Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and Geographic Information Science (GIS) enable researchers to unlock the rich historical information trapped in old maps. The Ghost Neighborhoods of Columbus project is applying AI and GIS to old Sanborn Fire Insurance maps to create immersive, virtual worlds of how neighborhoods in Columbus looked in the past, prior to urban highway construction and urban renewal projects. In this presentation, Dr. Miller will highlight the incredibly detailed data in these old fire insurance maps, the 3D virtual worlds they have built from these maps, and their partnership with the community to ensure the historical virtual worlds are authentic.
This event is free and open to the public. We ask that you kindly RSVP using the updated form below, but registration is not required to attend the lecture. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis.
Harvey Miller is the Bob and Mary Reusche Chair in Geographic Information Science, Professor of Geography and Director of the Center for Urban and Regional Analysis at The Ohio State University. Prof. Miller’s research and teaching interests include sustainable mobility, resilient communities, and the relationships between human mobility, environmental justice and wellness. He is a recipient of the Community Engaged Scholar Award from The Ohio State University and an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Association of Geographers.
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Science Sundays is a free lecture series open to the public that provides a wide range of current and emerging topics and issues in science that touch our everyday lives. Speakers are experts in their fields from on campus and around the world with experience in making their topics interesting and accessible for audiences of all ages, with or without a science background.
Each lecture is followed by a free, informal reception from 4-5 p.m. at the Ohio Staters Traditions Room in the Ohio Union.
If you have questions about accessibility or wish to request an accommodation for a disability please contact John Beacom (beacom.7@osu.edu; 614-247-8102). With advance notice of two weeks, we can generally provide seamless access.