mobile-mapping

Mobile mapping: the sustainable approach to data collection

Table of Contents

Mobile mapping has revolutionized the field of navigation over the past decade and is considered to be the future of cartography. It is a burgeoning industry that allows for highly precise capture and representation of our surroundings. The new technologies are able to produce online dynamic maps with real-time information, up-to-date accessibility, and eventually automated generation of cartographic products. 

As the world becomes increasingly digitized and therefore in need of more smart maps, helping cities in reducing their environmental impact is and will be instrumental for better living. If you are curious about just how sustainable mobile mapping is and why or how it can contribute to a greener future, this post is for you.

What is mobile mapping?

Mobile mapping is the process of capturing geographic data with mobile devices. This can be done through a variety of means, such as GPS, laser scanning, and digital photography. Once the data has been collected, it is used for many purposes, including navigation, urban planning, land surveying, agriculture inspection and more. 

This method also makes it possible to conduct surveys in remote areas where there is no internet connection or where data collection by traditional methods is impossible or too costly. Gathered information is then synchronized centrally either through direct transfer or via remote server, allowing users to create their own database for further processing. They are then able to better comprehend and visualize that information through GIS (geographic information system) software to make more informed decisions and also foresee any future challenges. 

Due to its widespread use and availability, data collection may not seem like it has much to do with mapping, but in fact, many different methods of collecting can be used for digital maps. Therefore, the way that data is gathered hugely impacts the overall carbon footprint of the mapping process. 

What is a carbon footprint?

With the increase in climate change information and environmental activism over the last few years, sustainable actions on all fronts became a hot topic, and rightly so. But just in case you’ve been living under a rock, let’s cover the basics first: a carbon footprint is a measure of the impact an individual or organization has on the environment in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. The phrase ‘carbon footprint’ arose to describe how much a person’s activities contribute to global warming. For example, if someone takes a train instead of flying, they would have a smaller carbon footprint. You can calculate your own contributions to less or more emissions here and get a better understanding of the impact we all have.

On the topic of today – mapping our cities with GIS technology has become our normality, but do we ever stop to think about how that information gets into the system? What’s the carbon footprint of this process and how can we do one better?

How we can reduce the carbon footprint of mapping in general

Mapping (traditional or digital) goes, as every process, through three main stages: preparation, production, and distribution. Each of these requires a different timeline and a level of resources used, non-renewable or renewable, which can make a huge difference in the overall carbon footprint. 

Roughly speaking, there are two main ways we could reduce the carbon footprint of map creations:

1. By making our mapping processes less resource-intensive

Traditional paper-based methods of cartography require a lot of paper and printer ink, meaning large amounts of non-renewable resources such as trees and petroleum are used in the process. On top of that, the distribution of these maps alone requires the production and issuing of many copies over a large geographical area, which uses a lot of limited reserves as well. Reducing the number of paper maps produced or using paper maps that are made from recycled materials would be a good start.

hands holding a paper map_mobile mapping_sustainability

2. By creating maps that use fewer non-renewable resources

This approach involves using low-impact mapping tools such as digital map data sources. Less energy is required to produce the map because fewer materials are used and needed for production and distribution. These mapping practices are also faster (which conserves energy again) and enable us to save data digitally so that it can be reused for future projects.

Why mobile mapping is the green way to go

As seen above, mobile mapping definitely allows us to collect data in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner than traditional methods. Field data can be captured quickly and accurately with minimal impact on the landscape and carbon emissions can also be reduced by streamlining the workflow of traditional mapping processes. In addition, there’s no interference with traffic conditions with mobile map creation, which means less pollution long-term, because of no backed-up traffic or stopped cars (which happens a lot with traditional data collection methods). 

Carbon footprint in mobile mapping

Now that we know that by relying on digital tools instead of paper maps and field surveys we can save significant amounts of energy and resources, let’s look at the carbon footprint within mobile mapping. 

As different types of methods require different collection practices, the level of carbon footprint is affected accordingly.  

There are three main types of mobile mapping methods:

1. Digital map data collectors 

Google Maps car driving through the city collecting data_mobile mapping_sustainability

Digital map data collectors such as Google Maps use aerial photography and satellite imagery to create their maps. This has the benefit that it doesn’t involve any physical contact with the Earth or carbon emissions from motors, but the disadvantage is that if the imagery is taken from an airplane then it may involve high-altitude flights and therefore higher carbon emissions.

2. Surveyors on the field 

a person collecting data with a survey station, grass field in the front, city in the background_mobile mappping_sustainability

Surveyors who collect data by going out into the field and measuring things like land area and elevation are using techniques such as total station and theodolites. They can carry out their work anywhere in the world (huge advantage), but come with environmental costs of physical contact with the earth and motorized transport.

3. GIS professionals 

3 different kinds of maps stacked one over the other_mobile mapping_sustainability

GIS professionals who work with digital maps that have been created from a variety of data sources use the same methods as surveyors in order to collect their data, but also make use of aerial imagery and satellite imagery when it comes to the map rendering process. In addition, they must go through various stages to ensure that their finished product is accurate and they usually need to use GIS software in order to view different map layers.

Carbon footprint sources

Knowing the three types of methods, carbon footprint related to mobile mapping can be further divided into three main sources: Projecting Digital Terrain Models (DTM) onto vehicles, capturing imagery for Digital Surface Models (DSM), and the operation of navigation systems in vehicles. Let’s explore each of their advantages and disadvantages.

Projecting DTM onto vehicles

The projection process is characterized by high amounts of energy consumption because it takes place outdoors under conditions which are often windy, cold or hot. Large amounts of energy are also needed to operate light sources to illuminate the target during projection.

Capture of DSM and other Imagery

The generation of Digital Surface Models (DSM) and other imagery such as Orthophotos require the use of sophisticated sensors, e.g. laser scanners or digital cameras, which usually have high power consumption. During data capture, mobile mapping vehicles often need to drive for extended periods in order to reach optimal positions against the target.

Operation of navigation systems in vehicles

The energy consumption of navigation systems depends on the number of satellites available, and how frequently they are used. More precisely, we can distinguish between three main types:

  • inertial navigational aids which rely on dead reckoning and require a gyroscope, 
  • GPS which requires at least 24 satellites to function properly, 
  • and Glonass which requires 30 satellites.

The type of system that is used by an end-user can be determined using the Satellite position indicator in their smartphone or navigation unit.

The carbon footprint of different data collecting methods

Now let’s compare specific data collecting methods and their carbon footprint.  

GPS devices

GPS device_mobile mapping_sustainability

GPS devices are an increasingly popular method of collecting mapping data. They work by measuring signals between a device and satellites, which can be used to determine information about the environment around it. The amount of energy required to collect this type of data is fairly small in comparison to other collection methods and the benefits are far exceeding the disadvantages. GPS brings a new level of efficiency, while saving on unnecessary idling and cutting down on wasteful resources. 

Lidar

lidar model_mobile mapping_sustainabilty

LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging which uses laser beams to measure distances between objects. Since its inception, LiDAR methods have undergone many technological improvements and can now collect data in complex environments with ease. Not only that, it is known to be one of the most accurate ways to collect data. Because it requires heavy equipment that can emit quite a substantial amount of carbon dioxide, making it one of the most carbon intensive mapping methods.

Drone

drone model_mobile mapping_sustainability

In order to collect information for a physical map or monitor specific data (e.g. the status of endangered species), drones are sent out with special cameras attached to them.They get aerial shots of various locations or details about objects from specific perspectives. Drones consume far less energy than on-the-road vehicles and could potentially halve carbon emissions in the logistics industry. 

Satellite data

Satellite overlooking fields_mobile mapping_sustainability

Satellite data is often used as a supplement to other digital maps because it’s useful for providing context, especially in dense urban areas or for covering large areas at once. Though this data collection method definitely emits more carbon dioxide than others, it saves on efficiency of the process and also helps to monitor emissions with its advantages, such as high resolution and availability.  

IMU

IMU unit up-close_mobile mapping_sustainability

An inertial measurement unit (IMU) uses internal sensors to collect information about the direction and speed at which a device is moving. While IMUs are light devices and so don’t generate very much carbon dioxide (but still more than GPS), it may require many other components in order to operate while also emitting some heat, which can lead to more energy being used at a faster rate than collected.

How we can make mobile mapping (even) more sustainable

As with any technology-driven endeavor, it inevitably comes with a price. In the case of mobile mapping, there is one main factor that has to be considered and improved: carbon emissions from vehicle use.

There are a few ways that this can become sustainable in terms of its carbon footprint. One way is to use alternative energy sources such as solar or wind power to charge the devices used in the mapping process. Another way is to use data compression techniques to reduce the amount of information that needs to be transmitted and stored. We can also develop more efficient algorithms and software for mobile mapping that consume less processing power or shift patterns of mobile mapping activities to specific times of the year. Read on for more details on each one. 

Alternative energy sources

In its most basic form, mobile mapping involves a mobile device collecting data from the surroundings and sending it to a central computer where it is stored. In order for this process to happen without interruption, the mobile device must be constantly powered – either by an external power source or its own battery. This can be problematic if access to electricity or battery charging facilities are limited.

a side view of a house with solar panels on the roof and firewood stuck underneath_mobile mapping_sustainability

One way to alleviate this problem is to use alternative energy sources, such as solar power or wind power, to charge the devices used in the mapping process. Solutions are already out there, for example: Ford’s model that runs primarily on solar power from panels on its roof, micro wind turbines for charging small (mobile) devices and perhaps one of the most recent and prominent inventions on the rise: solar-powered drones

Data compression techniques

Another way to make mobile mapping more energy efficient is to use data compression techniques to reduce the amount of information that needs to be transmitted and stored.  For example, the USGS is already accessing LiDAR data in its own LAZ compressing format file, while research by K. Kohira and H. Masuda proposed a new point-cloud compression method for vehicle-based mobile mapping systems. Point-clouds are mapped onto 2D pixels using GPS time and the parameters of the laser scanner. Then, the images are encoded in the Portable Networking Graphics (PNG) format and compressed using the PNG algorithm, without deteriorating the image quality. 

Mobile mapping software

We can develop more efficient algorithms and software for mobile mapping that consume less processing power, such as real-time dense surface mapping and tracking systems, upgraded concepts in the robotic industry and sensor improvements for digital electronic components (more info here). Developments like this will make it easier to develop mobile mapping systems that require less time and energy to compute.

Shifting patterns of mobile mapping activities 

As the overall environmental impact of mobile mapping activities depends on where and how they are performed, it’s important for organizations that are involved to adopt practices that reduce carbon emissions by shifting patterns of activities at certain times of year.

Some of them are more carbon-intensive than others, for example collecting Digital Surface Models (DSM) is generally less emission-intensive than projecting Digital Terrain Models (DTM). Furthermore, emissions related to mobile mapping are often greater during colder months due to the use of light sources and higher power consumption in general.

Best low-carbon footprint alternatives

Most mobile mapping systems are very large, heavy and require an entire system within the vehicle – workstation, computer and 1-2 people to operate. 

If we want to create maps in a more sustainable way, we need to use more of the simplest and least complex mapping methods. By doing so, we can ensure that our carbon footprint will be as small as possible and we’ll be able to assist cities in their fight for a cleaner and more sustainable future. So what if, instead of taking all  information in manually, you could get it directly from the source?

Currently the most widely used alternative method for citywide data collection are garbage trucks, because they collect information from every citizen, multiple times a week, and often cover massive geographical areas. In certain cities, such as Barcelona, they even  go into every alley to take every citizen’s waste. The only thing needed to make this data accessible is an open source software that acts as a bridge between these visits and the GIS, like on these cameras. A robust, all-in-one solution like Mosaic’s M51 is amazing for urban mapping in all weather conditions, and light enough to be carried on a bike, enabling data gathering through simply riding around the city!

Trams and trains are also great mobile mapping alternatives and they have the added benefit of being powered by renewable energy sources like wind or solar power, check it out here

Limitations of low-carbon alternatives

Although working with the existing city infrastructure is innovative, effective and simple to implement, some obstacles need to be taken into account. 

A list of things that sometimes prevent the usage of mobile devices in public transport:

  • limited resources (battery, memory, CPU),
  • limitation of GPS readings to a certain range,
  • the rise of “unintended” data collection due to software or hardware bugs or lack of understanding how the system works,
  • the use of registered devices only.

Certainly, with every year tremendous technological advances are being made, so using means of public transport for data collection is definitely a way forward to a more sustainable mobile mapping future. 

upside down perspective of a twisted staircase going down with a patch of green grass on the bottom_sustainability_mobile mapping

Is the future colored green? 

The future of sustainability in mobile mapping and cartography is an exciting prospect. With new technological improvements and a growing awareness of the importance of environmental preservation, we are on the tip of a revolution in this field. 

However, with the increase in urbanization worldwide, it’s more important than ever that we consider how our mapping practices impact the environment. This is especially true for cities where most of global carbon emissions are coming from. In order to achieve sustainability, we need to consider all aspects of the mobile mapping process, from data acquisition to data processing. Reducing carbon footprint is a very important consideration in this development, and it’s up to us as individuals or organizations to reduce our own environmental impact. 

Mosaic offers innovative solutions that are pushing the boundaries of mapping freedom and exploring new, green ways of data collection. 

P.S. How does your city rank in mobile mapping? Let us know!