Solar maps are becoming a popular resource and are available via the web to help plan investments for the benefits of renewable energy. These maps are especially useful when the results have high accuracy. LiDAR technology currently offers high-resolution data sources that are very suitable for obtaining an urban 3D geometry with high precision. Three-dimensional visualization also offers a more accurate and intuitive perspective of reality than 2D maps. This paper presents a new method for the calculation and visualization of the solar potential of building roofs on an urban 3D model, based on LiDAR data. The paper describes the proposed methodology to (1) calculate the solar potential, (2) generate an urban 3D model, (3) semantize the urban 3D model with different existing and calculated data, and (4) visualize the urban 3D model in a 3D web environment. The urban 3D model is based on the CityGML standard, which offers the ability to consistently combine geometry and semantics and enable the integration of different levels (building and city) in a continuous model. The paper presents the workflow and results of application to the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain. This paper also shows the potential use of LiDAR data in different domains that can be connected using different technologies and different scales.

Given the current climate emergency, our planet is suffering. Mitigation measures must be urgently deployed in urban environments, which are responsible for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions. In this sense, a deeper integration between energy and urban planning disciplines is a key factor for effective decarbonisation in urban environments. This is addressed in the Cities4ZERO decarbonisation methodology. This method specifically points out the need for technology-based solutions able to support that integration among both disciplines at a local level, enriching decision-making in urban decarbonisation policy-making, diagnosis, planning, and follow-up tasks, incorporating the spatial dimension to the whole process (GIS-based), as well as the possibilities of the digital era. Accordingly, this paper explores the demands of both integrated urban energy planning and European/Basque energy directives, to set the main requisites and functionalities that Decision Support Systems (DSSs) must fulfil to effectively support city managers and the urban decarbonisation process.

Los estudios geográficos aplicados a escalas de detalle se encuentran muy condicionados por la disponibilidad de fuentes de referencia. Esto es determinante en este momento, en el que asistimos a cambios en las fuentes estadísticas oficiales, que pueden poner en riesgo la continuidad de investigaciones representativas a nivel intraurbano.Se afianza, así, un período idóneo para explorar fuentes alternativas que implicarán necesariamente nuevas pautas metodológicas. En este marco, el artículo apuesta por nuevos planteamientos para la determinación de los patrones espaciales de la población vulnerable a nivel intraurbano, a partir de datos disponibles y observables de edificación y entorno. Tras una aproximación a nivel de sección censal, el estudio se centra en modelizar la vulnerabilidad demográfica y residencial a nivel de edificio, mediante métodos downscaling.Esta metodología puede ser exportada a otras ciudades españolas e, incluso, a otros países con una ligera adaptación.

Solar maps are becoming a popular resource and are available via the web to help plan investments for the benefits of renewable energy. These maps are especially useful when the results have high accuracy. LiDAR technology currently offers high-resolution data sources that are very suitable for obtaining an urban 3D geometry with high precision. Three-dimensional visualization also offers a more accurate and intuitive perspective of reality than 2D maps. This paper presents a new method for the calculation and visualization of the solar potential of building roofs on an urban 3D model, based on LiDAR data. The paper describes the proposed methodology to (1) calculate the solar potential, (2) generate an urban 3D model, (3) semantize the urban 3D model with different existing and calculated data, and (4) visualize the urban 3D model in a 3D web environment. The urban 3D model is based on the CityGML standard, which offers the ability to consistently combine geometry and semantics and enable the integration of different levels (building and city) in a continuous model. The paper presents the workflow and results of application to the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain. This paper also shows the potential use of LiDAR data in different domains that can be connected using different technologies and different scales.

RESUMENEste artículo, contextualizado en ciudades de gran valor patrimonial en Ecuador, plantea la necesidad de compatibilizar la importante protección del patrimonio y la imprescindible garantía de unas condiciones de habitabilidad adecuadas. Para ello se desarrolla una metodología de estudio de la habitabilidad que permita determinar las mejores variables o indicadores para su comprensión y posterior tratamiento urbanístico. Con ello, se da respuesta al conflicto existente entre conservación e intervención urbanística para la mejora de las condiciones de vida de la población.