CEG8734 : 3D Geospatial modelling, digital twins and AI
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr Henny Mills
- Lecturer: Dr Craig Robson, Professor Jon Mills, 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 the creation of 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, 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. 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.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Written exercise - executive summary, consisting of maps/visuals and written evaluation and reflection (1500 words approx) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 21:00 | 21:00 | Computer assessment - online code submission |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 24 | 1:00 | 24:00 | Lecture follow up and revision |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Closed book in-person exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 8 | 3:00 | 24:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Tutorials |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 72 | 1:00 | 72:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 50 | Closed book, in person |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 50 | Approximately 1500 word project report, consisting of Map/Visualisations |
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 assessment | 2 | M | Online 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
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CEG8734's Timetable