MERLIN’s Post

Delighted to see this work on #digitaltwins in freshwater restoration for the #MERLIN project brought to life through an online StoryMap! Led by my fantastic colleague Harriet L. Wilson, the University of Stirling worked closely with #MERLIN colleagues at University of the Basque Country, Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) - Suomen ympäristökeskus (Syke) to showcase how digital twin technologies are being used to support freshwater restoration across Europe. The case study from the #Forth catchment focused on our work within #ForthERA to develop methods for peatland condition monitoring using #sensor #networks and #satellite #remote #sensing.

🚀 Exciting Innovations in Mapping Tools for 2025! 🌍 As we step into 2025, the landscape of mapping tools continues to evolve, catering to diverse needs in spatial data analysis and visualization. Here’s a quick overview of some of the top tools making waves this year: 1. Maptitude: This powerful GIS software offers comprehensive mapping and analysis capabilities, ideal for businesses that require detailed geographic insights. 2. Google Maps: Known for its user-friendly interface and extensive data, Google Maps remains a go-to solution for navigation and location-based services across various platforms. 3. Mapbox: A favorite among developers, Mapbox provides customizable maps and powerful APIs, allowing users to create visually stunning and interactive maps tailored to their applications. 4. Esri ArcGIS Online: A leader in the GIS space, ArcGIS Online offers robust tools for spatial analysis, data management, and sharing insights across organizations. 5. Mapme: This tool specializes in creating interactive maps without the need for coding, making it accessible for users looking to visualize locations and data easily. 6. Mapline: A user-friendly mapping software that focuses on business analytics, offering features such as data visualizations and route optimization. 7. eSpatial: A standout in 2025, eSpatial is a web-based GIS platform that excels in visualizing and sharing spatial data. With its recent updates, including a new map wizard for enhanced visualization and innovative account-based territory optimization for field sales teams, eSpatial offers powerful analytical tools for quickly deriving insights from spatial data. However, its tiered pricing plans can be a consideration for users. As organizations increasingly rely on spatial data for decision-making, these tools are transforming how we approach mapping and visualization. Which tool from this list are you most excited about? Let's discuss! ✨ #MappingTools #GIS #SpatialData #InnovationInMapping #2025Trends

By simplifying data visualization, our Loggā platform provides both technical and non-technical staff with a powerful combination of clarity, accessibility, and spatial and temporal context, making it the ideal tool for easily representing complex data in a greenhouse. 1. Intuitive Representation This visual cue allows users to intuitively understand patterns and anomalies without needing to interpret raw numerical data. 2. Immediate Insights With heatmaps, patterns that might be missed in tables or charts become immediately apparent. For instance, areas of high humidity or elevated temperatures can be quickly identified. This visual clarity helps in decision-making processes, such as identifying areas of the greenhouse that may need intervention (turning on fans, watering evaporative cooling pads, etc…). 3. Accessibility for Non-Technical Users Heatmaps lower the barrier to entry for understanding data. Non-technical users can easily interpret the visual cues without needing extensive training in data analysis. This democratizes data access, allowing more people to engage in discussions based on the information presented, regardless of background, language or skill level. It perfectly fits the agricultural sector. 4. Spatial & Temporal Context Heatmaps effectively convey spatial relationships and patterns. By visualizing data on a geographical map, users can see how values change across different areas, leading to better geospatial insights over time. For example, a heatmap of temperature variations can highlight sectors of constant high heat, which might then need to be more shaded. 5. Interactive Exploration Users can zoom in on specific areas, and focus on a specific set of data. The heatmaps can be played just like a video, they can be paused, they can be slowed down or sped up, the time period can be narrowed down to a few hours or minutes, or expanded to a few months or years. Heatmaps really encourage deeper investigation and understanding, allowing users to explore data at their own pace and focus on areas of interest. #Agritech #GreenhouseManagement #Sustainability #Innovation #MonitoringTools #data #heatmaps #logga #hkstp #agriculture

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐆𝐈𝐒? (And why so many still aren’t clear about it) GIS—short for 𝐺𝑒𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑐 𝐼𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑆𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚s—is one of those fields people know exists but might not fully get. It's more than maps or coordinates—GIS is about connecting data to location to uncover patterns, solve problems, and make smarter decisions. 🌍 Here’s how it works in 3 simple steps: 🗺️ 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚: From population stats to traffic flow, or even crop yields. 📊 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐳𝐞 𝐢𝐭: Identify trends, relationships, and actionable insights. 📍 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐢𝐭: Transform raw data into maps (static, interactive, 2D, or even 3D) or dashboards that tell a clear story. So why does GIS matter? Because it’s quietly driving decisions across almost every industry: 1️⃣ 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 📊 ↳ GIS answers the big “where” questions. ↳ Example: Where should a new hospital go for maximum access? 2️⃣ 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 🛠️ ↳ From optimizing delivery routes to better resource management. ↳ Think: Faster deliveries, smarter cities. 3️⃣ 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🗣️ ↳ Visuals like maps bridge the gap between data and action. ↳ Whether you're in marketing, planning, or disaster response, GIS empowers professionals to transform data into actionable insights. The truth is, 𝐆𝐈𝐒 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, but not everyone realizes its power. It’s not just for planners like me—businesses, governments, and researchers are all using GIS to shape the future. If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind those “data-driven” maps you see, now’s the time to explore. 💡 Because understanding GIS is understanding the power of geospatial intelligence. 🌐

Who else is working on this? Digital Twin Design for River Ecosystem Visualization ## 1. Data Layer Foundation ### Physical Parameters - Real-time water flow rates and volume - Temperature gradients and thermal layers - Sediment transport and deposition - Water chemistry (pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients) - Seasonal variations and historical patterns ### Biological Components - Species distribution and population dynamics - Food web interactions - Migration patterns - Breeding grounds and nursery areas - Invasive species tracking ### Environmental Context - Watershed characteristics - Land use patterns in surrounding areas - Weather patterns and climate data - Pollution sources and inputs - Riparian zone conditions ## 2. Visualization Framework ### Multi-Scale Views - Macro: Entire river system overview - Meso: Reach-level detailed views - Micro: Habitat-specific interactions ### Interactive Elements - Time slider for temporal dynamics - Layer toggles for different ecological components - Cross-sectional view generator - Flow pattern simulators - Population density heat maps ### Real-Time Data Integration - Sensor network visualization - Water quality monitoring stations - Weather data overlay - Flood prediction modeling - Sediment transport tracking ## 3. User Interface Design ### Core Features - Dynamic 3D rendering of river morphology - Split-screen comparisons (seasonal/annual) - Predictive modeling interface - Custom query builder - Data export tools ### Interactive Tools - Virtual transect creator - Ecological relationship mapper - Species tracking system - Water quality analyzer - Scenario modeling workspace ## 4. Communication Elements ### Data Storytelling - Guided tours of ecosystem processes - Educational narrative paths - Case study showcases - Historical event timelines - Future scenario projections ### Visualization Methods - Sankey diagrams for energy flow - Network graphs for species interactions - Animated particle systems for flow - Color-coded health indicators - Interactive food web diagrams ## 5. Technical Implementation ### Development Stack - Real-time 3D engine (Unity/Unreal) - GIS integration - Machine learning for predictions - IoT sensor network interface - Cloud-based data processing ### Performance Optimization - Level of detail management - Data streaming architecture - Cached rendering systems - Distributed computing interface - Mobile optimization strategy ## 6. User Experience Considerations ### Accessibility Features - Multiple complexity levels - Customizable interfaces - Guided analysis tools - Expert mode options - Educational resources ### Collaboration Tools - Multi-user viewing - Shared annotations - Project spaces - Export capabilities - Version control system

🌍 Designing Web Mapping Apps: How To 🌍 From mapping resources with uMap to creating interactive thematic maps with ArcGIS Online, the SDOH & Place Community Toolkit equips you with tools to tell powerful, data-driven stories that further health equity. Plus, all the materials are ready for you to dive in with asset maps, thematic maps, story maps, and data dashboards using a variety of free or open-source platforms. check out the Toolkit here: https://lnkd.in/eam4WGzT 🔎 Topics covered: • Asset mapping with uMap and Leaflet • Thematic mapping with ArcGIS Online and Mapbox GL • Story maps with ArcGIS and Knight Lab • Data dashboards with Tableau Public and R Shiny #DataViz #WebMapping #PublicHealth #MaternalHealth #SDOH #HealthEquity #GIS #OpenSourceTools

🌍 Zeerak Solutions Celebrates International GIS Day: Empowering the World with Location Intelligence Happy International GIS Day to all the geospatial professionals, innovators, and enthusiasts! 🌟 At Zeerak Solutions, we are proud to be at the forefront of leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to solve real-world challenges and transform industries. What is GIS? GIS is the bridge that connects data with location, providing powerful insights to address complex problems. From analyzing spatial trends to driving informed decision-making, GIS is a game-changer across sectors. Why GIS Matters At Zeerak Solutions, we believe GIS is more than just technology—it’s a tool for creating impact: 🛰️ Sustainability: Monitoring climate change, conserving ecosystems, and managing resources responsibly. 🏙️ Urban Innovation: Designing smarter, more resilient cities with sustainable planning. 🚨 Disaster Preparedness: Supporting disaster risk reduction and effective response through predictive mapping. 📊 Business Optimization: Enhancing operational efficiency with geospatial insights. 🚑 Healthcare: Revolutionizing public health with spatial analysis to combat pandemics and improve accessibility. Our Journey with GIS From mapping critical infrastructure to supporting environmental conservation projects, Zeerak Solutions has been at the forefront of applying GIS to create value for clients across industries. The Future of GIS The rise of AI, GeoAI, and Big Data analytics is redefining GIS. At Zeerak Solutions, we are excited to explore cutting-edge innovations like 3D modeling, real-time data analysis, and immersive geospatial experiences to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. Join Us in Celebrating GIS This GIS Day, we honor the global geospatial community for their commitment to advancing this powerful technology. Together, let’s unlock the potential of geospatial intelligence to shape a better future. 🌟 How are you celebrating GIS Day? Share your projects, innovations, or favorite GIS tools in the comments below! #GISDay #ZeerakSolutions #GeospatialInnovation #LocationIntelligence #SpatialData #GIS #MappingTheFuture #Sustainability #Innovation.

The convergence of large datasets (GIS, Geospatial, and BIM data) along with AI are unlocking and providing insights unimaginable just a few years ago. Here is a great example! Thank you Arkadiusz Szadkowski for sharing! #Realitycapture #technology #future #digitaldelivery #innovation #gis #geospatial #digitaltwin #visualtwin #aeco #bim #design #digitalbuildinglifecycle

My take on “𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀” when monitoring wind farms, weather stations or solar parks in the 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 When building dashboards, we sometimes take a 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙧 to visually enhance a metric and make it more engaging. For example? Let’s look at wind direction, captured by a weather station. This data stream provides regular degree values ranging from 0 to 360 (you know, like a circle). Do you know which wind direction 120° represents? Yes? Then you’re probably part of a small group of wind experts. 😉 If not, the next few lines might interest you: Level 1: Simple Upgrade Convert degree values into cardinal directions, e.g., 360 = North. Tip: Use the Stat-Widget to replace incoming values (e.g., 0–90) with text for display. Better, right? But maybe we can make it even more elegant. Level 2: Enhanced Visualization With the Time Series Data Service, you can create animated elements. So why not display wind direction on a compass? It’s intuitive and easy to grasp. Most people are familiar with a compass and understand how it works. What’s the benefit? 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: An animated compass uses a familiar design. A moving needle is much quicker to interpret than abstract numbers. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: The animation doesn’t just show the current direction—it also gives a sense of changes over time. This makes the data feel more dynamic and increases user engagement. 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: Not all dashboard users have a technical background. A compass is universally understandable and eliminates the need for extra explanations, lowering the barrier to accurate interpretation. But let’s be real: Doesn’t this take forever? Creating an animated compass doesn’t take hours. In fact, you can set it up in 15 minutes if you do it from scratch. You’ll need the Time Series Data Service, the "Flow Charting Diagram" visualization, the free tool Draw.io, and maybe a bit of creativity. Want it even faster? I am more than happy to share the XML file from the video with you, so you can set it up in less than a minute! 👏🏼 And if you are patient enough - we are going to create a guide on Proficloud.io - so stay tuned to not miss anything cool and new 🙂

Esri User Conference Plenary part 2 The second part of the plenary focused on demos of new functionality. The most important novelties in ArcGIS Pro were the availability of radio buttons in the TOC, direct application of changed symbology in the map, excel as an easy tool for updating a data schema and the direct visualisation of flash flood runoff in ArcGIS Pro with the possibility to test fast interventions for prevention. Easier layout views including hyperlinking was also shown. The living atlas of the world now also contains all the Inaturalist observations, making it ease for environmentalists to visualise and analyse public sourced observations on plants and animals. The most important new developments in web mapping were the scale thresholds for clustered data, the Wurman dot visualisation for binned data and the possibility to save all customisations in a layer file. Data management in the web also got easier with the new web editing toolbar in the viewer as well as the recently introduced data pipelines in ArcGIS online, an easy method for simple online ETL including scheduling. In the mobile field we will remember the offline tracing capabilities based on Utility Network. 3D editing has always been a challenge but there is now an improved 3D editing available. 3D has also been introduced in dashboards. And if you didn’t notice yet: a simple but technically challenging improvement has been implemented in ArcGIS Online: the recycle bin is finally there, you can now undo accidental deletes of portal items. The future of generative AI in web mapping was demonstrated again, very soon you will be able to talk to ArcGIS Online and just ask the mapping assistant to create exactly the map you want based on the authoritative data it can find. Looking forward to see these novelties in the upcoming technical workshops the rest of the week.