GIS 3.0

This research project addresses the evolving landscape of geographic information science by exploring new paradigms in the structuring and management of geospatial data. It specifically focuses on the shift from traditional Geographic Information Systems (GIS) which rely on rigid, relational database architectures towards more flexible, semantically rich systems based on NoSQL technologies and Web 3.0 standards.

The objective is to systematically compare traditional GIS architectures with innovative approaches that leverage document-based NoSQL databases and semantic web technologies. This comparison will be guided by technical and usability criteria, enabling a critical evaluation of both methods in terms of data integration, performance, adaptability, and user interaction.

The project’s application domain is scaled to urban built environments, where data complexity and diversity of use cases pose significant challenges. It will draw practical relevance and real-world validation from the EcoCityTools project, which develops an integrated decision-support platform for environmental and energy diagnostics at the neighborhood scale. The research will benefit from access to heterogeneous datasets and defined urban scenarios provided by EcoCityTools.

The project will be structured around three key work packages:

1. Development of an Innovative GIS Solution based on NoSQL and Web 3.0 standards.
2. Comparative Evaluation of the new approach against traditional relational GIS architectures, using both technical metrics and end-user feedback from EcoCityTools.
3. Methodological Framework for designing next-generation GIS platforms in support of smart city governance and planning.

By bridging cutting-edge data technologies, this project aims to lay the foundation for more adaptive, semantic-aware, and user-driven geospatial information systems, aligned with the needs of tomorrow’s cities.