on Digital Urban.

WikiLeaks Map: How Leaky is Your Country

Andy — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:18:00 +0000

WikiLeaks is a multi-jurisdictional public service designed to protect whistleblowers, journalists and activists who have sensitive materials to communicate to the public. Since July 2007, they have worked across the globe to obtain, publish and defend such materials, and, also, to fight in the legal and political spheres for the broader principles on which our work is based: the integrity of our common historical record and the rights of all peoples to create new history.

The question is which countries have the most leaks, what you need to ‘How Leaky is your Country’ by Ben Blundell here at CASA, University College London.

Written in HTML 5 the site trawls WikiLeaks daily and maps the outputs, it is well worth a look. Go to http://www.section9.co.uk/wikileaks for full info (it works best in Chrome).

A deeper analysis is forthcoming along with various new features, this is purely a first stage but an interesting one….

The post WikiLeaks Map: How Leaky is Your Country appeared first on Digital Urban.

WikiLeaks Map: How Leaky is Your Country

Andy — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:18:00 +0000

The question is which countries have the most leaks, what you need to ‘How Leaky is your Country’ by Ben Blundell here at CASA, University College London.

Written in HTML 5 the site trawls WikiLeaks daily and maps the outputs, it is well worth a look. Go to http://www.section9.co.uk/wikileaks for full info (it works best in Chrome).

A deeper analysis is forthcoming along with various new features, this is purely a first stage but an interesting one….

The post WikiLeaks Map: How Leaky is Your Country appeared first on Digital Urban.

MRes Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation: Curriculum, Aims and Admission

Andy — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:28:00 +0000

Below we provide full details for 2010 entry on the new MRes in Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation (ASAV). The course reflects the current state of play in geographic, urban and architectural information systems with an emphasis on visualisation, analysis and modelling. Taught at the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis, home of digital urban, it is an innovative and exciting opputunity to study at UCL with a MRes acting as a pathway to a PhD or further career in ASAV.

Course Executive Summary

The Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) is an initiative within University College London to develop research in emerging computer technologies in several disciplines dealing with geography, space, location, and the built environment. As an interdisciplinary research centre expertise is drawn from archaeology, architecture, cartography, computer science, environmental science, geography, planning, remote sensing, geomatic engineering, and transport studies. The Centre is located within The Bartlett at UCL, from which it is administered but it has associated students and faculty in other faculties, specifically in Geography and in Civil (Geomatic) Engineering. This structure generates a unique blend of knowledge forming the core of the MRes ASAV.

The MRes is unique in its focus on complexity, modelling, mapping and visualisation, pulling together the latest research in urban form, functionality and communication. Recent changes in the rise of web-based technologies and the development of low cost yet complex visualisation and analysis packages has generated a notable change in the demand for more traditional vendor specific information systems and computer aided design courses.

The MRes ASAV reflects this change with a look towards Web 3.0 (Read, Write, Execute) technologies and methods to deliver skills required for current/future professionals and policy makers engaged in spatially related projects.

Curriculum Structure

The course has a strong research component based around developing new methodologies from new task specific software and techniques that have emerged as part of what may be termed the ‘Web Revolution’. CASA has been at the forefront of these changes that have impacted the way we share, communicate and distribute information, specifically information relating directly to geographic and spatial entities. These changes have steadily emerged since the mid 1990’s and it is now quite clear that location and space now represent a third force in information technology besides more traditional computer and communication science.

We reflect these changes within the interlinked laboratory-research-based mini project with data collection focused on ‘remote data mining’ rather than fieldwork in the traditional planning/geographical/architectural sense. Indeed these research led skills are increasingly becoming a key element in shaping our understanding of complex spatial functions.

Vast amounts of previously unused data are becoming available either from changes in accessibility, due to the nature of the network and cloud based computing, changing national data policies or more widely as a result of new mass data collection methodologies.

Course Aims

The programme aims to provide training in the principles and skills of social and spatial research. Its aims include a strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodology and methods of data collection and analysis to support and enable independent and group research projects. In addition to focusing on research skills, subject specific modules provide students with the opportunity to develop an excellence in spatial analysis with the specific skill set to engage and contribute to the current debates in urban and spatial continuums.

Course Delivery

The course runs full-time over 12 months. The taught element of the course is delivered on two days per week over the first two terms.

Modules

BENVGSA1 – Group Mini Project: Digital Visualisation
The module introduces the students to methods of visualisation and data mining within the geospatial domain. Developed as a group project the module aims to provide an understanding of the juxtaposition between research, data capture and data display methodologies. As such the module is developed to build upon the taught sections of the course (BENVGSA3 and BENVGSA4) to develop initial research questions for the dissertation (BENVGSA2). Project assessment will be on a group basis.
Credits: 30
Terms: 1 and 2

BENVGSA2 – Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation MRes Dissertation
The module is based around the writing, preparation of an original research project in the form of a Masters Dissertation. Students will be required to plan the research and dissertation from an early stage with ongoing development building on both the mini-project and taught courses developed through the year. The research topic will be defined under the guidance of the students dissertation supervisor with the support of the Course Director. The aim is to produce a unique, individual piece of work with an emphasis on data collection, analysis and visualisation linked to policy and social science orientated applications.
Credits: 90
Terms: 1, 3, 4

BENVGSA3 – GI Systems and Science
The aim of this module is to equip students with an understanding of the principles underlying the conception, representation/measurement and analysis of spatial phenomena. As such, it presents an overview of the core organising concepts and techniques of Geographic Information Systems, and the software and analysis systems that are integral to their effective deployment in advanced spatial analysis.
Credits: 15
Term: 1

BENVGSA4 – Spatial Modelling and Simulation
This course will introduce students to the theory, principles and applications of mathematical and computer modeling as applied to cities. It will be based on five interrelated themes: an introduction to definitions of models as they relate to the philosophy of science; the model-building process involving calibration and prediction; types of urban models ranging from land use transportation models, microsimulation, discrete choice, cellular automata and agent-based models; the exploration of two specific types of model, namely land use transportation; and then cellular automata ABM.
Credits: 15
Term: 2

EDUCGE01 – Inves
tigating Research
EDUCGE02 – Professional Development in Practice

ADMISSIONS

For details of how to apply, please see http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate-study/application-admission If you decide to apply, you will need to submit an application form, two references (either two academic references or one academic reference and one work reference), transcript(s) of your degree(s) (must be officially translated if applicable). Please note that all application forms and supporting documents need to submitted directly to the College Admissions Office (address on application form).

Informal enquiries should be directed to the course director, Dr Andrew Hudson-SmithThere are no application deadlines for any Bartlett programmes but we do advise applicants to apply sooner rather than later, as once offers of admission are issued for all the vacancies available, it is no longer possible to issue any further offers of admission to applications which are received subsequently. We would advise that you seek to submit an application no later than June 2011 if you wish to be considered for the 2011/12 academic session.

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Crowd Sourced Data: The Copenhagen Wheel for Pollution, Congestion and Road Conditions in Real-Time

Andy — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:52:00 +0000

This is one of the best projects we have seen in sometime, borderline genius – the Copenhagen Wheel. The project transforms ordinary bicycles quickly into hybrid e-bikes that also function as mobile sensing units. The Copenhagen Wheel allows you to capture the energy dissipated while cycling and braking and save it for when you need a bit of a boost. It also maps pollution levels, traffic congestion, and road conditions in real-time.

Controlled through your smart phone, the Copenhagen Wheel becomes a natural extension of your everyday life. You can use your phone to unlock and lock your bike, change gears and select how much the motor assists you. As you cycle, the wheels sensing unit is also capturing your effort level and information about your surroundings, including road conditions, carbon monoxide, NOx, noise, ambient temperature and relative humidity.

Access this data through your phone or the web and use it to plan healthier bike routes, to achieve your exercise goals or to meet up with friends on the go. You can also share your data with friends, or with your city – anonymously if you wish thereby contributing to a fine-grained database of environmental information from which we can all benefit.

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