A series of baseline 3D maps were launched today in a joint event, held between the University of Malta and the Planning Authority, that delivered to the public the results of a laser-based (LiDAR) 3D map of Malta, which service will serve as the base for research in cross-thematic fields. Professor Formosa from the Faculty for Social Wellbeing launched the results of his 2 year work to convert the data and set a baseline map on which new information emanating spatial projects could be integrated within a 3D environment. The launch comes at a time when the two entities have been successfully involved in bringing government entities together in order to create integrated spatial information systems, through the project SIntegraM.
Professor Formosa gave a demonstration of the 3D map tools covering the terrestrial zone of the Maltese Islands and the marine bathymetric zone up to 1 nautical mile.
The results depicted interactive landscapes and seascapes in realistic point-cloud 3D as acquired through a 2007-2014 ERDF project. The laser data was integrated with aerial imagery which rendered a realistic depiction of the Maltese Islands.
Cloudisle was brought forward as the baseline tool for perspective analysis where users can fly around the data and view their zone of interest in new ways, particularly the newly-published marine-based zones. The conference also depicted underwater artefacts, how users can review sea-level rise and inversely ancient coasts. In addition, the ease with which the tool to measure and calculate heights, distances and areas, will greatly help users acquire information-based knowledge gain.
The highlight of the conference related to the 4-billion data point output that has also rendered some new discoveries, presented during the conference, particularly the Ghariebel doline.
Rector Professor Alfred Vella stated that the deliverable is a vital tool due to its specialised and also a multi-disciplined approach that would allow scientists and practitioners to interact and lead to knowledge-based policy making as well as the discovery of new research outcomes. Professor Vella mentioned the potential outcome of the use of this baseline datasets due to its vitality for environmental scientists, transport, NGO input, forensic experts, virtual tourism, virtual museums, civil protection preparation and post disaster management as well as leisure and recreation, diving enthusiasts, gaming enthusiasts and other beneficiaries.
PA Executive Chairman Mr Johann Buttigieg described the impacts that such a delivery will have on spatial planning and how the collaboration between academia and the operational arms of spatial planning have come together through a legacy of online spatial services that included the PA mapserver, recently upgraded. Mr Buttigieg informed the press that the Cloudisle data layers will be also made available through a new option on the PA mapserver. He also mentioned the SIntegraM project which will lay the groundwork for the acquisition of tools and methods that will build upon and enhance the Cloudisle output, auguring for further collaboration between the two entities.
Dr Andrew Azzopardi Dean Faculty for Social Wellbeing gave a critique of Prof. Formosa鈥檚 new book on Emergent Realities that covers studies related to the use of LiDAR data and how such 3D data as depicted in Cloudisle is used for the betterment of society.
www.cloudisle.org
