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Called Geospatial Opportunity Mapping (GOMap), the new tool takes into account high-resolution information from both local authorities and local utilities. Apparently, it is able to determine the number of solar projects on the roof or on the ground that can be deployed in a given area.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have created a new geospatial mapping tool that allows developers to identify land for renewable energy development that meets both political and technical requirements.
Called Geospatial Opportunity Mapping (GOMap), the new tool is based on the available QGIS framework, which is an open source, cross-platform desktop geographic information system application that supports viewing, editing, printing and analyzing geospatial data.
“Specific external plugins for QGIS have been developed to address various problems, from evapotranspiration estimation to surface air temperature mapping,” the scientists explain. “GOMap has been written in Python version.”
Apparently, the tool is capable of determining the number of rooftop or ground solar projects that can be deployed in a given area, as well as the maximum number of wind turbines within a site, taking into account the geometry of the site and the minimum distance required. between each turbine. It can also identify buildings that can be connected to a district heating network within a given distance.
The tool also takes into account high-resolution information from both local authorities and local utility companies. "GOMap has been designed in collaboration with two of these agencies and is equipped to identify sites for renewable energy deployment based on comprehensive and detailed spatial information," the researchers say. “It also provides a template for users to generate opportunity maps for other cities or areas of interest.”
The British group also noted that the new tool aims to facilitate decision-making processes and collaboration between urban planners and public services specialists. It was presented in the study “ GOMap: A Python-developed GIS opportunity mapping tool for renewable energy technologies ,” published in SoftwareX . |
