AIRO – Mapping for Policy and Practice in Ireland

AIRO house price mapping
Thursday, December 8, 2016 - 16:00 to 17:30
Rocque Lab, Ground Floor, Rhetoric House

The All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) undertakes academic and applied mapping research and produces spatial datasets and specialist tools to aid in their analysis. Based at Maynooth University, AIRO is the leading spatial analysis and planning unit within the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis (NIRSA). AIRO provides a suite of free public mapping and data visualisation toolkits aimed at improving evidence informed planning and also undertakes contracted applied research and consultancy projects in the area of socio-demographic and economic analysis, spatial planning and environmental analysis. AIRO also delivers a series of training and development workshops in the area of geographical information systems (GIS) and evidence informed planning. This seminar will track the development of the AIRO website and research team since its launch in 2010 and will focus on some key projects and tools that have been developed over this time. Initially set up as a short-term project to look at cross-border data compatibility issues in Ireland, AIRO has evolved to become a key national resource for spatial analysis and visualisation and to now have a recognised and trusted brand that is associated with high quality research and consultancy outputs. Initially focussing on some mapping and evidence-based projects with local authorities and national agencies such as the Central Statistics Office, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Dublin Homeless Regional Executive, this talk will also provide a detailed technical overview of the key mapping and visualisation systems that support the AIRO infrastructure (ArcGIS for Server, AGOL, InstantAtlas, Tableau etc), discuss the development of the AIRO DataStore and how it links with Data.Gov.ie and highlight some of the new research areas that AIRO are focussing on such as developing new evidence based analytical tools for administration offices within Maynooth University.