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Model and visualization of recyclable material collection network
In the city of Zurich, the locations of the recycling collection points (RCP) are not digitally recorded and there is no geo-information system in which the locations are recorded. In certain areas (e.g. Höngg) there is also an undersupply and the affected residents do not have easy access to the RCP (e.g. not within walking distance). Entsorgung + Recycling Zürich (ERZ) would like to remedy the existing undersupply and to show the existing RCP in a digitalized and possibly interactive map.
At the same time, the city of Zurich is growing and new housing developments are constantly being added, triggering additional demand for RCP. Due to other urban developments, it may also happen that existing RCP have to be deconstructed. Currently, no planning model exists to identify or predict optimal RCP locations.
Keywords: Waste management, waste collection, recyclable materials, modeling, data visualization
Not specified
As a first stage, an interactive tool should be developed in which the existing RCP are recorded in a geo-information system. Secondly, based on parameters (e.g. population, urban development, walking distance to RCP), a model should be developed that visually shows where in the City of Zurich there is and or is expected to be an undersupply in the RCP network.
Furthermore, a desirable functionality of the model would be suggestions for the most optimal RCP locations, e.g. in urban areas that are not yet well developed or those that are in the process of being developed. In addition, it would be desirable if the model already predicts whether the locations are at all feasible for operational use (access roads sufficiently wide and high).
In the course of the project, several students will be responsible to:
- Collate data provided by ERZ and gain understanding of it
- Evaluate existing geo-information systems that can be implemented for ERZ’s data.
- Present outcome of the evaluation to ERZ for decision making
Within a test-phase:
1. Record the data in the chosen geo-information system (GIS)
2. Model household demands for RCP and apply the models on the GIS
3. Implement interactive tools…
We are looking for a Master-level mechanical engineering student, for this thesis project, with skills in modeling and data visualization, and experience with Git/Github and its workflows. Experience with R is of advantage though depending on ERZ’s systems and tools, other packages may also be required.
As a first stage, an interactive tool should be developed in which the existing RCP are recorded in a geo-information system. Secondly, based on parameters (e.g. population, urban development, walking distance to RCP), a model should be developed that visually shows where in the City of Zurich there is and or is expected to be an undersupply in the RCP network.
Furthermore, a desirable functionality of the model would be suggestions for the most optimal RCP locations, e.g. in urban areas that are not yet well developed or those that are in the process of being developed. In addition, it would be desirable if the model already predicts whether the locations are at all feasible for operational use (access roads sufficiently wide and high).
In the course of the project, several students will be responsible to:
- Collate data provided by ERZ and gain understanding of it
- Evaluate existing geo-information systems that can be implemented for ERZ’s data.
- Present outcome of the evaluation to ERZ for decision making
Within a test-phase:
1. Record the data in the chosen geo-information system (GIS)
2. Model household demands for RCP and apply the models on the GIS
3. Implement interactive tools…
We are looking for a Master-level mechanical engineering student, for this thesis project, with skills in modeling and data visualization, and experience with Git/Github and its workflows. Experience with R is of advantage though depending on ERZ’s systems and tools, other packages may also be required.
**Advisors:**
Lars Schöbitz (GHE)
Andreas Lindau (ERZ)
**Supervisors:**
Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Tilley
**Contact information:**
Name: Lars Schöbitz
Email: lschoebitz@ethz.ch