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

Green Web Fellowship

Navigating GIS, a guide by Cathy Richards

The RECONECT Project: Regenerating Ecosystems with Nature-based Solutions for Hydro-meteorological Risk Reduction

AI + Climate Futures in Asia

This podcast series is accompanied by a monthly newsletter - sign up for updates ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. For more about this project, visit our website ⁠⁠codegreen.asia

Credits

Audio Editing: Sharon Joseph and Shivranjana Rathore

Cover Art: Nayantara Surendranath/Pastelstew

Attributions

Intro and Outro: ⁠⁠Retro Sounds⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Alban_Gogh⁠⁠