Hackathon aims to open up the city

DUBLIN’S first 3D City Data Hackathon is taking place this weekend in Dublin Docklands from May 10-12.

The competition allows competitors to ‘hack’ exclusive 3D datasets covering Dublin’s Docklands and associated buildings through an exclusive virtual model of the area.

Organised by Dublin City Council, via the Smart Docklands Programme and the Grangegorman Development Agency, the Hackathon aims to develop new ideas and concepts for the future of the city of Dublin.

The 3D City Data Hackathon is open to everyone with an interest in 3D data and the built environment, from those working with BIM (Building Information Modelling) to app and game developers, urban planners, architects and other specialities.

The aim is to combine both existing and specially commissioned data of Dublin city, tasking participants to unlock exciting new opportunities and solve challenges for all who live in, work in, and visit Dublin.

The winners will receive funding and supports for the development of their solution or idea, as well as mentoring and access to a free workspace over the summer to progress their solution for the city.

“This ‘3D Data Hack’ is designed to bring together planning and construction professionals, innovators, technologists, and the research community to collaborate on the development of new concepts and applications for the Built Environment that will help shape the future of Dublin”, said Owen Keegan, Chief Executive, Dublin City Council.

Taking place in 1 Windmill Lane, in Dublin’s Docklands, Hackathon competitors will be challenged to deliver new solutions, applications and services across four areas: Transportation, Mobility & Environment; Urban Planning & Digital Construction; City Infrastructure & Asset Use; and Civic Engagement & Serious Gaming.

The Hackathon will begin with a panel discussion on Friday evening (May 10) featuring experts in 3D Modelling, VR/AR, Gaming and Digital Construction whose insights will inspire the participants for the competition.

A key partner on the project is the Science Foundation Ireland funded ‘Building City Dashboards’ team, based in the University of Maynooth, who specialise in city data analytics and urban 3D modelling.

“Opening 3D city models offers exciting new opportunities for visualising and experimenting with urban data,” said Oliver Dawkins, Data and Training Coordinator with the Building City Dashboards team.

“With the aid of immersive technologies like AR and VR they help engage communities by relating data more directly to people's everyday concerns.

“The 3D Data Hack should provide a compelling vision of what's to come.”

Winning teams at the Hackathon will be scored on the novelty of their idea, alignment with the challenge areas, viability, and commercial and social impact.

Both the winner and the runners-up will also be invited to participate in an exhibition of their work as part of a ‘Future Realities’ AR/VR showcase in the CHQ building in the Docklands on September 27.