The workshop has now ended. Pdf files of the presentations are available by clicking the links in the programme.

Timetable

09:30Registration and Coffee
10:00Introduction
10:10 Session 1: Data Acquisition
11:10 Break
11:30 Session 2: Data Integration
12:45 Lunch
13:45 Session 3: Data Presentation
15:00 Group Discussion
15:45 Break
16:05 Panel Discussion
Final Remarks
17:00 Close

Introduction

Session 1: Data Acquisition

pdf of presentation by Tony Cohn, University of Leeds

The National Underground Assets Group - An update on progress

pdf of presentation by Marc Hobell, NUAG

Set up in 2005, the National Underground Assets Group (NUAG) is a group of relevant stakeholders, including utilities and local authorities, established to support the Department for Transport (DfT) in achieving the relevant Traffic Management Act targets, and to act as a point of focus and single voice for everyone involved with underground, and appropriate associated above ground assets. NUAG complements the existing arrangements between DfT and the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC(UK)). NUAG has set out its vision for the future of buried services: All information on underground assets, and appropriate associated above ground assets, will be shared between stakeholders in a consistent way, on demand.

The presentation will describe the key findings and recommendations of a review of current practice and future requirements, the response to them from key stakeholder groups, and NUAG's plans to develop the recommendations into a standard framework for more effective recording, storing, sharing and displaying buried asset information as first steps towards achieving its vision.

Knowledge-based Raster to Vector Conversion

pdf of presentation by Simon Hickinbotham, University of Leeds

Will it ever be possible for a paper map to be automatically converted to a full GIS representation without human intervention? What are the key obstacles, and how can they be overcome? An exploration of research being carried out at the University of Leeds to answer this question.


Session 2: Data Integraion

Data Integration and Quality Control in buried asset management

pdf of presentation by Neil Auty, Yorkshire Water

Can buried asset data be integrated without loss of quality? The experiences of Yorkshire Water are presented.

A Framework for Utility Data Integration

pdf of presentation by Anthony Beck, University of Leeds

MTU and VISTA projects are examining ways of integrating utility data held by independent companies. The differences (heterogeneities) in data storage, semantics and representation make this a challenge. A framework for the integration and a summary of progress to date will be presented.

Implications of the TMA for buried asset management

pdf of presentation by Jo Parker, UKWIR

The Traffic Management Act is soon to be applied to regulations for buried assets. How should the utilities respond?


Session 3: Data Presentation

3D: Modelling, Augmented Reality and applications

pdf of presentation by Dave Capstick, Ordnance Survey

Increasingly complex models are being created in order to represent the real world. Digital topographic maps, such as Ordnance Survey MasterMap, are 2D representations, however, in recent years there has been an upsurge in interest in modelling in 3D. Not only have data capture techniques improved immeasurably, but we have increasingly complex and efficient database storage and modelling techniques available. Ally this with the advancement in visualisation technologies we have a potentially rich environment available to us for modelling in 3D. Augmented Reality (AR) is a complementary technology and describes the superimposing of computer generated content onto real world views and in recent years has been increasingly gaining attention in academic and commercial sectors. 3D modelling environments and AR, while being distinct disciplines, are both potentially suitable for a wide range of applications such as disaster and risk management, defence and security, telecommunications and utilities. We will discuss the different types of 3D modelling and some AR techniques. Also covered are some examples of the different areas that these technologies can be used to solve sector specific challenges. Finally, we will give an overview of our goals in the 3D modelling and Augmented Reality research in Ordnance Survey.

Uncertainty Visualization: A View from the Trenches

pdf of presentation by Nadia Boukhelifa, University of Leeds

Uncertainty visualization refers to the problem of acquiring, modelling and representing data while accounting for the uncertainties that encompass it. In this talk, we delineate the concept of uncertainty in the context of geospatial data, review existing approaches and report on the VISTA project.

NERVE - Real-time visualisation of a shared geo-spatial model

pdf of presentation by Dave Curry, NERVE

The objective of NERVE (www.nerveproject.org.uk) is to allow regional organisations to share an interactive real-time digital model of their region within a web-services environment.The project is building a model of the North-East of England using Ordnance Survey Digital National Framework (DNF) data. We are also creating two scenarios to promote the value of sharing data in real-time: 1) Emergency Response; 2) Streetworks Co-ordination. This paper will report on progress to date, and indicate where there are potential synergies between NERVE and VISTA, particularly in the area of streetworks co-ordination.

Dave Curry is project director for NERVE. He is a Technical Development Manager with Imass, who specialise in providing geo-spatial systems for Utility and Public Safety organisations. Dave has over 25 years experience of providing IT solutions for Utilities, with the last 15 years focussed on delivery of Geographic Information Systems.


Group Discussion

We will split into three groups to discuss questions raised during each of the three earlier sessions.

Panel Discussion

panel t.b.c.

Final Remarks

Professor Tony Cohn, University of Leeds