Generic library of spatial concepts and asset definitions

Past and current practices in infrastructure and urban problem solving frequently challenged by siloed and contained ad-hoc solutions; ones that do not address root cause nor enable resilience across the urban infrastructure system. Domains and industries are composed of various levels of decision makers with their own codes and semantics around the data and systems in which they operate. Decision makers, data producers and users have separate lexicon for their data, processes and systems.  These arbitrary codes hold no meaning to those outside, and those without the language to understand their discipline specific meaning.

As a result, data sharing and exchange are often blocked from realisation due to the sender and receiver not understanding the domain semantics  in order to aggregate and/or use data and greatly hamper the building and exploitation of Digital Twins. This is a linguistic, semantic and data knowledge problem; and it inhibits concurrent innovation maturity across connected systems. Without being a speaker of this language and knowing the meaning of the abstractions it is hard to understand and for data to be re-used across domains.

To solve complex semantics and concept problems, we will develop an innovative framework to map and adapt current concepts to communicate across sectors in a multi-level library of shared symbolic abstractions and codes. We will explore domain specific concepts through shared lexicons and move closer to identifying any barriers at a deeper interoperability level; focusing resources faster and with more clarity when extraneous high-level concepts are agreed upon and understood across parties. This will be achieved through a core foundational semantic and semiotic modelling and expanded cross-functional models to create a spatial and infrastructure taxonomies that allows for the communication of needs and functions across industry and data domain stakeholders. The foundation of the shared infrastructure library are international and national standards that have supported industries with their current practices, moved them forward in digital and data-driven innovative adaptation and can be utilised across multiple infrastructure concept libraries. This shared library of linguistic codes and concepts can support the creation of a future focused infrastructure taxonomy, facilitating cross industry communication, collaboration, and system of system integration.

Scholarship

• $35,000 per annum (2023 rate), 3.5 years
• Tuition fee scholarship for International candidates

Eligibility

• Domestic and International applicants
• PhD only

How to apply

Email a copy of your CV and cover letter to Professor Sisi Zlatanova s.zlatanova@unsw.edu.au by 30 April 2023.