Geo-intelligence for Sustainable Development

This book explores the use of geo-intelligence (GI) technology to develop a computing framework for location-based, data-integrating earth observation and predictive modeling to address environmental and human well-being challenges. It highlights the recent advances in sensor technology and computational power that enable us to capture, store, and analyze the physical environment more effectively.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 227 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

The world is facing significant environmental and human well-being challenges as a result of climate change, natural disasters, environmental degradation, pollution of natural resources, water scarcity, and the proliferation of slums. These threats and challenges are complex and require state-of-the-art technology to collect, measure, handle, and analyze large volumes of varying data sets. However, recent advances in sensor technology and the rapid development of computational power have greatly enhanced our abilities to capture, store, and analyze the surrounding physical environment.

This book explores diverse dimensions of geo-intelligence (GI) technology in developing a computing framework for location-based, data-integrating earth observation and predictive modeling to address these issues at all levels and scales. The book provides insight into the applications of GI technology in several fields of spatial and social sciences and attempts to bridge the gap between them.

Climate change is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the world today. It is caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming, sea level rise, and more frequent and severe natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts.

Natural disasters can have devastating impacts on human lives and the environment. They can cause loss of life, displacement of populations, and destruction of infrastructure and natural resources. For example, the 2010 Haiti earthquake killed over 200,000 people and caused widespread destruction, while the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan led to the release of radioactive material into the environment and caused significant economic damage.

Environmental degradation is another significant challenge facing the world. It is the deterioration of the quality of the environment, including air, water, and soil, as a result of human activities such as pollution, deforestation, and overuse of natural resources. Environmental degradation can have negative impacts on human health, biodiversity, and the functioning of ecosystems. For example, air pollution can cause respiratory problems, while water pollution can lead to the contamination of drinking water and the spread of waterborne diseases.

Pollution of natural resources is another significant challenge facing the world. It is the contamination of natural resources such as air, water, and soil with harmful substances such as chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals. Pollution of natural resources can have negative impacts on human health, biodiversity, and the functioning of ecosystems. For example, chemical pollution can cause cancer, while pesticide pollution can lead to the destruction of beneficial insects and the decline of biodiversity.

Water scarcity is another significant challenge facing the world. It is the lack of sufficient water resources to meet the needs of human populations and ecosystems. Water scarcity can have negative impacts on human health, agriculture, and the functioning of ecosystems. For example, water scarcity can lead to crop failure, waterborne diseases, and the depletion of groundwater resources.

Proliferation of slums is another significant challenge facing the world. It is the growth of urban areas in which large numbers of people live in inadequate housing, without access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity. Proliferation of slums can have negative impacts on human health, social cohesion, and the environment. For example, slums can contribute to the spread of diseases, pollution, and environmental degradation.

Finding appropriate solutions to these threats and challenges is not simple. They are generally complex and require state-of-the-art technology to collect, measure, handle, and analyze large volumes of varying data sets. However, the recent advances in sensor technology, coupled with the rapid development of computational power, have greatly enhanced our abilities to capture, store, and analyze the surrounding physical environment.

Geo-intelligence (GI) technology is a field that combines the principles of geography, information technology, and computer science to address these challenges. GI technology can be used to collect, store, and analyze large volumes of data from various sources, such as satellites, sensors, and drones. It can also be used to develop models that can predict the impacts of climate change, natural disasters, and environmental degradation.

One of the key applications of GI technology is in the development of location-based, data-integrating earth observation and predictive modeling. Location-based, data-integrating earth observation refers to the collection and analysis of data from various sources, such as satellites, sensors, and drones, to monitor the state of the environment and predict the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. Predictive modeling refers to the development of models that can predict the future state of the environment based on historical data and current conditions.

GI technology can be used to develop models that can predict the impacts of climate change on various ecosystems, such as forests, oceans, and agriculture. These models can help policymakers and decision-makers develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect vulnerable ecosystems.

GI technology can also be used to develop models that can predict the impacts of natural disasters on human populations. These models can help policymakers and decision-makers develop strategies to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, such as evacuation plans, emergency response systems, and disaster relief efforts.

GI technology can also be used to develop models that can predict the impacts of environmental degradation on human health. These models can help policymakers and decision-makers develop strategies to reduce the impacts of environmental degradation and promote healthy living environments.

In addition to its applications in climate change, natural disasters, and environmental degradation, GI technology can also be used in other fields such as urban planning, transportation, and energy. For example, GI technology can be used to develop models that can optimize urban planning and transportation systems, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. It can also be used to develop models that can optimize energy systems, reducing energy consumption and promoting renewable energy sources.

Overall, GI technology has the potential to play a significant role in addressing the threats and challenges facing the world today. It can be used to collect, store, and analyze large volumes of data from various sources, develop models that can predict the impacts of climate change, natural disasters, and environmental degradation, and help policymakers and decision-makers develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of these threats and challenges.

In conclusion, the world is facing significant environmental and human well-being challenges as a result of climate change, natural disasters, environmental degradation, pollution of natural resources, water scarcity, and the proliferation of slums. These threats and challenges are complex and require state-of-the-art technology to collect, measure, handle, and analyze large volumes of varying data sets. However, recent advances in sensor technology and the rapid development of computational power have greatly enhanced our abilities to capture, store, and analyze the surrounding physical environment.

Geo-intelligence (GI) technology is a field that combines the principles of geography, information technology, and computer science to address these challenges. GI technology can be used to collect, store, and analyze large volumes of data from various sources, develop models that can predict the impacts of climate change, natural disasters, and environmental degradation, and help policymakers and decision-makers develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of these threats and challenges. In addition to its applications in climate change, natural disasters, and environmental degradation, GI technology can also be used in other fields such as urban planning, transportation, and energy.

As we continue to face the challenges of climate change, natural disasters, and environmental degradation, it is clear that GI technology will play an increasingly important role in addressing these issues. By leveraging the power of technology and data, we can develop more effective and sustainable solutions to these challenges and create a better future for ourselves and future generations.

Weight: 379g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811647703
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021