Developing project- and challenge-based activities with Geographic Information Systems and Cartography as enablers

Introduction to GIS for Sustainable Development

This session introduces the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and cartography in project- and challenge-based learning. Educators are guided through multi-criteria analysis (MCA) and nature-based solutions (NbS) to tackle real-world environmental and sustainability challenges.

📌 Key Focus Areas:

• Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) for Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) site selection
• Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for urban and coastal planning
• GIS and spatial modeling for decision-making

Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) for Offshore Wind Farms (OWF)

Students explore real-world energy planning by analyzing different factors affecting OWF site selection using spatial data.

📍 Key Spatial Criteria for OWF Site Selection:

• Mean Wind Speed – Determines energy generation potential.
• Bathymetry (Depth) – Affects construction cost and feasibility.
• Natura Areas – Protecting biodiversity and avoiding ecologically sensitive zones.
• Distance to Onshore Cable Junctions & Ports – Impacts infrastructure costs.

🔹 Educational Application:
Students use GIS tools to evaluate real datasets (e.g., bathymetry, wind speed) and apply MCA to select optimal locations for offshore wind farms.

🖥️ Tools Used:

• Google Earth Pro for distance approximation (Download)
• Geospatial Data Platforms for real-time wind and marine data

Estimating OWF Size, Cost & Impact

Students model offshore wind farms by analyzing:
✅ Turbine Capacity & Cost – From 55KW (€110,000) to 8MW (€13M)
✅ Inter-connection Cables – €2,000 per meter for power transmission
✅ Environmental Impact – Using nature-based solutions (NbS)

🔗 Explore MCA for Wind Farms: Offshore Wind StoryMap

Integrating Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) into Urban & Coastal Planning

Students explore NbS as sustainable alternatives to traditional infrastructure, improving biodiversity, ecosystem health, and resilience.

📍 Examples of NbS for Wind Farm Areas:

• Reef Balls (€400,000 per turbine) – Attract marine life, enhance biodiversity.
• Layer Cakes (€600,000 per turbine) – Support multiple marine species.
• ECOncrete Structures (€1,500 each) – Encourage ecosystem growth and reduce CO₂.
• Fleximats (€100 per meter) – Protect seabed cables, mitigate electromagnetic fields.

🔗 Explore GIS-Based NbS Planning:

• 🌎 Heat Risk Mapping: Global Heat Risk Index
• 🏙️ Urban NbS Planning: GIS Visualization of NbS

Applying NbS to Local Challenges – Student Activities

Students work in teams to develop NbS solutions for their own cities, using GIS tools for:
✅ Identifying problem areas (e.g., flood-prone zones, urban heat islands)
✅ Selecting NbS solutions based on GIS spatial analysis
✅ Mapping & Designing NbS Implementation Plans

🔗 Example GIS tools for student projects:

• Google My Maps – Create custom geospatial projects
• StoryMaps for NbS Visualization – Example StoryMap