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Gillian Donaldson-Selby

Staff picture: Gillian Donaldson-Selby
Information and Computational Sciences
Information and Computational Sciences
Landscape and Visualisation Modeller
gillian.donaldson-selby@hutton.ac.uk
+44 (0)344 928 5428 (*)

The James Hutton Institute
Craigiebuckler
Aberdeen AB15 8QH
Scotland UK

 

Gillian has a Masters in Environment and Development from the Centre for Environment, Agriculture and Development, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Following graduation she worked as a Landscape modeller / Environmental consultant in South Africa until joining the Institute in December 2009. Gillian has worked with a number of 3D modelling, GIS and visualization systems on different computing platforms since the early 1990’s. Her current responsibilities include Landscape and Marine model development, project research, and Virtual Landscape Theatre (VLT) operation and presentation. Some of her 3D interactive models for the VLT can be seen here.

Current research interests

Gillian’s past and current research interests have largely focused on the application of landscape visualization in public participation and environmental problem solving, including landscapes, river rehabilitation, peatlands, natural flood managment (NFM) and onshore / offshore renewables. Some of Gillian's landscape visualizations have been used in urban greening exercises in South Africa, as well as Scottish government sponsored RESAS work packages and Green Health projects in Scotland. Recently she has been involved in 3D visualizations of marine topologies, onshore / offshore renewables, peatland restoration, aquaculture and flood risk mapping. She is also interested in promoting the application and take-up of scientific visualization within the broader scientific community, including high-performance Virtual Reality (VR) systems (e.g. Oculus Rift) and immersive stereoscopic CAVEs. Gillian is currently registered for a part-time PhD in Peatland Hydrology.

 

Past research

Visualizations from a few of her past projects are listed below.

Visualising Peatland Restoration

We have developed a prototype 3D simulation of the Forsinard peatlands which visually illustrates the progress of restoration in different areas of the RSPB Forsinard reserve. The aim of the visualisation is to show the viewer a chronosequence of the peatland restoration process and the underlying management, current knowledge and research. The visualisations allow the viewer to dynamically fly through the peatland, switch scenarios showing past, present and (near) future states, while allowing the viewer to experience and examine the peatlands in an immersive environment.  We are also currently exploring the usefulness of the visualisations in predicting the trajectory and timelines of restoration efforts.  A simplified version of the model, using the same software, was also generated for use with Oculus Rift VR headsets.

A prototype of the simulation was demonstrated on laptop and VR headset at the Research in the ‘Flow Country’:  Thinking Big Conference, Thurso, 21-23 March, 2017. The model attracted interest from stakeholders including RSPB and SNH. A complete version was demonstrated on a touch table at the Royal Highland Show 22-25 June, 2017. This model attracted considerable interest from stakeholders and community members familiar with, or resident in, the area. The VR model was also demonstrated at the Scottish Game Fair 30 June – 2 July, 2017.

 

Visualising Marine Renewables.

Visualization of an offshore wind farm and tidal turbine array. The visualization has attempted to capture water  and land detail at a high a level of realism. The turbines and waves are animated in the model.

Visualization of sea bed and land terrain

Loch Linnhe PlanimetricVisualization of Loch Linnhe showing terrain and sea bed data (Ordnance Survey / Scottish Association for Marine Science). The model shows glacial erosion on both land and sea, including morraines. The model was presented to council planners, Marine Scotland and SNH staff and the public at the 2012 Festival of the Sea, Oban.

Visualising Natural Flood Management

Simulating natural flood management in the Tarland catchment utilising hydrological data from different land use scenarios. The model incorporates various overlays including modern and old (1860’s) Ordnance Survey maps, hypsographic, watershed and land ownership data.

Detention pond Visualization of a proposed flood storage detention pond showing the bunding and excavation required (Indicated by the red vector).

1D / 2D linked flood model of a flood event at Mar Lodge, Braemar, August 2014, modelled in Flood Modeller. An animated Google Earth model of the same event can be downloaded here, as well as a short background report on the model. You can view a short video clip of the Google Earth model here.

Tarland Land Use Scenarios

A multi-scenario model incorporating economic, environmental  and climate driven land use changes, which has been tested for use with different types of audiences for research, consultation and dissemination. Data have been gathered, through the VLT and an on-line survey, from stakeholder and public audiences relating to perspectives on different landscape scenarios and for the development of land use options from audiences familiar and unfamiliar with the area. The results were reported in a conference paper at the Geographical Information Systems Research – UK (GISRUK) 2012 Conference, University of Lancaster.

Cultural Ecosystem Services

A 3D model of the Forest of Falkland, showing proposed changes to land use and infrastructure. 

Finlathen Park Green Health

Finlathen Park, Dundee. The model was prepared to provide a basis for use in a preference study, and interactive discussion with public and stakeholders. The still images reflect the key characteristics being identified in the ethnographic study (James Hutton Institute) and conjoint study from University of Edinburgh. The model was used at an event in the Finmill Centre, Dundee, for eliciting stakeholder perspectives on green spaces and the roles people’ perceived such spaces as playing in relation to their daily lives. Members of the audiences included Dundee City Councilors, planners, and members of the local community, across all ages. Feedback on the model and facility from the audience was very positive, and a number of recommendations made by people familiar with the area were incorporated into the project.

Urban Greening: Nigg Visualising Urban Greening

A 3D model showing proposed urban greening and water feature at the Aberdeen treatment plant, Nigg.

Other Scientific Visualization

MSSG Soils: Google Earth in VLTVisualization of Major Soils Sub-Groups and Land cover Scotland 1988 using Google Earth Liquid Galaxy in the VLT and on desk top. Google Earth based models allow for really large (Scotland sized!) models /data set which can run on an ordinary desktop.

Visualization of the Bowmont

UAV model of the BowmontVisualization of the Bowmont from data captured by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Original DTM resolution was 6.2 cm, and the aerial image was 3.1 cm! Low-cost high-resolution data covering small areas is very useful in on-going research / visualization involving highly dynamic systems such as rivers.

Bibliography

  • Wang, G.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Miller, D.R. (2016) 3D GIS approach for flood risk management., Joint Workshop - British Council Newton Fund Researcher Links, "OPTIMISTIC": floOd PredicTIon and Management In Steep urbanIsing Catchments, 11-14 September 2016.
  • Ghimire, S.; Wilkinson, M.; Donaldson-Selby, G. (2014) Flood inundation modelling and visualization: application for natural flood management., KnowledgeScotland, Science Policy Connections Online. Research Briefing, Climate, Water and Energy, No. 366, 24 February 2014.

  • Artz, R.R.E; Coyle, M.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Cooksley, S.; Gimona, A.; Pakeman, R.; Hare, M. (2023) A Working Paper Scoping a National Peatland Monitoring Framework, ClimateXChange Scotland website.
  • Coyle, M.; Cash, J.; Johnson-Marshall, A.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Yeluripati, J.; Artz, R. (2022) The Scottish GHG Flux Network - Review of site operation and data status - October 2022, Zenodo, 10.5281/zenodo.7386016.
  • Aitkenhead, M.; Gagkas, Z.; Pakeman, R.; Nijnik, M.; Gimona, A.; Glendell, M.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; McKeen, M.; Donnelly, D.; Jabloun, M.; Lozada-Ellison, L.; Salt, D.; Sideris, K.; Udugbezi, E. (2022) D52 Deliverable D11 Risk and Opportunities Assessment Framework Scope, Concepts and Structure, Technical report submitted to RESAS.
  • Robertson, J.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Parker, T.; Main, A.; Watson, H.; Cooper, P.; Smart, C. (2022) Analysing Carbon Losses from Peatland, Zenodo, 10.5281/zenodo.7386670.
  • Parker, T.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Artz, R.R.E. (2022) Sources of Uncertainty in Estimating Emissions Factors for Particulate Organic Carbon Loss from Eroding Peatlands Review Protocol, Zenodo, 10.5281/zenodo.7129014.
  • Hare, M.; McBride, A.; Addy, S.; Pakeman, R.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Rivington, M.; Gagkas, Z.; Jabloun, M.; Lilly, A.; Wilkinson, M.; Akoumianaki, I. (2022) Moderating extremes in water availability in Scotland a review of the role of functioning wetlands, CREW report.
  • Donaldson-Selby, G.H.; Artz, R.R.E. (2018) Visualisation of peatland restoration., Report for RESAS 1.1.2., James Hutton Institute, 3pp.
  • Donaldson-Selby, G.H. (2017) Visualisation of future woodland scenarios., RESAS Report, The James Hutton Institute, 9pp.
  • Miller, D.R.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C.; McKeen, M. (2017) Aquaculture spatial planning tool factsheet: seascape visibility analysis., Factsheets on Tool Selection and Guidance for Users and Practitioners; Project Report for Aquaspace, Milestone 20.
  • Billing, S-L.; Gubbins, M.; Miller, D.R.; Watret, R.; Adams, T.; Black, K.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C.; Greenhill, L.; Tett, P. (2017) Argyll and Bute, Scotland, UK., In: Strand, O. & Bergh, O. (eds.) Ecosystem Approach to making Space for Aquaculture (Aquaspace). Deliverable 4.2 Case Study Final Reports, Report to the European Commission, James Hutton Institute. Chapter 15, 251-272.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Poggio, L.; Donnelly, D.; Aitkenhead, M.J. (2017) Comparison of remote sensing approaches for detection of peatland drainage in Scotland., Report for CxC website.
  • Miller, D.R.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C.; McKeen, M. (2016) Use of 3D visualisation technology for wind farms and other development proposals - update., Interim Contract Report to Scottish Government.
  • Aitkenhead, M.; Poggio, L.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Gimona, A.; Artz, R.R.E. (2016) Detection of peatland drainage with remote sensing - a scoping study., Technical Report to CxC Directorate.
  • Miller, D.R.; Morrice, J.; McKeen, M.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C.; Munoz-Rojas, J. (2016) Use of digital and 3D technology in planning: research report., Final Report for Scottish Government, pp109.
  • Eastwood, A.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Byg, A.; Fischer, A. (2015) A Future of the Forest of Falkland., Report of staff workshop, Falkland Estate, 26 March 2015. One day staff workshop.
  • Munoz-Rojas Morenes, J.; Morrice, J.; Miller, D.; Horne, P.; Donaldson-Selby,G.; Wang, C. (2014) Review report of best practice examples for landscape management, planning and conservation (Deliverable 5)., Deliverable 5 for the e-CLIC Project (Making European Policy Popular through Callenge, Learning, Innovation, Cooperation: An experiment on the European Landscape Convention).
  • Munoz-Rojas Morenes, J.; Morrice,J.; Miller, D.R.; Horne,P.; Donaldson-Selby,G.; Wang, C. (2014) Learning objectives outline report; the role of ICT tools in promoting landscape challenges, learning, cooperation and innovation in the context of the European Landscape Convention (Deliverable 6)., Deliverable 6 for the e-CLIC Project (Making European Policy Popular through Challenge, Learning, Innovation, Cooperation: An Experiment on the European Landscape Convention.
  • Miller, D.R.; Munoz-Rojas Morenes, J.; Morrice, J.; Horne, P.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C. (2014) Review of ICT tools for the implementation of the European Landscape Convention through awareness raising, learning, innovation and cooperation (Deliverable 7)., Deliverable 7 for the e-CLIC Project (Making European Policy Popular through Challenge, Learning, Innovation, Cooperation: An Experiment on the European Landscape Convention.
  • Munoz-Rojas Morenes, J.; Morrice, J.; Miller, D.R.; Horne, P.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C. (2013) Review report of landscape related policy issues (Deliverable 4)., Deliverable 4 for the e-CLIC Project - Making European Policy Popular through Challenge, Learning, Innovation, Cooperation: An Experiment on the European Landscape Convention.
  • Miller, D.R.; Horne, P.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C.; Morrice, J.; Morris, S. (2013) Greenspace services: community planning., Scottish Government, GreenHealth Information Note Series (No. 4).
  • Miller, D.R.; Morrice, J.; Aspinall, P.; Brewer, M.; Brown, K.; Cummins, R.; Dinnie, E.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Hester, A.J.; Horne, P.; Mitchell, R.; Morris, S.; Munoz-Rojas, J. (2012) GreenHealth progress report., Project Progress Report May 2012.

  • Donaldson-Selby, G.H.; Eastwood, A. (2016) The potential of visualisation to aid decision-making in multi-functional woodlands: a pilot study from Fife, Scotland., GIS Research UK 2016, Greenwich University, 30 March - 01 April 2016.
  • Miller, D.R.; Morrice, J.; Wang, C.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Horne, P.L.; Howe, J. (2016) Seascape visibility as an output to management and planning., Aquaspace Project Scottish Stakeholder Workshop, SAMS, Oban,18 January 2016.
  • Miller, D.R.; Morrice, J.; Wang, C.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Horne, P.L.; Howe, J. (2015) Public interpretation of land and sea using visualisation tools., IALE UK Annual Conference, Seacape Ecology - Connecting Land Sea and Society, University of Edinburgh, 7-9 September 2015.
  • Miller, D.R.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C.; Morrice, J. (2015) Integrating planning and landscape management to deliver public policy on energy and land use., Energy Landscapes: Perception, Planning, Participation and Power, European Conference of the Landscape Research Group, Dresden, 16-17 September 2015.
  • Ghimire, S.; Wilkinson, M.; Donaldson-Selby, G. (2014) Application of 1D and 2D hydrodynamic model for assessing and visualizing effectiveness of Natural Flood Management (NFM) measures., HIC 2014 - 11th International Conference on Hydroinformatics, "Informatics and the Environment: Data and Model Integration in a Heterogeneous Hydro World", New York, USA, 17-21 August 2014.
  • Ghimire, S.; Wilkinson, M.; Donaldson-Selby, G. (2014) Assessing the effectiveness of Natural Flood Management (NFM) in a rural catchment of Scotland., HIC 2014 - 11 International Conference on Hydroinformatics, "Informatics and the Environment: Data and Model Integration in a Heterogeneous Hydro World", New York, USA, 17-21 August 2014.
  • Munoz-Rojas Morenes, J.; Miller, D.; Morrice, J.; Horne, P.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C.; Papageorgiou,F.; Bell, S. (2014) A role of (geo)-ICT tools in the implementation of European policies for sustainable development; an experiment with the European Landscape Convention, GIS Research UK (GISRUK) 2014 Conference, University of Glasgow, 16-18 April 2014.
  • Wang, C.; Miller, D.R.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Jiang Y.; Horne P.; Morrice, J. (2013) Community planning and engagement for greenspace using 3D visualisation tools., 2013 IEEE International Conference on Computer Science and Automation Engineering (CSAE), Convention Center of University Town, Guangzhou University, China, 1-3 November 2013.
  • Munoz-Rojas, J.M.; Miller, D.R.; Morrice, J.; Wang, C.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Aalders, I.H.; Papageorgiou, F.; Horne, P. (2013) Building a methodology and tools to make the European Landscape Convention popular through challenge, learning, innovation and cooperation., Changing European Landscapes: Landscape Ecology, Local to Global: Symposium on Collaborative research for the European Landscape Convention, IALE 2013 European Congress, Manchester, 9-12 September 2013.
  • Miller, D.R.; Horne, P.; Donnelly, D.; Morrice, J.; Donaldson-Selby, G; Wang,C. (2013) Mapping physical and visual access of greenspace., GreenHealth Conference, Edinburgh, 11 March 2013.
  • Miller, D.R.; Brown, I.; Matthews, K.B.; Morrice, J.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C.; Horne, P.; Castellazzi, M.;Tveit, M.; Ode, A. (2012) Linking landscapes, land use change and ecosystem services with stakeholder understanding and decision-making., Invited Keynote Address, Sixth International Conference on Environmental Modelling and Software - iEMS 2012, Leipzig, Germany, 4 July 2012.
  • Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C.; Miller, D.R.; Horne, P.; Castellazzi, M.; Brown, I.; Morrice, J.; Ode-Sang, A. (2012) Testing public preferences for future land uses and landscapes., Proceedings of GIS Research UK, University of Lancaster, 11-13 April 2012.

  • Parker, T.; Coyle, M.; Cash, J.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Johnson-Marshall, A.; Smart, C.; Toca, L.; Artz, R.R.E. (2022) Peatland Carbon and Hydrology Dynamics Across Scotland, The 12th IUCN UK Peatland Programme Conference, 4-6 October 2022, Aberystwyth.
  • Parker, T.; Coyle, M.; Cash, J.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Johnson-Marshall, A.; Smart, C.; Toca, L.; Artz, R.R.E. (2022) Peatland Carbon and Hydrology Dynamics Across Scotland,
  • Donaldson-Selby, G. (2020) How soggy is your bog?, IUCN UK Peatland Programme Conference, Peatlands: From Strategy to Action, 7-10 December 2020. (Online)
  • Donaldson-Selby, G.; Quinn, N.; Artz, R.R.E. (2020) Design of an experimental hydrological network to record and evaluate the differences in hydrological functioning across restored, unrestored and near-natural peatland., EGU General Assembly 2020 Online, 4-8 May 2020. EGU2020-111098. Abstract.
  • Coyle, M.; Morrison, R.; Artz, R.R.E.; Yeluripati, J.; Donaldson-Selby, G. (2020) Pre-restoration carbon dioxide exchange and energy balance dynamics in an eroded upland blanket bog peatland, Scotland, UK., EGU General Assembly 2020 Online, 4-8 May 2020. EGU2020-20705. Abstract.
  • Artz, R.R.E.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Hancock, M.; Cowie, N. (2018) Further management after initial felling to waste greatly enhances the hydrological recovery of formerly afforested peatlands., Flow Country Conference V: Expanding Perspectives, Thurso, Caithness, 31 October - 2 November 2018.
  • Miller, D.R.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C.; McKeen, M. (2017) Exploring aquaculture in virtual reality., Aquaspace Public Engagement Event, Ocean Explorer Centre, Scottish Association for Marine Sciences, Oban, 26 May 2017. (Poster)
  • Miller, D.R.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C.; Howe, J.; McKeen, M. (2017) Exploring uses of our coastal waters in virtual reality., Public Engagement Event, Ocean Explorer Centre, Scottish Association for Marine Sciences, Oban, 26 May 2017. (Poster)
  • Miller, D.R.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C.; Howe, J. (2017) Exploring uses of our coastal waters., Public Engagement Workshops, Ocean Explorer Centre, Scottish Association for Marine Sciences, Oban, 26 May 2017. (Poster)
  • Miller, D.R.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C.; Howe, J.; McKeen, M.; Gubbins, M. (2017) Spatial planning of aquaculture in seascapes., The James Hutton Institute Annual Symposium, Caird Hall, Dundee, 22 November 2017. (Poster).
  • Donaldson-Selby, G.; Artz, R.R.E. (2017) The 3D Flow Country peatland restoration model., Research in the ‘Flow Country’ IV: Thinking Big, Thurso, Caithness, 22-24 March 2017.
  • Poggio, L.; Artz, R.R.E.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Aitkenhead, M.; Donnelly, D.; Gimona, A. (2017) Peat drainage conditions assessment in Scotland., European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2017 (EGU 2017), Vienna, Austria, 23-28 April 2017. EGU2017-8059 (Poster).
  • Nijnik, M.; Miller, D.R.; Slee, B.; Barlagne, C.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Harnmeijer, J.; Currie, M.; McKeen, M.; Hewitt, R. (2017) Social innovation in marginalized rural areas: An overview of the H2020 SIMRA project., CECHR Symposium, West Park Conference Centre, Dundee, 22 February 2017.
  • Wang, G.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Miller, D.R. (2016) 3D GIS approach for flood risk management., Joint Workshop - British Council Newton Fund Researcher Links, "OPTIMISTIC": floOd PredicTIon and Management In Steep urbanIsing Catchments, 11-14 September 2016.
  • Miller, D.R.; Horne, P.L.; Morrice, J.G.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C. (2016) Public identification of pressures for change and development of scenarios of future land use., SRUC-SEPA Conference, What Future for our Farming Systems? Environmental Challenges and Integrated Solutions. Agriculture and the Environment XI, Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh 1-2 March 2016.
  • Miller, D.R.; Aalders, I.H.; Morrice, J.; Schwarz, G. (2016) Evaluating rural development programme measures:landscape impacts., SRUC-SEPA Conference, What Future for our Farming Systems? Environmental Challenges and Integrated Solutions. Agriculture and the Environment XI, Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh 1-2 March 2016.
  • Miller, D.R.; Horne, P.L.; Morrice, J.G.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Wang, C. (2015) Public identification development of scenarios of future land use in Scotland's national parks., Cairngorms National Park Research Conference, 21-22 October 2015.
  • Miller, D.R.; Wang, C.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Horne, P.; Howe, J. (2014) Multi-functional use of land and sea., Poster at SRUC/SEPA Biennial Conference: Delivering Multiple Benefits from our Land: Sustainable Development in Practice, University of Edinburgh, 15-16 April 2014.
  • Miller, D.R.; Wang, C.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Horne, P.; Howe, J. (2014) Multi-functional use of land and sea., Poster at Ecosystem Services Community Conference, Launch Meeting, University of Edinburgh, 30 April - 1 May 2014.
  • Munoz-Rojas, J.; Miller, D.R.; Morrice, J.; Horne, P.; Wang, C.; Donaldson-Selby, G.; Papageorgiou, F.; Bell, S. (2014) The E-CLIC project: making the European Landscape Convention popular through Challenge, Learning, Innovation and Cooperation., Poster at Ecosystem Services Community Conference, Launch Meeting, University of Edinburgh, 30 April - 1 May 2014.

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