IDSC Presents at eMerge Americas 2015
The Institute for Data Science and Computing participated in 3 presentations at the cutting-edge technology and innovation event eMerge Americas held on May 1-5, 2015, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
1) Urban Analytics and Big Data
PRESENTER: Hari Khanal, Postdoctoral Associate | UM Institute for Data Science and Computing
Urban analytics can be a powerful tool, allowing cities to visualize core weaknesses within communities, and use the data to develop management strategies to address these challenges. The urban analytics tool demonstrated at eMerge Americas can be used to facilitate the analysis of economic activities, environmental conditions, human behaviors, and mobility patterns within a community using sensor-generated data. Advanced computing tools and algorithms are used to interpret the data so that it can then be utilized to optimize resource distribution, energy efficiency, and waste management in these communities. The tools presented are built upon publicly available datasets. By 2016, the Institute for Data Science and Computing anticipates using Miami-sourced data for our presentation. (Pictured: Hari Khanal)
2) Crossmedia Imaging Of Latin American Informal Cities Project
PRESENTERS: Adib Cure and Carie Penabad, UM | School of Architecture
Chris Mader, Director, Software Engineering Group | UM Institute for Data Science and Computing
TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Amin Sarafraz, Software Engineer, Software Engineering Group | UM Institute for Data Science and Computing
This presentation showcased an ongoing collaboration between the University of Miami Institute for Data Science and Computing (IDSC) and the School of Architecture (SoA) centered around applying and exploring low-altitude aerial photography (using drones) for rapidly and inexpensively documenting informal settlements (aka slums). These techniques have wide applications outside our immediate area of study including urban planning, agriculture, the insurance industry, and journalism.
3) Miami Affordability Project (MAP)
PRESENTERS: Dr. Robin Bachin, Assistant Provost for Civic and Community Engagement | University of Miami
TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Nakul Datur, Senior Software Engineer, Software Engineering Group | University of Miami Institute for Data Science and Computing
The Office of Civic and Community Engagement and IDSC demonstrated the Miami Affordability Project (MAP)—showing off a drone used for mapping cities in need of new infrastructure—for Julian Castro, secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and JPMorgan Chase representatives. Chase is the lead funder of MAP, a free, publicly accessible tool developed by the Office of Civic and Community Engagement to visualize neighborhood-level housing market dynamics and develop data-driven community development strategies. (Read the full story at eVertias.)
http://everitas.univmiami.net/2015/05/07/um-showcases-innovations-at-emerge-americas-conference/
Other notable presentations included:
EdTech 2.0: Presidents’ Edition Panel
Thomas LeBlanc, UM Provost (pictured 3rd from left), was part of the EdTech 2.0: Presidents’ Edition Panel, which discussed how the dynamics of the “information-based” economy are evolving into a “knowledge-based” economy. This panel of Presidents from South Florida’s leading higher education institutions provided insights as to how colleges and universities are adapting to the changing demands, and they discussed the role of universities that are fostering innovation and a culture of entrepreneurship in our region. Panelists: Thomas LeBlanc (University of Miami Provost), Mark Rosenberg (President, FIU), John W. Kelly (President, FAU), George L. Hansbury II (President, NSU), Eduardo J. Padron (President, Miami-Dade College), and Moderator Dan Cane (CEO of Modernizing Medicine).
‘Senseable’ Urban Design: One Solution at a Time
Revered in the global urban design stage as one of the top innovators “shaping our creative future who will change the world,” Professor Carlo Ratti pointed out that the way we describe and understand cities is being radically transformed through today’s increased deployment of sensors and hand-held electronics. New technologies and ideas are also being tested in Mexico City’s Lab, a self-described experimental think tank based in one of the world’s largest metropolises and the largest city in North America. LabPLC is headed by award-winning TED senior fellow and Yale World Fellow Gabriella Gomez-Mont. Urban insights from brilliant minds where technology and creativity intersect with government, academia, civic society and the private sector were discussed. Speakers: Gabriella Gomez-Mont (CEO Laboratorio para la Cuidad,Mexico City), and Carlo Ratti (Director, MIT SENSEable City Lab), and Moderator Rodolphe el-Khoury (pictured at right) (Dean, School of Architecture, University of Miami, and CCS Smart Cities Program Director) who also spoke separately on Building Blocks for The Internet of Things.
