USAGE interviews Raniero Beber from Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK)
What is the main role of FBK in the USAGE project?
FBK leads WP4 which aims to develop and deploy various tools for urban data space. The expertise on data analytics and algorithms crafting are put at the service of the pilot cities to tailor each use case to the city needs.
How is AI supporting the development of USAGE solutions?
Thanks to AI solutions, from Machine Learning regressors to more advanced Deep Learning techniques, new Analysis Ready Data (ARD) and Decision Ready Information (DRI) are produced from the raw data available at the municipality level. AI is at the core of the tools developed within USAGE and it enables municipalities to take advanced decisions based on up-to-date information.
What are Urban Heat Islands and how can they affect a municipality?
Urban Heat Islands (UHI) is a climate phenomenon binded to cities, it causes higher temperature within the urban environment compared to its rural surroundings. The main causes are the presence of man-made materials and sealed surfaces that enhance the trapping of heat during the day and reduce the cooling effect, thanks to evapotranspiration, of vegetated areas. On top of this phenomena, climate change is exacerbating the frequency and magnitude of heat waves that enhance the effect of UHI. Municipalities needs to be prepare in the identification, mitigation and monitoring of UHI effect in their city in order to help their citizens to minimize the risk posed by this alarming phenomenon. USAGE is creating AI-based solution to produce UHI from remote sensing data.