with Cesium, REST API, and Open-Source GIS Software
Harnessing GeoAI to Model Energy Demand, Consumption, and CO₂ Emissions in Urban Redevelopment
As cities strive for sustainable futures, building refurbishment has become a key strategy in reducing energy consumption and cutting CO₂ emissions. But how do we measure the impact of these efforts effectively? That’s where a new generation of geospatial technology steps in — combining open-source GIS, GeoAI, REST APIs, and immersive 3D visualization to make data-driven urban transformation a reality.
This application has been designed and developed by STEG Stadtentwicklung GmbH, a Stuttgart-based firm renowned for its leadership in urban redevelopment, urban planning, project management, and climate protection initiatives across Germany. With decades of experience in shaping resilient cities, STEG brings practical knowledge and innovation to the intersection of climate action and digital transformation.
GeoAI-Powered Insights for Urban Buildings
At the heart of this solution is a GeoAI-powered application that estimates energy demand, energy consumption, and CO₂ emissions for buildings — both before and after refurbishment. This smart model analyzes critical attributes like:
● Year of construction
● Number of stories
● Roof type
● Usage category
● Building area
● Deficiency level
Using this information, the AI system calculates emissions and energy use, helping planners visualize the carbon savings and efficiency gains from renovation scenarios.
The application is highly customizable, allowing users to adjust the model’s complexity and data input requirements based on the specific accuracy needs of a project — from quick feasibility studies to detailed redevelopment plans.
GIS-Ready and Fully Compatible with Open-Source Tools
Designed with flexibility in mind, this system integrates seamlessly into any GIS environment. Whether you’re working in QGIS or another open-source GIS platform, the model works with spatial layers connected to PostgreSQL/PostGISdatabases.
Planners and analysts can input, edit, and manage building data directly in their GIS tools — keeping workflows simple and efficient. Once processed, the insights are served dynamically to the front end via a Django REST API.
From 2D Maps to 3D Cities: Visualizing the Future
The real game-changer? 3D visualization. With the power of CesiumJS and Leaflet, urban energy data is transformed into intuitive, interactive digital twins. Buildings are color-coded by CO₂ emissions, retrofitting potential, or energy use, and stakeholders can explore neighborhoods in detail — even down to individual structures.
One standout feature is the dynamic calculation of heat density. As building parameters are modified — such as area, usage type, or renovation status — the application instantly updates heat demand across neighborhoods, enabling real-time thermal load analysis and planning.
With this live connection, planners, decision-makers, and the public can:
● View baseline vs. post-renovation performance
● Identify high-priority retrofit candidates
● Simulate and compare energy scenarios in real time
● Communicate outcomes through visually powerful 3D maps
A RESTful Backbone for Smart Cities
REST APIs built with Django act as the bridge between backend data and frontend experiences. They ensure that any changes in the GIS database are reflected immediately on the web-based 3D map — enabling dynamic interaction, instant updates, and scalable deployment.
This modular approach means the system can be deployed at district, city, or national levels, and integrated into broader climate planning frameworks.
Designed for Professionals Across Sectors
This solution is designed for a wide range of professionals and stakeholders:
● Energy experts seeking data-driven energy and emissions modeling
● Civil engineers evaluating retrofit feasibility
● Urban planners designing more efficient and sustainable communities
● Smart city solution providers integrating geospatial intelligence into platforms
● Public agencies and developers needing first-step impact assessments
It also serves as a powerful tool for anyone looking for a first estimation of CO₂ emissions and energy balance before and after renovation — helping users understand where to invest, what to prioritize, and how to communicate the impact.
The Path Forward: Urban Planning Meets GeoAI
This fusion of GeoAI, open-source GIS, 3D visualization, and web technologies empowers cities to take control of their environmental futures. By modeling and visualizing the effects of building refurbishment, urban planners can make smarter, faster, and greener decisions — backed by real data.
It’s more than just software. It’s a framework for actionable insight, community engagement, and climate resilience — proudly developed by STEG Stadtentwicklung GmbH, helping shape a smarter and more sustainable urban future.
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