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Module

CEG8734 : 3D Geospatial modelling, digital twins and AI (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2025/26
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Henny Mills
  • Lecturer: Professor Jon Mills, Professor Philip James, Dr Xiang Xie
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

•       To appreciate and apply the concepts and methods associated with contemporary 3D geospatial data generation pipelines that underpin the creation of digital twins.
•       To develop advanced understanding of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the integration of IoT streaming data into geospatial digital twins.
•       To appreciate how AI models may be incorporated at all stages of geospatial digital twin creation and operation.

Outline Of Syllabus

The syllabus follows the data flow line for the creation and utilisation of geospatial digital twins from data capture, data modelling through to the representation of digital twins and their integration with streaming data. It begins with photogrammetric computer vision, followed by an exploration of other 3D data capture methods and tools. Students will investigate laser scanning, including mobile mapping techniques, contemporary Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches to 3D reconstruction, and learn about point cloud processing and analysis. The module covers Building Information Modelling (BIM) and GeoBIM, providing insights into underlying digital twin concepts and applications.
Geospatial representation of digital twins is a key focus, along with the standards and practices associated with BIM such as IFC, COBIE and CityGML. The syllabus includes training on software for managing and building geospatial digital twins and examines smart city and smart building applications. Students will also study the Internet of Things (IoT), sensor networks, sensor data types and formats, and their applications.
Finally, the module addresses time-series analysis and the use of Machine Learning and AI-based models for time-series. analytics, equipping students with the skills to leverage advanced technologies in the field.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion120:0020:00Computer assessment - online code submission
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture241:0024:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion241:0024:00Lecture follow up and revision
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion12:002:00Closed book in-person exam
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion130:0030:00Written exercise - executive summary, consisting of maps/visuals and written evaluation and reflection (1500 words approx)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical83:0024:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching41:004:00Tutorials
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study721:0072:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures convey the core concepts, theories, and methods. Practicals enable the principles introduced in lectures to be put into practice, learned and assimilated through hands-on examples. The practicals have been developed to enable students to work independently and the practicals before each coursework submission will enable students to develop their submission. Tutorial clinics provide the opportunity for students to ask questions arising post-practicals and before submission deadlines.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1202A50Closed book, in person
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise2M50Approximately 1500 word executive summary, consisting of Map/Visualisations and written evaluation & reflection and online computer code
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Computer assessment2MOnline quiz on core concepts
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The coursework extends the practical work to provide an opportunity to consolidate understanding and obtain feedback. The closed-book, timed exam provides the means for a student to individually demonstrate their cumulative knowledge and understanding gained as needed in future careers and the workplace.

The formative quiz provides a means to test their understanding mid module.

Reading Lists

Timetable