FACILITIES
Located within the world-renowned King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the Urban Lab is uniquely positioned to leverage KAUST’s cutting-edge research environment and infrastructure. Our researchers benefit from access to world-class laboratories, advanced scientific tools, and an innovation-driven campus that supports interdisciplinary collaboration. The Urban Lab is designed as a hub for applied research, data-driven experimentation, and scalable innovation in sustainability, climate, and urban systems. Through our integrated facilities and strong connection to KAUST’s ecosystem, we provide our researchers, students, and partners with the resources needed to explore novel ideas and deliver transformative solutions for cities in Saudi Arabia and around the world.
Integrated and Monitoring Systems
At KAUST Urban Lab, we leverage cutting-edge integrated and monitoring systems to gather precise, real-time environmental and urban data. These systems enable multi-scale research in climate monitoring, air quality assessment, spatial mapping, and infrastructure performance. By combining aerial, mobile, and stationary sensing platforms, we empower our researchers to analyze complex urban dynamics with high spatial and temporal resolution. Below is an overview of our core monitoring technologies:
- System: LiAir H800 with DJI Matrice Drone Integration
- Purpose: High-Resolution 3D LiDAR Mapping of Terrain, Infrastructure, and Vegetation
The LiAir H800 from GreenValley International is a next-generation UAV-mounted LiDAR system engineered for aerial spatial data acquisition. Designed specifically for integration with the DJI Matrice platform, it combines advanced laser scanning with GNSS and IMU systems for accurate 3D mapping in complex environments.
This system provides highly detailed models of topography, built structures, road networks, and vegetation. Its outputs are critical for analyzing urban form, drainage patterns, and infrastructure risks. Accompanied by robust software for data post-processing, the H800 supports applications in environmental planning, infrastructure monitoring, disaster risk analysis, and ecosystem assessment.
- Systems: Scentroid DR2000 Drone Air Quality Analyzer and US20 Urban Scanner
- Purpose: Vertical and Mobile Air Quality Mapping in Urban Environments
These systems allow high-resolution air quality assessments both from the air and ground.
- The DR2000 drone can monitor atmospheric pollutants such as SO₂, VOCs, CH₄, and particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) at altitudes up to 125 meters. It records GPS location, altitude, and meteorological data every 2 seconds, generating real-time maps of emission plumes and pollutant dispersion patterns.
- The US20 Urban Scanner is a mobile terrestrial platform capable of simultaneously recording air quality data, 3D urban geometry, traffic flow, and local weather conditions. It supports up to 15 integrated sensors and is ideal for urban corridor studies and public health research.
These tools support our efforts in climate adaptation, resilient design, and air pollution exposure studies across dense urban fabrics.
- System: DJI Matrice 350 RTK with Zenmuse L2, P1, and H2OT Payloads
- Purpose: Aerial Mapping, Infrastructure Inspection, and Environmental Modeling
The DJI Matrice 350 RTK is a robust commercial drone platform optimized for high-accuracy 3D mapping and scanning. It supports multiple payloads, including:
- Zenmuse L2: A LiDAR + RGB camera capable of near real-time data capture, ideal for topographic mapping and modeling built structures with centimeter-level accuracy.
- Zenmuse P1: A high-resolution camera tailored for photogrammetry, allowing efficient and detailed visual data collection over large areas.
- Zenmuse H2OT: A hybrid sensor combining thermal imaging, zoom, and laser rangefinding, offering rapid multi-perspective data for infrastructure inspection and environmental monitoring.
Together, this payload suite enables efficient modeling of complex environments, structural analysis, and climate-related data collection, serving both research and outreach activities.
System: Onset HOBO Weather Stations
Purpose: Climate Monitoring at Micro and Local Scales
The HOBO Integrated Weather Stations provide comprehensive environmental data through compact, versatile, and customizable sensor units. Equipped to monitor wind speed and direction, air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, barometric pressure, rainfall, and leaf wetness, these stations help track meteorological patterns critical to understanding urban climate and thermal comfort. Each of the 10 units is connected to a cloud-based data platform, allowing remote, real-time data logging and access. These systems are ideal for site-specific studies across urban, coastal, or arid environments and are widely used in our projects on walkability, thermal comfort, and urban heat island mitigation.
Computational Resources
At KAUST Urban Lab, advanced computational capabilities are essential to our research, enabling high-performance simulations, modeling, and data processing. Our researchers benefit from access to KAUST's world-class infrastructure and internal lab resources that support complex, data-driven research across all five pillars and approaches. These tools enhance our ability to explore sustainability, resiliency, and livability challenges in urban environments.
Ibex is a heterogeneous high-performance computing (HPC) cluster at the KAUST Supercomputing Lab (KSL). With both CPU and GPU nodes optimized for a variety of workloads, Ibex supports simulation, optimization, and data-intensive research. Urban Lab researchers use Ibex to accelerate modeling tasks, such as building energy simulation, air quality forecasting, and urban-scale LCA computations.
Shaheen III is the most powerful supercomputer in the Middle East and ranks among the top 20 globally. Built on the HPE Cray EX architecture, Shaheen III supports cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines. At Urban Lab, it is used for climate modeling, urban heat island simulations, and computational fluid dynamics studies that inform urban infrastructure resilience and sustainability.
The Urban Lab is equipped with multiple high-performance workstations supporting various operating systems. These machines are configured to handle advanced modeling, environmental simulation, geospatial analysis, and machine learning applications. They enable Urban Lab researchers to perform detailed analyses and scenario testing required for urban systems planning and life cycle assessments.
Lab Equipment and Tools
At KAUST Urban Lab, advanced The KAUST Urban Lab is equipped with a diverse collection of portable and stationary instruments that support field studies, environmental monitoring, and experimental analysis across multiple research themes. These tools are used for collecting real-time data on air quality, thermal performance, human comfort, lighting, sound levels, and more. Many instruments are essential for both research and community outreach activities and are regularly employed in student-led experiments and interdisciplinary collaborations. Below is a categorized list of key equipment and tools available in the Urban Lab:
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND AIR QUALITY
A versatile tool that measures seven water parameters: pH, salinity, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), conductivity, resistivity, mV, and temperature. Useful for environmental assessments, water sampling, and lab analysis.
Qty: 1
Detects and quantifies electromagnetic fields from common electronic devices and power sources. Assists in evaluating exposure levels and potential health risks in indoor environments.
Qty: 1
Measures and records UVA and UVC radiation levels along with temperature using thermocouples. Essential for environments with UV exposure, such as labs, healthcare facilities, or building façades.
Qty: 1
Measures concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and formaldehyde in real time. Ideal for evaluating air quality in enclosed spaces like homes, schools, and workplaces where off-gassing from materials may occur.
Qty: 2
This meter monitors indoor air quality by logging carbon dioxide (CO₂), temperature, and relative humidity. Useful for detecting inadequate ventilation and analyzing IAQ trends over time in residential, commercial, and institutional settings.
Qty: 2
A portable device designed to detect and quantify airborne particles, including PM2.5, PM10, and AQI levels, while also measuring temperature and humidity. Ideal for real-time air quality assessments in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Qty: 2
BUILDING PHYSICS AND COMFORT ANALYSIS
Measures light intensity from artificial and natural sources in lux or foot-candles. Ideal for ensuring lighting conditions meet building code requirements and occupant comfort standards.
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Monitors and logs low-range differential pressures across building systems such as ventilation and ductwork. Useful for balancing airflow and verifying system integrity.
Qty: 2
Designed for HVAC diagnostics, this meter measures duct airflow, ambient temperature, and relative humidity. It helps verify HVAC system performance and comfort level regulation.
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Measures surface temperatures from a distance using dual laser targeting for accuracy. Useful for spot-checking HVAC systems, insulation effectiveness, and detecting thermal bridges.
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A precision instrument that calculates the thermal transmittance (U-value) of building components by measuring both surface and indoor air temperatures. Essential for evaluating insulation performance and identifying heat loss.
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Software Platforms
At the Urban Lab, we use a wide range of advanced software platforms to support our research in sustainability, resiliency, and livability. These tools empower our team to model complex systems, perform simulations, evaluate life cycle impacts, and visualize data for scientific analysis and decision-making. Our software ecosystem spans fields including building information modeling (BIM), life cycle assessment (LCA), computational fluid dynamics, environmental simulation, and urban planning. Below is a list of our software resources:
CAD/CAE tool used for creating 3D mechanical models and simulating stress, deflection, temperature, and fluid flow.
3D model review software for coordinating BIM workflows and performing 4D/5D construction simulations.
CAD software for drafting and designing in 2D and 3D across engineering and architectural applications.
BIM software for architects and engineers to design, model, and manage building components in a 3D environment.
Life Cycle Assessment software for quantifying environmental impacts and identifying sustainability hotspots across the product life cycle.
Core Labs at KAUST
At KAUST, researchers benefit from unparalleled access to world-class research infrastructure through the University’s Core Labs and major facilities. These state-of-the-art, shared-use laboratories support advanced scientific research in fields spanning biosciences, materials science, imaging, nanofabrication, and analytical chemistry. Staffed with expert scientists and equipped with high-end instrumentation, the Core Labs enable interdisciplinary research, foster collaboration, and accelerate discovery. Urban Lab researchers regularly utilize these Core Labs to complement their experimental and analytical work across sustainability, climate, and resilience-related topics. This integrated access allows our team to perform detailed material characterization, environmental analysis, and high-resolution imaging—critical to our research mission.
Library and Learning Resources
At KAUST, researchers benefit from unparalleled access to world-class research infrastructure through the University’s Core Labs and major facilities. These state-of-the-art, shared-use laboratories support advanced scientific research in fields spanning biosciences, materials science, imaging, nanofabrication, and analytical chemistry. Staffed with expert scientists and equipped with high-end instrumentation, the Core Labs enable interdisciplinary research, foster collaboration, and accelerate discovery. Urban Lab researchers regularly utilize these Core Labs to complement their experimental and analytical work across sustainability, climate, and resilience-related topics. This integrated access allows our team to perform detailed material characterization, environmental analysis, and high-resolution imaging—critical to our research mission.
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