Geodesign tools can be used to support collaborative processes. Typical tools combine different methods, such as simulation models, spatial multi-criteria analysis, visualization, and optimization.
User-friendly interfaces allow multiple users to provide input and generate real-time output to support negotiated spatial decisions. Geodesign can be defined as follows: “Geodesign is a design and planning method which tightly couples the creation of design proposals with impact simulations informed by geographic contexts, systems thinking and digital technology “(Steinitz 2012, p.12).
Geodesign combines the knowledge of local stakeholders (the people of the place) with contributions design professionals, Information technology and geographic sciences.
Some examples (in dutch) can be found here. Another nice and simple example of geodesign is shown in the movie below.
The task is to locate recycling containers in part of Amsterdam in such a way that the walking distances to these containers are minimized. The colours indicate the distance to the nearest container. The movie shows how the local expert finds the best location for five containers by moving these containers around on a touch screen.
In our view this is geodesign at its best:
- The tool is based on spatial information;
- The tool is interactive;
- The tool produces a spatial design
In a recent project we applied our experience with geodesign in data rich environments such as the Netherlands and the UK to design an approach for interactive workshops in the Lower Zambezi valley, Mozambique. Instead of a model based application that provides real time response to proposed changes, we designed a tool that facilitated open discussion and relied heavily on visualization. This approach required no calculation steps (the local stakeholders provided the input) and relied heavily on drawing and icons. This appealed to the participants and the absence of a quantitative model was not seen as a problem. Despite the simple strategy, the tool served its purpose well. It was interesting to observe that we were able to use the principles of our more sophisticated tools in an approach that was simpler, but also much more graphical in order to promote discussion and understanding.
Updates
SPINlab participates in large VU-project for Agribusiness Development Project in Kenya
The Centre for International Cooperation of VU Amsterdam (CIS-VU) has been awarded a grant worth €1.8 mln. to implement a project on Spatial Planning for Agribusiness and Public Policy Development in Kenya. The grant is part of the Netherlands Initiative for Capacity development in Higher Education (NICHE), a Netherlands-funded...Read More »
UNIGIS online u_Lecture: GI Capacity Building in Schools
Is Minecraft a useful teaching tool? Researchers at SPINlab (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) are trying to find the answer to this question. Their focus group are teachers who use Minecraft in the classroom in three Dutch schools in Lelystad, Zaandam and Amsterdam. These teachers can provide valuable feedback about whether Minecraft...Read More »
Slotbijeenkomst Jaar van de Ruimte 15-12-2015 groot succes voor GeoCraftNL
Op 15 december namen het SPINlab, GeoFort en Geodan – onder de noemer van GeocraftNL- deel aan de verhalenmarkt van de Slotbijeenkomst van het Jaar van de Ruimte in Amersfoort. Op de beurs presenteerden zij hun bevindingen over Minecraft als planningsinstrument voor professionals en scholieren.
GIS Magazine besteed aandacht aan Geodesign Summit Europe
In GIS Magazine nr. 8 besteedt redacteur Remko Takken aandacht aan de Geodesign Summit Europe, gehouden afgelopen oktober in Salzburg. De Nederlandse inbreng was groot. Natuurlijk was ook het SPINlab van de Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam vertegenwoordigd.
Lees er alles over in GIS Magazine online…
...Read More »Minecraftprofessor richt Nederland in met Minecraft
HERWIJNEN – Heel Nederland nabouwen in de virtuele werkelijkheid, dat start vandaag in het GeoFort in Herwijnen. Het landelijke Minecraftproject is het initiatief van het GeoFort. Met behulp van echte gegevens van het Kadaster en Rijkswaterstaat kan iedereen vanaf vanmiddag Nederland virtueel gaan inrichten.
Willemijn Simon van Leeuwen, oprichter van het...Read More »