When working with big data it’s important to understand what makes data ‘big’, the limitations of working with it, and what can be done to combat these limitations. For the uninitiated, ‘big data’ doesn’t only refer to how much storage data may occupy, but it refers to a whole host of qualities.
On a mid-August afternoon, the request for an expression of interest (EOI) for Abley’s Corporate Rowing Team arrived. As many around the world these days, I was working flexibly, which happened to be in my living room just north of Christchurch. Initially, it was a “pass”, but from behind me came “click on it!” without me even aware that my partner was eavesdropping.
Geographically dispersed events, such as running, cycling or multisport races, and motorsport events like rally or targa present a unique challenge for spectators!
In my role as Data Science Researcher at Abley, working closely with my team we have identified that a computer vision solution could be used to detect traffic signs, which will add value and save time for the road safety work that we do here (see previous blog). The next step is to address the time-consuming process of data labelling. This blog will explain more about what data labelling is, why it’s an important step in preparing data, and the challenges involved for this project.
As the spatial industry continues to grow and diversify, it is becoming increasingly valuable to have your hard-earned GIS skills and experience formally acknowledged with an industry-recognised qualification. For many years Esri has offered numerous certifications to help GIS professionals validate their knowledge and technical skills.
The Land Transport Rule "Traffic Control Devices (2004)" has recently been updated to allow street art within the roadway, termed “roadway art”.
2020 has brought about a new set of challenges in keeping ourselves and each other healthy, both physically and mentally, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I have personally been a long time advocate of mental health issues, having studied Psychology in my first degree, before studying Engineering. I have previously volunteered with Victim Support and seen first-hand some pretty confronting examples of how events around us can cause a wide range of reactions.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, spatial data and tools have been widely used to track and visualise the virus globally. Mapping such a vast and dynamic outbreak can be challenging. The Johns Hopkins ArcGIS Dashboard is a widely used tool to understand the spread of the disease. News articles, reports and studies are nearly always accompanied by a map.
In the quest to find opportunities for a computer vision solution, experts from across our business have been brainstorming ideas. We have identified four main categories of features to detect:
Today, 22 September, is "World Car Free Day". This is an annual celebration to encourage people to use active and sustainable modes of transport and to promote the benefits of going car free. According to recent research, New Zealand’s rate of car ownership is one of the highest in the world at 1.3 vehicles per person of driving age![1]
