City Analytics Series

Designed by industry-leading researchers and practitioners from UNSW School of Built Environment and City Futures Research Centre, these short courses demonstrate how research-informed teaching, open data platforms and best-practice modelling can support sustainable development and long-term, smart urban solutions.

Ideal for students, researchers, built environment practitioners and professionals from industry, government and civil society, these courses offer a flexible, online format to fit your schedule and help you gain the knowledge and skills for impactful, future-focused urban development.

Courses

Digital Twins and 3D Tools for Urban Planning

Spatial digital twins have become essential in academia, government and institutions for planning, decision-making and management. This course introduces 3D digital models for the built environment, covering how to create, manage and visualise them. You’ll explore foundational theories and technical skills, including GIS, 3D modelling and database management and gain practical experience with tools like SketchUp, PostGIS and QGIS.

Through lectures, practical exercises and self-study, this 25-hour course combines theory with hands-on practice, allowing you to build and visualise 3D models and reinforce your learning with quizzes after each session.

Volume of Learning: 25 hours

Format: 100% online; learn at your own pace and around your schedule

Delivery: 5 modules combining theory and practical learning

Course Convenors: Professor Sisi Zlatanova; Dr Jack Brown

Open Data Platforms and Licences for Cities

This course offers essential skills for navigating the intersection of open data with cultural heritage, housing markets and urban planning. In today’s digital era, open data is vital for informed decision-making, citizen engagement and sustainable urban development. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to urban big data, covering licensing, analysis, visualisation, citizen science and participatory planning.

This 28.5-hour online course is fully flexible, with recorded lectures, readings and interactive activities. Work at your own pace to explore the potential of open data for cities, engage with the Colouring Australia platform and apply insights through discussion forums and practical exercises.

Volume of Learning: 28.5 hours

Format: 100% online; learn at your own pace and around your schedule

Delivery: 3 modules combining theory and practical learning

Course Convenors: Dr Matthew Ng

If you're only interested in one of the courses, you're welcome to enrol in it separately. For more information, please visit the UNSW ADA Short Courses website:

Short courses | Arts, Design & Architecture