Élaborer une approche d'assistance à la navigation à inspiration cognitive pour les personnes souffrant d'une incapacité visuelle majeuret : cas du piéton non voyant

Les personnes non voyantes font face à des défis quotidiens au cours de leurs activités de navigation. Afin d’offrir des solutions technologiques pour les aider à surmonter ces défis, il est nécessaire d’élaborer une méthodologie de recherche appropriée qui prend en considération leurs besoins spécifiques. Cette méthodologie nécessite des connaissances multidisciplinaires et une capacité de travailler avec des équipes provenant de différents domaines. Nous entamons cette thèse par un aperçu sur les différentes approches de conception adoptées en ingénierie et en réadaptation. Nous exposerons les principes de l’approche classique d’ingénierie, puis du design participatif, ensuite du design universel et enfin notre nouvelle approche de conception que nous nommons ‘le design cognitif’. Nous mettons en évidence le potentiel de cette nouvelle approche pour fournir des solutions qui répondent aux attentes et aux besoins des personnes non voyantes. Cette approche sert à améliorer la conscience situationnelle chez ces individus pendant leurs activités de navigation dans des zones urbaines. Dans un premier temps, nous avons étudié la nature de la représentation mentale de l’espace chez les personnes non voyantes. Après cela, nous avons modélisé la configuration de cette représentation mentale en nous basant sur les schémas d’image. Ces schémas permettent de capturer de manière claire et significative les différentes relations qui existent entre les éléments de la représentation mentale. Ensuite, nous avons élaboré un modèle conceptuel sémantique de données spatiales utiles pour aider les individus non voyants dans leurs différentes tâches de navigation et de wayfinding. Ces données doivent être structurées de façon hiérarchique afin de garantir une meilleure communication entre l’outil d’assistance et l’utilisateur non voyant. Enfin, nous avons intégré ce modèle sémantique avec la norme ISO 19133:2005 développée pour soutenir les services de suivi et de navigation des clients mobiles. Nous avons aussi utilisé un scénario type de navigation qui illustre l’apport et la contribution du design cognitif pour concevoir des outils d’assistance pour les personnes non voyantes.Blind people encounter many challenges during their daily activities of navigation. In order to develop technological solutions to assist them, it is necessary to elaborate an appropriate research methodology that take into account the specific needs of people suffering from such a disability. This methodology requires multidisciplinary knowledge and the ability to work with teams with widely different backgrounds. First of all, we propose an overview of different approaches of design adopted in rehabilitation and engineering, beginning with the classical engineering approach, then progressing to participatory design, universal design and a novel approach of design that we call ‘cognitive design’. Then, we highlight the potential of this latter approach in providing solutions that meet the expectations and the needs of disabled people. This approach helps to provide blind people with heightened situation awareness during their navigational activities within urban areas. At the beginning, we investigated the nature of the mental representation of space used by blind persons. We then represented this information using image schemata as these capture in a meaningful way the different features that make up the spatial configuration. Next, we elaborated a semantic model of useful geospatial data which will serve to assist the visually impaired in various tasks of navigation and wayfinding. These data must be hierarchically structured in order to guarantee a better communication between the device and blind users. After that, we integrated this semantic model with basic geographic information useful for tracking and navigation activities, using the ISO 19133:2005 data standard developed for Location-based Services. A typical scenario is used to show the contribution and value of adopting the cognitive design approach to develop an assistive tool for blind pedestrians

Study of the Potential of a Local Geoid Model for Extracting the Orthometric Heights from GPS Measurements in Topographic Works

Due to the rapid development and expansion of geodetic applications, the determination of orthometric heights in an accurate manner is considered as one of the most required conditions to carry out such projects. Obtaining orthometric heights using traditional methods of levelling is time and cost consuming. Hence, investigating other techniques that provide the same accuracy, as leveling methods, but requiring less time and cost is very gainful. Recently, satellite positioning techniques and their applications are being used increasingly in geodetic projects. So, it is interesting to study the efficiency of such techniques for obtaining orthometric heights. GPS methods provide highly accurate measurement of ellipsoidal heights. However, the conversion of ellipsoid heights to orthometric heights may be achieved using geoid models. The objective of this research is to study the efficiency of using a local geoid model as an alternative method to obtain orthometric heights from GPS measurements. This paper proposes a methodology to generate such local geoid models. Then, the results of using the generated local geoid model for Jeddah city in Saudi Arabia are presented. These results indicate that the difference among estimated undulations values from the local geoid model and undulations values calculated from leveling techniques ranges from 1.8 cm to -1.1 cm. with a maximum standard deviation of 56 mm. These results confirm that the creation of a local geoid model is an effective method that gives the required accuracy for topographic works. Keywords: GPS/Levelling method, Local geoid model, Krigging method

Extending the IFC Standard to Enable Road Operation and Maintenance Management through OpenBIM

Open Building Information Modelling (OpenBIM) is a collaborative project management process. Its application to road infrastructures is currently limited. OpenBIM standards for infrastructure are still under development. One of these standards is the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), which is a data architecture for modelling infrastructure projects. The current and upcoming releases of IFCRoad focus on structuring data for the design and construction phases of an infrastructure’s lifecycle. Semantics of the O&M process phase are not fully integrated within these standards. This paper proposes an extension of the IFC schema to enrich this standard with semantics inherent in the O&M phase of road infrastructures. This extension, based on IFCInfra4OM ontology, allows the OpenBIM process to be fully applied to road infrastructures. Its implementation on a case study relative to the A7 Agadir–Marrakech Highway in Morocco enables, on the one hand, analysis and compliance with O&M management requirements on the basis of a single container: the IFC-BIM-based model. On the other hand, it allows comparison of the OpenBIM process with that of ClosedBIM for the integration of O&M data into BIM for a road infrastructure

Vers une extension du Building Information Modeling aux projets d’infrastructure routière: Cas d’étude d’un échangeur autoroutier au Maroc

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a technology revolution in the building industry where it has proven itself throughout the life cycle of a building. This reality has led in recent years to an extension of this concept to the Civil Engineering sector for infrastructure projects by deploying scientific research within universities or organized in international groups. The common goal is to facilitate the exchange of data and collaboration around these projects. In this context, our research focuses specifically on road projects and aims to propose a conceptual model for structuring a 3D BIM for this type of infrastructure. This conceptual model is based on the standards applicable in Morocco in addition to recommendations of BuildingSmart in terms of IFC standard. This article provides an exhaustive literature review on the recent advances on integrating BIM in the infrastructure sector. Then, a case study in Morocco is discussed to highlight the requirements and technical constraints that should be taken into consideration for the implementation of 3D BIM in roads infrastructure projects. Key Words: Building Information Modeling, Road projects, InfrastructuresLe Building Information Modeling (BIM) est une révolution de la technologie dans le secteur du bâtiment où il a fait ses preuves tout au long du cycle de vie d’un bâtiment. Cette réalité a mené depuis quelques années, à une extension de ce concept au secteur du Génie Civil pour les projets d’infrastructures en déployant des recherches scientifiques au sein d’universités ou organisées en groupes internationaux. L’objectif commun étant de faciliter l’échange des données et la collaboration autour de ces projets. Dans ce contexte, notre recherche porte spécifiquement sur les projets routiers et vise à proposer un modèle conceptuel de structuration d’un BIM 3D  pour ce type d’infrastructure. Ce modèle conceptuel est basé sur les normes en vigueur au Maroc  d’une part et des recommandations de BuildingSmart en termes de norme IFC d’autre part. Cet article, présente une revue de littérature exhaustive des avancées récentes en termes d’intégration du BIM dans le secteur de l’infrastructure. Ensuite un cas pratique au Maroc est discuté pour mettre en évidence les exigences et les contraintes techniques qui devront être considérées pour l’implémentation du BIM 3D dans les projets d’infrastructure routière. Mots clefs: Building Information Modeling, Projet Routier, Infrastructure

IFCInfra4OM: An Ontology to Integrate Operation and Maintenance Information in Highway Information Modelling

Building information modelling (BIM) is increasingly appropriate for infrastructure projects, and in particular for transport infrastructure. It is a digital solution that integrates the practices of the construction industry in facility management during the whole life cycle. This integration is possible through a single tool, which is the 3D digital model. Nevertheless, BIM standards, such as industry foundation classes, are still in the pipeline for infrastructure management. These standards do not fully meet the requirements of operation and maintenance of transport infrastructure. This paper shows how BIM could be implemented to address issues related to the operation and maintenance phase for transport infrastructure management. For this purpose, a new ontological approach, called Industry Foundation Classes for Operation and Maintenance of Infrastructures (IFCInfra4OM), is detailed. This ontology aims to standardise the use of building information modelling for operation and maintenance in road infrastructures. To highlight the interest of the proposed ontological approach, a building information model of a section on the A7 Agadir–Marrakech Highway in Morocco is produced according to IFCInfra4OM. The methodology is presented. The results obtained, including the IFCInfra4OM data model, are submitted. In the last section, an overview of the IFC extension approach is submitted

Assessment of functional feeding groups (FFG) structure of aquatic insects in North- western Rif - Morocco

The involvement of trait-based approaches is crucial for understanding spatial patterns, energy flow and matter transfer in running water systems, which requires consistent knowledge of the functional structures of aquatic communities, with the advantage of combining physical properties and behavioral mechanisms of food acquisition rather than the taxonomic group. The present study indicated how functional feeding groups may be used as a proxy for classical taxonomic evaluation, as well as the potential interest in incorporating them as indicators of anthropogenic stressors. The composition and abundance of the functional feeding groups of aquatic insects were examined from September 2021 to August 2022 along the Western Rif Region.Benthic samples were collected from nine sampling points in the studied area using a Surber sampler with a mesh size of 500 µm and a diameter of 20*20 cm. The stations included in this work were chosen for their accessibility as well as their position on the hydrographic systems. The abundance of sampled aquatic organisms in the whole study area revealed 5,342 individuals belonging to 60 families and seven orders of aquatic insects, classified into five feeding functional groups. In terms of abundance, Collector-gatherers (Ephemeroptera and Diptera) were the most abundant trophic group at most of the sites, with a proportion of 38.47%. Predators (Coleoptera, Hemiptera and Odonata) were the second group at all sites, followed by Collector-filters, accounting for 39.53%, 28.14% and 22.37% respectively, while Scarpers and Shredders had the lowest representation across all sites with 4.16%. The high number of registered Collectors could be related to their ability to feed on a diverse range of food items compared to the remaining trophic guilds. According to the Canonical Correspondence Analysis results, physicochemical (i.e. T, pH, BOD5, Cl- and NO3-) and hydromorphological (i.e. current velocity and depth) variables were amongst the key predictors of shaping the functional structure of aquatic biota during this investigation. It is highly recommended to carry out suitable measures to largely attenuate anthropogenic pressures in order to preserve the integrity of freshwater bodies and their biota

Very Short-TermPower Forecasting of High Concentrator Photovoltaic Power Facility by Implementing Artificial Neural Network

Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) is used to obtain cheaper and more stable renewable energy. Methods which predict the energy production of a power system under specific circumstances are highly important to reach the goal of using this system as a part of a bigger one or of making it integrated with the grid. In this paper, the development of a model to predict the energy of a High CPV (HCPV) system using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is described. This system is located at the University of Rabat. The performed experiments show a quick prediction with encouraging results for a very short-term prediction horizon, considering the small amount of data available. These conclusions are based on the processes of obtaining the ANN models and detailed discussion of the results, which have been validated using real dat

HybVOR: A Voronoi-Based 3D GIS Approach for Camera Surveillance Network Placement

As a consequence of increasing safety concerns, camera surveillance has been widely adopted as a way to monitor public spaces. One of the major challenges of camera surveillance is to design an optimal method for camera network placement in order to ensure the greater possible coverage. In addition, this method must consider the landscape of the monitored environment to take into account the existing objects that may influence the deployment of such a network. In this paper, a new Voronoi-based 3D GIS oriented approach named “HybVOR” is proposed for surveillance camera network placement. The “HybVOR” approach aims to achieve a coverage near 100% through three main phases. First, a Voronoi Diagram from buildings’ footprints is generated and cameras are placed on the Voronoi Edges. Second, the level of coverage is assessed by calculating a viewshed based on a raster Digital Surface Model of the region of interest. Finally, the visibility of the main buildings’ entrances is evaluated based on a 3D vector model that contains these features. The effectiveness of the “HybVOR” approach is demonstrated through a case study that corresponds to an area of interest in Jeddah Seaport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Developing a combined Light Detecting And Ranging (LiDAR) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach for documentation and deformation assessment of Historical Buildings

Cultural heritage plays a fundamental role in preserving the collective memory of a nation. However, it is noted that many historical buildings suffer from serious deformation that may lead to deterioration or loss. In this paper, we propose an approach for documentation and deformation assessment of historical buildings based on the combination of Terrestrial Light Detecting And Ranging (LiDAR) technology and Building Information Models (BIM). In order to digitally archive the current state of a historical building, classical surveying techniques (Traversing, Levelling and GPS) are integrated with Terrestrial Laser scanner (TLS). A Leica Scan Station C10 is used to accomplish the 3D point cloud acquisition. In addition, Leica GNSS Viva GS15 receivers, a Leica Total Station TCR 1201+ and a Leica Runner 24 are used for classical surveying. The result is a 3D point cloud with high resolution, which is referenced according to the local geodetic reference system Ain el Abd UTM 37N. This point cloud is then used to create a 3D BIM that represents the ideal condition of the building. This BIM also contains some important architectural components of the historical building. To detect and assess the deformation of building’s parts that require an urgent intervention, a comparison between the 3D point cloud and the 3D BIM is performed. To achieve this goal, the main parts of the building in the BIM model (such as ceilings and walls) are compared with the corresponding segments of the 3D point cloud according to the normal vectors of each part. A case study that corresponds to a historical building in Jeddah Historical City named ’Robat Banajah’ is presented to illustrate the proposed approach. This building was built to serve pilgrims that want to perform the fifth pillar of Islam. Then, it was endowed (waqf) as a charity housing for widows and disabled. The results of assessing deformations of the case study show that some rooms are in a degraded condition requiring urgent restoration (distortions reach up to 22 cm), while other building parts are in a non-critical condition

Developing a combined Light Detecting And Ranging (LiDAR) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach for documentation and deformation assessment of Historical Buildings

Cultural heritage plays a fundamental role in preserving the collective memory of a nation. However, it is noted that many historical buildings suffer from serious deformation that may lead to deterioration or loss. In this paper, we propose an approach for documentation and deformation assessment of historical buildings based on the combination of Terrestrial Light Detecting And Ranging (LiDAR) technology and Building Information Models (BIM). In order to digitally archive the current state of a historical building, classical surveying techniques (Traversing, Levelling and GPS) are integrated with Terrestrial Laser scanner (TLS). A Leica Scan Station C10 is used to accomplish the 3D point cloud acquisition. In addition, Leica GNSS Viva GS15 receivers, a Leica Total Station TCR 1201+ and a Leica Runner 24 are used for classical surveying. The result is a 3D point cloud with high resolution, which is referenced according to the local geodetic reference system Ain el Abd UTM 37N. This point cloud is then used to create a 3D BIM that represents the ideal condition of the building. This BIM also contains some important architectural components of the historical building. To detect and assess the deformation of building’s parts that require an urgent intervention, a comparison between the 3D point cloud and the 3D BIM is performed. To achieve this goal, the main parts of the building in the BIM model (such as ceilings and walls) are compared with the corresponding segments of the 3D point cloud according to the normal vectors of each part. A case study that corresponds to a historical building in Jeddah Historical City named ’Robat Banajah’ is presented to illustrate the proposed approach. This building was built to serve pilgrims that want to perform the fifth pillar of Islam. Then, it was endowed (waqf) as a charity housing for widows and disabled. The results of assessing deformations of the case study show that some rooms are in a degraded condition requiring urgent restoration (distortions reach up to 22 cm), while other building parts are in a non-critical condition