Conceptualisation of Space


Territorial LiDAR Maps


The rendition of spatial data into visual interactivities

Terrestrial

Bathymetric

Other Spaces

Spatial Information for Wellbeing

We often fail to realise that sites are largely sights: visualisation is a powerful interface of the sentient human with his or her world. Unless visually impaired, we largely command and make sense of our views and impressions of the material universe as seen through our eyes. Maps, therefore, are powerful representations of scapes: nudging our thoughts and understandings of what is around us such as to align as a holistic and comprehensive interpretation of spaces and places. It is no wonder, therefore, that two-dimensional maps and cartography - the science that supports them - emerged in the throes of imperialism and military conquest. Mapping locks the knowledge of and about places, conceding power to those who draw and define the map; and suggesting deference to others who are obliged to accept maps as they are.

Fast forward to the digital 21st century, and we now get a step closer to augmented reality by the availability of three-dimensional maps which are also manipulable in the sense of allowing different vantage points and observational pivots. A rich template is thus set for a progressive layering of pertinent data sets, as full and as complex in content as they are pregnant with the possibilities of interpretation.

I congratulate Professor Saviour Formosa for giving us Cloudisle.

Godfrey Baldacchino PhD (Warwick), BA PGCE (Malta), MA (The Hague)  
Pro-Rector (International Development & Quality Assurance), University of Malta, MALTA
UNESCO Co-Chair (Island Studies & Sustainability), University of Prince Edward Island, Canada &
University of Malta, Malta