UGOD Seminar | Topic 1: Light field modelling and applications in complex urban scenarios; Topic 2: The Social Dynamics of Shared Mobility

Topic 1: Light field modelling and applications in complex urban scenarios

Growing concerns on climate change are driving emerging exploration of renewable energy transition, and it has been acknowledged that effectively penetrating renewable energy into urban systems plays a key role in facilitating this transition process. However, the uncertainty in renewable energy supply and the flexibility in energy demand at fine spatiotemporal resolutions significantly hinders a dynamic balance between the two, which has drawn great attention from science and engineering. To address this challenge, in this talk, I will introduce an advanced model to estimate global solar radiation distribution on 3D urban surfaces, present spatiotemporal analytic methods for planning PV modules in urban areas to meet real electricity demand, and design adaptive and scalable solar PV charging solutions for electric vehicles and scooters. Future studies regarding night light-field modelling will be discussed.

Topic 2: The Social Dynamics of Shared Mobility

Urban transportation systems are not merely physical infrastructures facilitating the movement of people and goods, but also critical social structures that support urban social interactions. However, much of the existing transportation research has primarily concentrated on the material and operational dimensions, often overlooking the broader social implications. This presentation focuses on a key part of contemporary urban transportation: shared mobility platforms, specifically transportation network companies (TNCs), and their role in influencing social outcomes. The objective is to address the gap between transportation efficiency and its social impact. The presentation will explore two research questions: the first examines how market segmentation within shared mobility platforms leads to efficiency losses and investigates potential market design strategies to enhance performance. The second investigates the relationship between traffic congestion and TNC profitability, exploring the possibility of TNC utilizing congestion for profit maximization. The discussion will conclude by considering the policy and regulatory implications for urban mobility sharing systems.