Abstract: Geographic automata comprise a longstanding modelling paradigm used to represent dynamic geospatial systems. By encoding local interactions, complex behaviours can be simulated over space and time. However, the current GIS software ecosystem supporting geographic automata model implementation is fragmented, often equipped with inflexible black-box subroutines, or demands some level of programming expertise. Therefore, the Geographic Automata add-in was developed for ArcGIS Pro to address the lack of general-purpose, explainable, and integrated geographic automata modelling tools available in modern GIS software environments. In combination with ArcGIS Pro tools, the new add-in functionality aims to support beginners and advanced users in creating simple to complex models of various dynamic geospatial systems in research and education settings. This presentation will highlight the key features of the add-in and demonstrate its use for modelling various dynamic geospatial systems. Future directions for add-in development seek to encourage transparent geographic modelling tools to support research, education, and real-world decision-making applications.

Abstract: All creatures (microbes, plants, animals) use and interpret signs to communicate, learn and adapt to the environments they inhabit. In this talk, we explore Estonian scholar Ivar Puura’s concept of semiocide: “a situation in which signs and stories that are significant for someone are destroyed because of someone else’s malevolence or carelessness”. In Cascadia, this has manifested itself in various ways: the potlatch ban, the logging of old-growth forests, ulcerative pathogens impacting farmed salmon, and the extinction of Coast Salish dialects, among others. In collaboration with Dr Cary Campbell in the Faculty of Education, I invited groups of undergraduate students to explore this concept, and to then add evidence of semiocide through ESRI Field Maps. This collective approach to both ethnography and spatial analysis aims to facilitate a new lens on environmental destruction and degradation. As Puura writes, “at the hands of humans, millions of stories with billions of relations and variations perish. The rich signscape of nature is replaced by something much poorer”. Field Maps enable us to embrace the multimodal possibilities of fieldwork and reflective practice: the app allows us to upload pictures, sound bytes and text notes, opening up dialogue through the map interface. Our project aimed to explore and analyse the patterns of semiocide as they manifest within our shared home, the Cascadian bioregion. Ultimately, we developed a new approach to self-reflection, a different way of understanding the research relationship: as settler-scholars in Canada with differing experiences of colonialism, this approach positions us as researcher-observers within our more-than-human entanglements.

Abstract: The purpose of my talk is to provide a basic example of GIS application in archaeology. My initial interest while I was creating the map of Vancouver Island petroglyphs was to understand the distribution pattern behind the petroglyphs’ placing, and if there was one at all. GIS provides an opportunity of spatial analysis that can help us understand if there is a pattern or not, and gives us a clue to the possible future discoveries.

Abstract:The demand for well-designed introductory GIScience courses in higher education is on the increase. In response, instructors have tried and tested various modes of delivery with the most promising being fully online delivery. GIScience courses in fully online delivery mode offer flexibility of place and time and can result in cost efficiencies due to the large enrollment capacity. However, under these circumstances unique challenges will emerge such as providing timely feedback to students and maintaining academic integrity at scale. Using actual data examples and experiences from a real course, this presentation will explore selected machine learning (ML) techniques that can support the feedback process by summarizing large volumes of text data from assignments and discussions. Frequency, clustering and classification algorithms will be utilized. Further, flagging suspicious academic integrity activities will be explored through ML-driven techniques that combine behavioural analysis and anomaly detection. The ethical implications of data-driven approaches will be raised, particularly the importance of transparency, fairness and trust in digital learning environments. The end goal is to support learners by offering targeted interventions and guidance in their learning journey. 

Abstract: A talk about all GIS Programs at SFU, including the revamped GIS Major coming in Spring 2025.

Watch recording

Abstract: As a PhD student, I became interested in using Field Maps, a powerful tool that allows loading various layers, shapefiles, and information to be used in remote areas. In October 2023, I uploaded all the information regarding the landslides triggered by a seismic event on Vancouver Island to my iPad. With this, I was able to verify the mapping from the helicopter, take notes, and add other points of interest to later sync with the computer. The use of these tools is incredibly powerful, allowing for the collection of a lot of real-time information that can be easily synchronized afterwards.

Abstract: This study aims to map on-road transportation emissions in various communities within the City of Surrey, British Columbia, using GIS and geospatial analysis techniques. Transportation is a significant contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, making it crucial to analyze its spatial distribution to inform sustainable urban planning. The methodology employs the Python-based library GeoPandas to process and visualize emission data from multiple sources, including vehicle types, fuel usage, and road network characteristics. By integrating geospatial datasets, we associate transportation emissions with specific community boundaries, providing a detailed spatial representation of pollutant emissions and identify emission hotspots. Results highlight spatial disparities in emissions, with high-density traffic areas showing elevated levels of pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). These findings offer insights into community exposure to transportation-related air pollution, which is crucial for targeted mitigation strategies and mobilizing equity.