The project structure reflects the fundamental premise of the project, which will address the integration of the latest scientific and professional findings and trends from the field of information technologies into the monitoring of the state of spatial development and spatial planning.

The project will be divided into 4 work packages (WPs). Each work package will consist of related activities that will yield interconnected results. Two activities will be led by FERI. Two activities will be led by the Geodetic Institute of Slovenia (GI). Two activities will be led by the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering (FGG – Chair of Spatial Planning). Three activities will be led by Igea d.o.o. Two activities will be led by the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Arts (FF – Department of Geography). Two activities will be led by the Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia (UIRS). The partners will implement all work packages and activities together. A detailed breakdown of activity leadership is provided at the beginning of each work package description.

The structure of the work packages and activities is as follows:

Work Package 1: OVERVIEW OF SPATIAL PLANNING METHODS AND TOOLS, MODERN TECHNOLOGIES, AND OPEN DATA

Work Package 1 is dedicated to reviewing spatial planning instruments (with an emphasis on spatial planning and monitoring the state of spatial development) and analyzing all types of open and other easily accessible data and various technologies that can be used in future planning and monitoring processes. The work package is divided into 4 activities. Activity 1.1 will be led by UIRS, Activity 1.2 by GI, Activity 1.3 by FGG, and Activity 1.4 by FERI.

• Activity 1.1: Overview of the spatial planning system and instruments, and examination of the processes of key stakeholders… We will review the spatial planning system and instruments and identify key stakeholders in spatial planning and monitoring. We will identify their key processes and the databases they already use or need. This review and analysis will serve as a basis for developing Activity 2.3, where we will support spatial monitoring using modern technologies and various open/alternative databases. The result will be an inventory and description of the processes and the actors involved—a dedicated chapter in the report.
• Activity 1.2: Identification and review of the availability and accessibility of open data… We will identify and review various open and other easily accessible (alternative) databases suitable for monitoring and planning. We will focus on data defining natural and social phenomena, emphasizing state registers, remote sensing data, statistical data, and data from modern media and social networks (e.g., Twitter, Instagram). The data will be assessed for its suitability, defining technical specifications (e.g., spatial/temporal resolution, access method, data model) and integration possibilities. The result will be a catalog of useful data sources, serving as a baseline for A2.2.
• Activity 1.3: Examination of existing indicators for monitoring spatial development. We will examine existing spatial monitoring indicators established by various organizations (Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, Environment Agency, Statistical Office, etc.) and internationally recognized indicators. The result will be a set of existing indicators with their usage methodology, supporting the development of new indicators in A2.2.
• Activity 1.4: Identification of key technological trends… This activity focuses on defining modern technological solutions and tools (the “technology stack”) suitable for the systematic fusion of heterogeneous data. In line with the EC’s new digital strategy, we will examine data space development activities (GAIA-X, IDSA, Horizon Europe projects) and all levels of trustworthy AI (explainability, fairness, personal data security). The result will be a set of IT technologies and specifications for their use, which will guide developmental activities in A2.3 and WP3.

Work Package 2: METHODOLOGY FOR USING OPEN DATA AND MODERN TECHNOLOGIES IN MONITORING SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT

WP2 focuses on developing a methodology for using open data and modern technologies in spatial monitoring (based on WP1 results). It is divided into 3 activities. Activity 2.1 will be led by Igea d.o.o., Activity 2.2 by GI, and Activity 2.3 by FERI.

• Activity 2.1: Designing the concept of monitoring spatial development… We will design a monitoring concept focusing on indicators for the reuse of space. Slovenia and Europe are committed to reducing built-up areas (aiming for zero net land take by 2050, per the National Environmental Protection Programme and the Spatial Development Strategy of Slovenia 2050). Achieving this requires monitoring and rationalizing spatial use, primarily through revitalizing degraded and brownfield areas. The concept will include content, technological, and organizational aspects (who uses the system, in which processes, and how). Based on this, A2.2 and A2.3 will define specific indicators and system architecture.
• Activity 2.2: Development of key indicators for monitoring spatial development. Based on WP1 and A2.1, we will develop key indicators emphasizing the zero net land take commitment via the spatial reuse concept. We will define indicators based on available data, analyze data flows, and study spatial relationships using AI methods for automated land type/property detection. This is crucial for directing activities toward degraded and brownfield sites rather than “greenfield” investments. We will analyze indicator applicability at state, regional, and municipal levels. This is vital for executing the pilot cases (WP3).
• Activity 2.3: Design of a method for integrating modern technologies… Based on A1.3 and A2.2, we will develop a “technology stack”—key components needed for data transformations (mapping sources to a common geospatial/temporal axis), machine learning, AI application, and integrating data products into existing processes. The result will be the technological architectural plan for the system, guiding WP3 pilot implementations.

Work Package 3: PILOT CASES

In WP3, we will prepare and execute three pilot cases covering national, regional, and municipal levels. These will cover natural and socio-geographical phenomena (specifics to be coordinated with the client) and will serve to validate the developed methodology (A2.1), indicators (A2.2), and data/technologies (A2.3). Activity 3.1 will be led by Igea d.o.o., Activity 3.2 by UIRS, Activity 3.3 by FF, and Activity 3.4 by FGG.

• Activity 3.1: Establishment of a demonstration environment. We will establish a demo environment to run analyses on available data. Following the A2.3 architecture, we will set up a system for data collection, quality evaluation, processing, visual analytics, and interpretation. Hosted on the contractor’s equipment, it will serve as a key tool for evaluating and distributing developed indicators. Each pilot (A3.2, A3.3, A3.4) will have its own defined Workspace.
• Activity 3.2: Municipal level – degraded lands. In a selected municipality, we will use algorithms to detect properties of built-up and degraded lands, establishing a data prototype for the spatial reuse concept. We will calculate the reuse indicator at the municipal level, evaluate data quality, and provide recommendations for municipal spatial planning. Result: datasets and indicator visualizations in the demo environment.
• Activity 3.3: Regional level – natural phenomenon. Using a regional physical-geographical area degraded by a natural disaster (fire), we will monitor land property changes on the burn site. The indicator will monitor the success of spatial renaturation. We will evaluate data quality and provide recommendations for spatial monitoring in major disaster areas. Result: datasets and indicator visualizations in the demo environment.
• Activity 3.4: National level – monitoring the reuse of space. We will test spatial reuse indicators at the national level, focusing on built-up indicators and multi-source combinations to track spatial reuse success. We will evaluate data quality and provide recommendations for national-level monitoring. Result: datasets and indicator visualizations in the demo environment.

Work Package 4: RECOMMENDATIONS AND DISSEMINATION

WP4 is dedicated to final client recommendations and project dissemination. Activity 4.1 will be led by FF, and Activity 4.2 by Igea d.o.o.

Activity 4.2: Reporting to the client and final project recommendations. We will hold several internal meetings with the client and provide presentations at all major milestones. Interim reports and important project data will be published on the project website (established as a subpage of the partners’ existing sites). Based on previous analyses (A1.1, A1.3), WP2 methodologies, and WP3 pilots, special emphasis will be placed on recommendations for integrating the developed indicators, available data, and modern technologies into the spatial development monitoring system, as well as recommendations for their use in national, regional, and municipal spatial planning. The recommendations will be both content-related and technological in nature.

Activity 4.1: Dissemination for the scientific and professional public and other key stakeholders. We will disseminate results by presenting the project at a professional gathering and publishing an article in professional and/or scientific publications.

V2-2390 is a target research project co-financed by Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency and The Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning of the Republic of Slovenia.