Conference Agenda

Session
GeoAI Workshop: Disaster Management with Deep Learning
Time:
Thursday, 30/Jan/2025:
2:00pm - 3:30pm

Session Chair: Raimund Schnürer
Location: A022 Seminar Room

UniS, Schanzeneckstrasse 1, 3012 Bern / Ground Floor, Places: 72, Seating: fixed

Invited experts:

  • Magnus Heitzler, Heitzler Geoinformatik, Germany

  • Maaz Sheikh, Ageospatial, Switzerland

  • Jan Svoboda, SLF Davos, Switzerland

  • Yizi Chen, ETH Zurich, Switzerland


Session Abstract

Deep learning is well-suited for essential tasks in disaster management, such as modelling, optimization, simulation, navigation, and reconstruction. In this workshop, participants will gain theoretical and practical insights into various deep learning methodologies, focusing on preventing and coping with natural or man-made disasters. Introductory, the chair will provide a brief overview and showcase the latest trends in deep learning techniques for disaster management. The workshop itself is divided into two parts:

In the first part, the GeoForge platform will be presented. This platform enables users to analyse near real-time remote sensing images, supported by a large language model. Among other applications, it has been used to assess the impact of a flood event on critical infrastructure in Bangladesh.

In the second part, participants will be split into groups focusing on risk simulation, change detection, and infrastructure reconstruction. Within the groups, a deep learning methodology—such as deep reinforcement learning, graph neural networks, vision transformers, or gaussian splatting—will be illustrated using a sandbox example of a specific type of disaster. Participants will work on small tasks supported by one of the invited experts. Afterwards, participants will report their findings to the plenary session.

The workshop will conclude with a brief colloquium where future requirements will be gathered, such as sharing datasets or deploying models. Participants will have the chance to present their ideas, ask questions of experts, and share their experiences with others.

Ideally, participants have already published or plan to publish articles using deep learning methods or intend to apply deep learning methods in practice. Basic knowledge in programming and mathematics is recommended.