RMIT University researchers are partnering with AURIN (the Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network) to establish the RMIT Urban Dynamics (RUDY) Node, the newest member of the AURIN Node Network.
Emerging from the RMIT Digital Twins Network, the RUDY Node brings together interdisciplinary expertise from across the University, including spatial analytics, digital twins, and urban data science. This collaboration will contribute to AURIN’s national mission by developing tools and datasets that advance applied research in climate resilience, sustainable urban development, and social equity.
In its first year, the RUDY Node will deliver two major initiatives:
- Urban Digital Twins Integration: Enhancing the use of high resolution 3D drone and BIM data to support planning and monitoring of urban environments. This work is led by Associate Professor Chayn Sun, Professor Joe Hurley, and Professor Melanie Davern.
- AI Driven Semantic 3D Mapping: Developing a scalable and spatially accurate database of outdoor sports facilities to support research into social infrastructure planning and accessibility. This initiative is led by Associate Professor Ben Cheng and Dr Ruwini Edirisinghe.
The RUDY Node aims to collaborate closely with researchers, government agencies, and industry partners to deliver practical, scalable outputs aligned with national research priorities and AURIN’s strategic vision for data informed urban policy and planning.
The Node is led by Professor Matt Duckham, Director of the Information in Society EIP, and supported by a Steering Committee comprising Professor Jago Dodson (Urban Futures EIP Director), Professor Mark Easton (ADVC Research Infrastructure), Dr Amanda Lawrence (Program Director, Australian Internet Observatory), and Professor Pier Marzocca (Director, Sir Lawrence Wackett Aerospace Research Centre).
AURIN looks forward to working with the RMIT team as they develop impactful digital research infrastructure to support Australia’s urban future.
