Innovative Approaches to 3D GIS Modeling for Volumetric and Geoprocessing Applications in Subsurface Infrastructures in a Virtual Immersive Environment

As subsurface features remain largely ‘out of sight, out of mind’, this has led to challenges when dealing with underground space and infrastructures and especially so for those working in GIS. Since subsurface infrastructure plays a major role in supporting the needs of modern society, groups such as city planners and utility companies and decision makers are looking for an ‘holistic’ approach where the sustainable use of underground space is as important as above ground space. For such planning and management, it is crucial to examine subsurface data in a form that is amenable to 3D mapping and that can be used for increasingly sophisticated 3D modeling. The subsurface referred to in this study focuses particularly on examples of both shallow and deep underground infrastructures. In the case of shallow underground infrastructures mostly two-dimensional maps are used in the management and planning of these features. Depth is a very critical component of underground infrastructures that is difficult to represent in a 2D map and for this reason these are best studied in three-dimensional space. In this research, the capability of 3D GIS technology and immersive geography are explored for the storage, management, analysis, and visualization of shallow and deep subsurface features

Highly efficient computer oriented octree data structure and neighbors search in 3D GIS spatial

Three Dimensional (3D) have given new perspective in various field such as urban planning, hydrology, infrastructure modeling, geology etc due to its capability of handling real world object in more realistic manners, rather than two-dimensional (2D) approach. However, implementation of 3D spatial analysis in the real world has proven difficult due to the complexity of algorithm, computational power and time consuming. Existing GIS system enables 2D and two-and-a-half dimensional (2.5D) spatial datasets, but less capable of supporting 3D data structures. Recent development in Octree see more effort to improve weakness of octree in finding neighbor node by using various address encoding scheme with specific rule to eliminate the need of tree traversal. This paper proposed a new method to speed up neighbor searching and eliminating the needs of complex operation to extract spatial information from octree by preserving 3D spatial information directly from Octree data structure. This new method able to achieve O(1) complexity and utilizing Bit Manipulation Instruction 2 (BMI2) to speedup address encoding, extraction and voxel search 700% compared with generic implementation

Shedding light on GIS: A 3D immersive approach to urban lightscape integration into GIS

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have the ability to map, model, and analyze real world data and phenomena, and yet visibility and lighting conditions are rarely considered or researched in Geographic Information Science (GISci). Lighting technologies have been created and implemented to overcome the darkness of night and other issues of visibility, and in no place is that more evident than urban areas. Though not researched heavily in GIS, it is now possible to model and analyze lighting of the built environment using GIS, 3D modeling and rendering software. This thesis explores the night time urban lightscape, its spatial aspects and contribution to place as well as its incorporation into GIS and GISci. To capture lighting and its multi-dimensional properties, a 3D model was created of the built environment of Morgantown, WV, USA, including the West Virginia University (WVU) campuses and their exterior lighting. The model was completed through the coupling of ESRI\u27s CityEngine and E-on software\u27s LumenRT4 Geodesign plug-in. Lighting data was obtained through the WVU Department of Construction and Design in the form of a CAD map. After geo-referencing CAD-based exterior lighting data, a raster lighting analysis of WVU\u27s Evansdale Campus was produced to identify under-lit areas. These areas were then redesigned using a lighting design tool and incorporated 3D modeling, GIS, and procedural rule-based modeling. An original workflow was designed consisting of ArcGIS, SketchUp, CityEngine, and LumenRT 4 Geodesign. Lighting scenarios were subsequently viewed and experienced through immersive technologies

Towards BIM/GIS interoperability: A theoretical framework and practical generation of spaces to support infrastructure Asset Management

The past ten years have seen the widespread adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) among both the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) and the Asset Management/ Facilities Management (AM/FM) communities. This has been driven by the use of digital information to support collaborative working and a vision for more efficient reuse of data. Within this context, spatial information is either held in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models in a Common Data Environment (CDE). However, these being heterogeneous systems, there are inevitable interoperability issues that result in poor integration. For this thesis, the interoperability challenges were investigated within a case study to ask: Can a better understanding of the conceptual and technical challenges to the integration of BIM and GIS provide improved support for the management of asset information in the context of a major infrastructure project? Within their respective fields, the terms BIM and GIS have acquired a range of accepted meanings, that do not align well with each other. A seven-level socio-technical framework is developed to harmonise concepts in spatial information systems. This framework is used to explore the interoperability gaps that must be resolved to enable design and construction information to be joined up with operational asset information. The Crossrail GIS and BIM systems were used to investigate some of the interoperability challenges that arise during the design, construction and operation of an infrastructure asset. One particular challenge concerns a missing link between AM-based information and CAD-based geometry which hinders engineering assets from being located within the geometric model and preventing geospatial analysis. A process is developed to link these CAD-based elements with AM-based assets using defined 3D spaces to locate assets. However, other interoperability challenges must first be overcome; firstly, the extraction, transformation and loading of geometry from CAD to GIS; secondly, the creation of an explicit representation of each 3D space from the implicit enclosing geometry. This thesis develops an implementation of the watershed transform algorithm to use real-world Crossrail geometry to generate voxelated interior spaces that can then be converted into a B-Rep mesh for use in 3D GIS. The issues faced at the technical level in this case study provide insight into the differences that must also be addressed at the conceptual level. With this in mind, this thesis develops a Spatial Information System Framework to classify the nature of differences between BIM, GIS and other spatial information systems

GIS-based hydrogeologica platform for sedimentary media

The detailed 3D hydrogeological modelling of sedimentary media that form important aquifers is very complex because of: (1) the natural intrinsic heterogeneity of the geological media, (2) the need for integrating reliable 3D geological models that represent this heterogeneity in the hydrogeological modelling process and (3) the scarcity of comprenhensive tools for the systematic management of spatial and temporal dependent data. The first aim of this thesis was the development of a software platform to facilitate the creation of 3D hydrogeological models in sedimentary media. It is composed of a hydrogeological geospatial database and several sets of instruments working within a GIS environment. They were designed to manage, visualise, analyse, interpret and pre and post-process the data stored in the spatial database. The geospatial database (HYDOR) is based on the Personal Geodatabase structure of ArcGIS(ESRI) and enables the user to integrate into a logical and consistent structure the wide range of spatio-temporal dependent groundwater information from different sources and different formats. A set of applications in the database were established to facilitate and ensure the correct data entry in accordance with existing international standards. The set of analysis tools was developed as an extension of ArcMap environment (ArcGIS).This set of tools was separated into three main modules represented by different toolbars. The first toolbar, termed HEROS, allows the user to exploit the geological data stored in the database and facilitate the generation of 3D geological models. Detailed stratigraphic columns of the selected boreholes can be generated using customized queries. The automatic creation of a geological profile is possible by displaying the borehole lithological columns, the geophysical and geotechnical field-test results, and the defined stratigraphic units.The second toolbar, which is known as QUIMET, is composed of a set of instruments for analysis that cover a wide range of methodologies for querying, interpreting and comparing groundwater quality parameters. They include, among others, chemical time-series analysis, ionic balance calculations, correlation of chemical parameters, and calculation of various common hydrogeochemical diagrams. Moreover, it is also possible to perform a complete statistical analysis of the data including descriptive statistical univariate and bivariate analyses.The last toolbar (HYYH) was designed to analyse and visualise different hydrogeological measurements and hydraulic field test results. Contour maps and further spatial operations of the depth or thickness of the aquifers could be generated using customized queries. Likewise, piezometric maps can be created for the selected points and for the selected period of time with another command included in this toolbar. Additionally, multi-criteria query forms enable the user to analyse and visualise different data and interpretations derived from hydraulic tests. The interpreted data and calculations can be easily stored and consulted in the same platform and can be used to build an updatable model database for further interpretations. Thus, each new study does not have to start from scratch. The second aim of this thesis is to implement this modelling platform in the urban area of Barcelona (NE, Spain) to structure all the available data and to set up a working framework of groundwater resources in terms of both quantity and quality. Concretely, in the Besòs Delta area (NE Barcelona), the integration of the available data into the HYDOR database and the use of the aforementioned instruments and methods allowed us to: 1) delimit the geological units by means of sequence stratigraphic subdivision, 2) generate the 3D facies belt-based model of the Delta built on the basis of this geological characterisation and 3) use this model to constrain the distribution of hydraulic parameters and thus obtain a consistent hydrogeological model.La modelización hidrogeológica tridimensional de los medios sedimentarios (p.ej. sedimentos aluviales, deltas) que suelen constituir acuíferos importantes es compleja debido principalmente a tres factores: (1) la heterogeneidad natural intrínseca del medio, (2) la necesidad de integrar un modelo geológico tridimensional que represente dicha heterogeneidad adecuadamente en los procesos de modelización hidrogeológica y (3) la escasez de herramientas apropiadas para gestionar grandes cantidades de datos hidrogeológicos espacio- temporales. El primer objetivo de esta tesis ha sido el desarrollo de una plataforma software en un entorno GIS que facilite la realización de modelos hidrogeológicos 3D. Está compuesta por una base de datos geoespacial y un conjunto de herramientas que permiten al usuario gestionar, visualizar, analizar, interpretar y pre-post procesar los datos almacenados en dicha base de datos. El modelo de bases de datos propuesta en esta tesis (HYDOR) se ha implementado en una base de datos geoespacial del tipo Personal Geodatabase (ArcGIS, ESRI) y permite la integración en una estructura coherente y lógica de un amplio rango de tipos de información hidrogeológica procedentes de diversas fuentes y con diferentes formatos. Los diferentes instrumentos desarrollados para explotar los datos almacenados en la base de datos se han creado como una extensión de ArcMap (ArcGIS; ESRI) y se reagrupan formando tres barras de herramientas. La primera barra de herramientas (HEROS) además de facilitarnos el análisis y la interpretación de los datos geológicos almacenados en la base de datos, nos permite generar modelos geológicos tridimensionales. Entre las funciones de dichas herramientas, está la de poder visualizar la información geológica aportada por los sondeos en forma de columna estratigráfica así como la generación automática de perfiles geológicos que muestran las diferentes columnas estratigráficas de los sondeos seleccionados. Información útil como los resultados de los ensayos geofísicos así como las unidades geológicas definidas aparecen también en la pantalla del mismo perfil geológico. Este entorno es óptimo para que el usuario analice y defina las superficies de correlación, las diferentes unidades geológicas y las posibles fallas. Estos elementos espaciales se pueden visualizar en tres dimensiones. Finalmente, otra herramienta nos proporciona la parametrización hidráulica inicial (para el modelo hidrogeológico) de las diferentes unidades geológicas partiendo de las características texturales de las mismas. La segunda barra de herramientas, QUIMET, cubre un amplio rango de metodologías para consultar, interpretar y comparar diferentes parámetros hidroquímicos. Además nos permite desarrollar un análisis estadístico completo en el que se incluyen entre otros, análisis estadísticos univariante, bivariante y generación de matrices de correlación de diferentes compuestos químicos. La última barra de herramientas (HYYH) se ha diseñado para visualizar y analizar los datos hidrogeológicos entre los que se incluyen los procedentes de ensayos hidráulicos. Usando estas herramientas se pueden generar mapas de isolineas y otras representaciones espaciales que nos permitan visualizar la profundidad o el espesor de los acuíferos. Del mismo modo, se pueden obtener mapas piezometricos de los puntos seleccionados para un intervalo de tiempo determinado por el usuario. Finalmente, otra herramienta nos permite consultar las interpretaciones procedentes de ensayos hidráulicos. La información obtenida usando todas estas herramientas, también se almacenan en la base de datos constituyendo de este modo una base para futuras interpretaciones. El segundo objetivo de esta tesis ha sido la aplicación de esta plataforma software en la gestión de los datos disponibles del área urbana de Barcelona (NE de España) obteniendo con ello una herramienta apropiada de gestión de los recursos hídricos de esta zona tanto en términos de calidad como de cantidad. Concretamente en la zona del Delta del Besòs (NE de Barcelona), la aplicación de esta plataforma de gestión nos ha facilitado lo siguiente: (1) la delimitación de unidades geológicas basadas en criterios de estratigrafía secuencial, (2) la generación de un modelo geológico tridimensional de facies basado en dichos criterios estratigráficos, (3) el uso del modelo geológico obtenido par establecer la distribución espacial de los parámetros hidráulicos que nos han servido para generar un modelo hidrogeológico consistenete del complejo deltaico. Este modelo se ha calibrado además con datos incluidos también en la base de datos y que proceden de diversos puntos tanto de gestión como de producción durante de los últimos 100 años. Todo esto ha supuesto una mejora significativa en la caracterización geológica del Delta del Besòs lo que nos ha llevado a mejorar su caracterización hidrogeológica.La modelització hidrogeològica tridimensional dels mitjans sedimentaris que solen constituir aqüífers importants (p.ex. sediments al·luvials, deltes) és complexa. Això es deu principalment a tres factors: (1) l'heterogeneïtat natural intrínseca del medi, (2) la necessitat d'integrar un model geològic tridimensional que representi adequadament l’heterogeneïtat en els processos de modelització hidrogeològica i (3) l'escassetat d'eines apropiades per gestionar grans quantitats de dades hidrogeològiques espai-temporals. El primer objectiu d'aquesta tesi ha estat el desenvolupament d'una plataforma software en un entorn GIS que faciliti la realització de models hidrogeològics 3D. Està composta per una base de dades geoespacial i un conjunt d'eines que permeten que l’usuari gestioni, visualitzar, analitzi, interpreti i pre-post processi les dades emmagatzemades en la base de dades. El model de bases de dades proposada en aquesta tesi (HYDOR) s'ha implementat en una base de dades geoespacial de tipus Personal Geodatabase (ArcGIS , ESRI), que permet la integració d'un ampli rang de tipus d'informació hidrogeològica procedents de diverses fonts i formats en una estructura coherent i lògica. Les diferents eines desenvolupades per l’explotació de les dades emmagatzemades a la base de dades s'han implementat com una extensió d’ArcMap (ESRI). Aquestes eines es reagrupen en tres barres diferents. La primera barra d'eines, HEROS, ens permet analitzar i interpretar les dades geològiques emmagatzemades a la base de dades, permetent alhora la creació de models geològics tridimensionals. També s'han desenvolupat eines que permeten visualitzar la informació geològica aportada pels sondejos en forma de columna estratigràfica, així com generar automàticament perfils geològics per mostrar diferents columnes estratigràfiques de sondejos preseleccionats. A la pantalla del mateix perfil geològic també apareix informació útil com són els resultats dels assaigs geofísics o les unitats geològiques definides. Aquest entorn és òptim perquè l'usuari analitzi i defineixi les superfícies de correlació, les diferents unitats geològiques i les possibles falles. Els elements espacials definits es poden visualitzar en tres dimensions. Finalment, una altra eina ens proporciona la parametrització hidràulica inicial de les diferents unitats geològiques (per al model hidrogeològic) partint de les seves característiques texturals. La segona barra d' eines, QUIMET, inclou un ampli rang de metodologies de consulta, interpretació i comparació de diferents paràmetres hidroquímics. A més a més, també ens permet desenvolupar un anàlisi estadístic complet en el que s'inclouen, entre altres, anàlisis estadístics univariant, bivariant i generació de matrius de correlació de diferents compostos químics. L'última barra d' eines, HYYH, s'ha dissenyat per a visualitzar i analitzar les dades hidrogeològiques, entre d’altres, els procedents d'assajos hidràulics. Amb aquestes eines es poden generar mapes d'isolínies i altres representacions espacials que permeten visualitzar la profunditat o l'espessor dels aqüífers. De la mateixa manera, es poden obtenir mapes piezomètrics per a un interval de temps i de punts determinats per l'usuari. Finalment, una altra eina ens permet consultar les interpretacions procedents d'assajos hidràulics. La informació obtinguda de totes aquestes eines s'emmagatzema a la base de dades, constituint d'aquesta manera una base per a futures interpretacions. El segon objectiu d'aquesta tesi és l'aplicació d'aquesta plataforma software a la gestió de les dades disponibles de l'àrea urbana de Barcelona (NE de Espanya), obtenint una apropiada eina de gestió dels recursos hídrics d’aquesta zona, tant en termes de qualitat com de quantitat. Concretament a la zona del Delta del Besòs (NE de Barcelona), l'aplicació d'aquesta plataforma de gestió ens ha facilitat (1) la delimitació d'unitats geològiques basades en criteris d’estratigrafia seqüencial, (2) la generació d'un model geològic tridimensional de fàcies basat en aquests criteris estratigràfics i (3) l'ús del model geològic obtingut per a establir la distribució espacial dels paràmetres hidràulics que ens han servit per generar un model hidrogeològic consistenet del complex deltaic. Aquest model s'ha calibrat amb dades incloses a la base de dades i que procedeixen de diversos punts, tant de gestió com de producció, durant els últims 100 anys. Tot això ha suposat una millora significativa de la caracterització geològica del Delta del Besòs, el que ens ha portat a millorar la seva caracterització hidrogeològica

Multilayer representation for geological information systems

En esta tesis se propone el uso de la Representación de Terrenos Basada en Stacks (SBRT, de sus siglas en inglés) para datos geológicos volumétricos. Esta estructura de datos codifica estructuras geológicas representadas como stacks utilizando una compacta representación de datos. A continuación, hemos formalizado la SBRT con un esquema basado en la teoría de geo-átomos para proporcionar una definición precisa y determinar sus propiedades. Esta tesis también introduce una nueva estructura de datos llamada QuadStack, mejorando los resultados de compresión proporcionados por la SBRT al aprovechar la redundancia de información que a menudo se encuentra en los datos distribuidos por capas. También se han proporcionado métodos de visualización para estas representaciones basados en el conocido algoritmo de visualización raycasting. Al mantener los datos en todo momento en la memoria de la GPU de forma compacta, los métodos propuestos son lo suficientemente rápidos como para proporcionar velocidades de visualización interactivas.In this thesis we propose the use of the Stack-Based Representation of Terrains (SBRT) for volumetric geological data. This data structure encodes geological structures represented as stacks using a compact data representation. The SBRT is further formalized with a framework based on the geo-atom theory to provide a precise definition and determine its properties. Also, we introduce QuadStacks, a novel data structure that improves the compression results provided by the SBRT, by exploiting in its data arrangement the redundancy often found in layered dataset. This thesis also provides direct visualization methods for the SBR and QuadStacks based on the well-known raycasting algorithm. By keeping the whole dataset in the GPU in a compact way, the methods are fast enough to provide real-time frame rates.Tesis Univ. Jaén. Departamento de Informática. Leída el 19 de septiembre de 2019

Conception et développement d'un SIG 3D dans une approche de service Web : exemple d'une application en modélisation géologique

Plusieurs domaines d’application comme la géologie, l’archéologie, ou l’architecture requièrent une gestion explicite de la 3e dimension pour aider, appuyer et réaliser adéquatement leur processus d’analyse et de prise de décision. Mais avons-nous à disposition les outils adéquats qui gèrent explicitement cette 3e dimension tout en appuyant la prise de décision dans des contextes spatiaux? Par exemple, les outils de conception assistée par ordinateur (CAO) offrent plusieurs fonctionnalités pour réaliser la modélisation volumique, mais sont plus limités quant aux fonctionnalités d’analyse spatiale et d’interrogation des données descriptives. Les systèmes d’information géographiques (SIG) et les systèmes de gestion de base de données (SGBD) spatiaux, quant à eux, permettent de visualiser et stocker certaines formes de modèles 3D mais n’offrent que très peu des fonctionnalités de modélisation et d’analyse que ces systèmes offrent habituellement pour le 2D. Du côté de la standardisation, l’ISO et l’OGC ont commencé à réviser certains standards comme le Schéma Spatial ISO 19107 et le Geography Markup Language (GML) afin de normaliser la gestion de la 3e dimension des données géométriques. Ce travail de recherche présente un inventaire des capacités 3D des principales géotechnologies et propose ce que nous pourrions nommer les caractéristiques fondamentales d’un SIG 3D s’appuyant sur une architecture multi tiers (client, serveur et base de données) et exploitant le concept de service Web. Cette architecture offre à partir d’un outil-client des capacités de modélisation 3D et d’interrogation des propriétés spatiales et descriptives d’un modèle 3D stocké au sein d’une base de données sur un serveur distant. Le tout, réalisé à travers le Web et implémentant les standards tels que le WFS, le GML et le Schéma Spatial ISO 19107. Pour valider ces propositions, le développement d’un prototype le Web Geological Feature Server (WGFS) a été réalisé. Le WGFS s’appuie en grande partie sur des composants logiciels open source et donne accès en lecture et en écriture à partir du logiciel CAO Gocad à des données géologiques 3D stockées en format XML dans une base de données MySQL. Son serveur d’applications (Tomcat couplé à Deegree), regroupe la logique applicative ainsi que les bases d’une bibliothèque d’opérateurs spatiaux 3D dont un premier opérateur, le 3D « bounding box », a été implémenté.Several application domains like Geology, Archeology and Architecture require an explicit management of the 3rd dimension to adequately support the analysis and decision-making process. But do we currently have the adequate tools to manage this 3rd dimension? For example, Computer Assisted Design (CAD) systems are reliable for modeling solids but have limited capability for spatial analysis and data storage. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Database Management Systems (DBMS) can handle visualization and storage for some 3D models but they only offer a small portion of the modeling and analysis capacities that they generally offer in 2D. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Open Geospatial Consortium OGC started to update some of their standards like the ISO 19107 Spatial Schema and the Geography Markup Language (GML) in order to normalize the management of the 3rd dimension of spatial data. The current study provides a report on the capabilities of available geotechnologies to manage 3D spatial data and presents the fundamental characteristics of a new 3D-GIS based on a multi-tiered approach (client, server and database) with built-in web services. The architecture of this system provides a user with geometrical modeling, spatial analysis and querying capabilities of a 3D model stored with his descriptive properties in a database on a remote server. All this, carried out through the Web and implementing standards such as the WFS specification, the GML language and the ISO 19107 Spatial Schema. To test the feasibility of these proposals, a prototype of a Web Geological Feature Server (WGFS) is developed. The WGFS is an open source based framework that provides read/write access from the CAD software Gocad to 3D geological data (extracted from SIGEOM database) stored in XML format in a MySQL database. Its application server (Tomcat coupled to Deegree), gathers applicative logic as well as the bases of a 3D spatial operators library whose first operator, the 3D bounding box, has been implemented

Proceedings. 9th 3DGeoInfo Conference 2014, [11-13 November 2014, Dubai]

It is known that, scientific disciplines such as geology, geophysics, and reservoir exploration intrinsically use 3D geo-information in their models and simulations. However, 3D geo-information is also urgently needed in many traditional 2D planning areas such as civil engineering, city and infrastructure modeling, architecture, environmental planning etc. Altogether, 3DGeoInfo is an emerging technology that will greatly influence the market within the next few decades. The 9th International 3DGeoInfo Conference aims at bringing together international state-of-the-art researchers and practitioners facilitating the dialogue on emerging topics in the field of 3D geo-information. The conference in Dubai offers an interdisciplinary forum of sub- and above-surface 3D geo-information researchers and practitioners dealing with data acquisition, modeling, management, maintenance, visualization, and analysis of 3D geo-information

Photovoltaic potential in building façades

Tese de doutoramento, Sistemas Sustentáveis de Energia, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2018Consistent reductions in the costs of photovoltaic (PV) systems have prompted interest in applications with less-than-optimum inclinations and orientations. That is the case of building façades, with plenty of free area for the deployment of solar systems. Lower sun heights benefit vertical façades, whereas rooftops are favoured when the sun is near the zenith, therefore the PV potential in urban environments can increase twofold when the contribution from building façades is added to that of the rooftops. This complementarity between façades and rooftops is helpful for a better match between electricity demand and supply. This thesis focuses on: i) the modelling of façade PV potential; ii) the optimization of façade PV yields; and iii) underlining the overall role that building façades will play in future solar cities. Digital surface and solar radiation modelling methodologies were reviewed. Special focus is given to the 3D LiDAR-based model SOL and the CAD/plugin models DIVA and LadyBug. Model SOL was validated against measurements from the BIPV system in the façade of the Solar XXI building (Lisbon), and used to evaluate façade PV potential in different urban sites in Lisbon and Geneva. The plugins DIVA and LadyBug helped assessing the potential for PV glare from façade integrated photovoltaics in distinct urban blocks. Technologies for PV integration in façades were also reviewed. Alternative façade designs, including louvers, geometric forms and balconies, were explored and optimized for the maximization of annual solar irradiation using DIVA. Partial shading impacts on rooftops and façades were addressed through SOL simulations and the interconnections between PV modules were optimized using a custom Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm. The contribution of PV façades to the solar potential of two dissimilar neighbourhoods in Lisbon was quantified using SOL, considering local electricity consumption. Cost-efficient rooftop/façade PV mixes are proposed based on combined payback times. Impacts of larger scale PV deployment on the spare capacity of power distribution transformers were studied through LadyBug and SolarAnalyst simulations. A new empirical solar factor was proposed to account for PV potential in future upgrade interventions. The combined effect of aggregating building demand, photovoltaic generation and storage on the self-consumption of PV and net load variance was analysed using irradiation results from DIVA, metered distribution transformer loads and custom optimization algorithms. SOL is shown to be an accurate LiDAR-based model (nMBE ranging from around 7% to 51%, nMAE from 20% to 58% and nRMSE from 29% to 81%), being the isotropic diffuse radiation algorithm its current main limitation. In addition, building surface material properties should be regarded when handling façades, for both irradiance simulation and PV glare evaluation. The latter appears to be negligible in comparison to glare from typical glaze/mirror skins used in high-rises. Irradiation levels in the more sunlit façades reach about 50-60% of the rooftop levels. Latitude biases the potential towards the vertical surfaces, which can be enhanced when the proportion of diffuse radiation is high. Façade PV potential can be increased in about 30% if horizontal folded louvers becomes a more common design and in another 6 to 24% if the interconnection of PV modules are optimized. In 2030, a mix of PV systems featuring around 40% façade and 60% rooftop occupation is shown to comprehend a combined financial payback time of 10 years, if conventional module efficiencies reach 20%. This will trigger large-scale PV deployment that might overwhelm current grid assets and lead to electricity grid instability. This challenge can be resolved if the placement of PV modules is optimized to increase self-sufficiency while keeping low net load variance. Aggregated storage within solar communities might help resolving the conflicting interests between prosumers and grid, although the former can achieve self-sufficiency levels above 50% with storage capacities as small as 0.25kWh/kWpv. Business models ought to adapt in order to create conditions for both parts to share the added value of peak power reduction due to optimized solar façades.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), SFRH/BD/52363/201

Application of Geographical Information Systems to Lahar Hazard Assessment on an Active Volcanic System

Lahars (highly dynamic mixtures of volcanic debris and water) have been responsible for some of the most serious volcanic disasters and have killed tens of thousands of people in recent decades. Despite considerable lahar model development in the sciences, many research tools have proved wholly unsuitable for practical application on an active volcanic system where it is difficult to obtain field measurements. In addition, geographic information systems are tools that offer a great potential to explore, model and map hazards, but are currently under-utilised for lahar hazard assessment. This research pioneered a three-tiered approach to lahar hazard assessment on Montserrat, West Indies. Initially, requirements of potential users of lahar information (scientists and decision-makers) were established through interview and evaluated against attainable modelling outputs (given flow type and data availability). Subsequently, a digital elevation model, fit for modelling lahars, was used by a path of steepest descent algorithm and a semi-empirical debris-flow model in the prediction of lahar routes and inundation areas. Limitations of these established geographical information system (GIS) based models, for predicting the behaviour of (relatively under-studied) dilute lahars, were used to inform key parameters for a novel model, also tightly coupled to a GIS, that simulated flow routes based on change in velocity. Importantly, uncertainty in model predictions was assessed through a stochastic simulation of elevation error. Finally, the practical utility of modelling outputs (visualisations) was assessed through mutual feedback with local scientists. The new model adequately replicated past flow routes and gave preliminary predictions for velocities and travel times, thus providing a short-term lahar hazard assessment. Inundation areas were also mapped using the debris-flow model to assist long-term planning. Ultimately, a GIS can support ‘on the ground’ planning decisions, but efficacy is limited by an active volcanic system which can restrict feedback to and from end-users. *[The appendices for this thesis were submitted as separate files which could not be uploaded to the repository. Please contact the author for more information.]