Leonardo Vilardo, a Laidlaw Scholar at UCL, on Understanding and Sharing Location-Based Data
Research Title:
(m)App my data! Developing a Map-ability Rating and App to Rapidly Communicate Data Quality and Interoperability Potential of Open Data
Don't get fooled by the title into thinking the topic is distant or specialised; everyone operates data! The project focussed on the integration of location-based datasets, which is essentially combining information that can be mapped.
For instance, Google Maps combines GPS and traffic data to craft the best routes. Integrating location-based datasets is one of the most effective ways to understand spatial matters and make evidence-based decisions.
What did we do?
Along with my colleague, Paul Reynolds, we designed a rating system to evaluate datasets on how easily they could be mapped and integrated with each other. We embedded this system into an App that allows the user to see their data in a map and gives back a rating for their dataset.
Then, we used the app to assess datasets from data.gov.uk, the UK's official source of open data. After analysing their environmental and educational datasets from London, our results pointed to serious data quality issues: Most of the data was not accessible, much less able to be mapped.
This contrasts with the UK government's 2030 Geospatial Strategy, which claims to have "unlocked billions of pounds in economic benefits" to promote location data and technologies. Our findings suggest that valuable information is being restricted, public resources may be misused, and research could be hindered.
The impact
Our project promotes effective data sharing, so researchers, urban planners and policymakers can use data to develop comprehensive spatial strategies. This is crucial for creating smarter and more sustainable cities, so we presented our paper at the Athens 2024 International Conference on Smart Data and Smart Cities.
At the conference, with my Leonardo's colleague Paul and their supervisor Dr Ellul.
Something I took from the conference: Getting there was a bit terrifying as an undergraduate student with one of the least technical papers. As I met the brilliant researchers and professors there, I realised they were, above anything else, approachable and happy to give opportunities to beginners. We even ended up winning the best paper in the smart cities category, so, do not trick yourself into feeling intimidated by academia!
Where did your passion for this research originate?
I enjoyed working on this project so much because it brought together different passions.
Firstly, I’m a massive map nerd. From collecting National Geographic magazines to painting (an attempted) world map mural in my room, I’ve always been fascinated by cartography. This research was a unique chance to use this in a technical context and combine it with data science - a powerful tool for the future of urbanism and infrastructure.
My interest in sustainable infrastructure and smart urbanism comes from my love for engineering and its social impact. This is also one of the reasons why I chose civil engineering - the ability to improve and create infrastructure is transformative for development. This always bothered me growing up in a developing country, how the severe lack of infrastructure perpetuates the cycle of poverty and inequality.
Lastly, I was glad to do research on an area with impact. I want to continue working in academia and in roles that have positive social impacts, especially through NGOs, which is what I’m currently working on in Brazil.
How have you applied your leadership skills in real life, and what are some insights from your experience?
My most significant experience with leadership was at my LiA with the Timothy Smith Network (TSN). My role involved teaching 3D modelling to a group of underprivileged high schoolers (the interns). This challenging environment turned out to be the absolute best to apply and, most of all, develop my leadership skills. Looking back, I cannot think of another period I learned and changed as much.
One of the first lessons I faced was that leadership is vulnerable. No matter how much you prepare, you will face surprises and have to adapt. With the interns, when being on the spot with difficult questions and situations, I had to learn to stay calm, listen carefully to understand, and rationalise the situation. Going over the process and talking it through with people, we often figure out the solution mid-sentence. This practice definitely helped me become more articulate and comfortable with presenting.
Leadership also requires adapting to your specific team. I had to adapt to the interns' different learning speeds, especially the ones with learning disabilities. One particular student stood out in this way. He initially seemed uninterested in the program, but with time and dialogue, I learned about the challenges he faced, including food insecurity and being neurodivergent. So, once we worked together to find out how he could focus best, he thrived. His projects were truly impressive and seeing him proudly present his work was unforgettable - then, I saw how rewarding leadership can be.
Since leadership style depends heavily on the situation and environment, we must try to create a favourable atmosphere to lead. I found that students responded much better to encouragement than to punishment. Simple incentives like Kahoot games and small prizes made a big difference. Building real connections—listening and encouraging the interns to share about themselves, and showing I cared for them—created mutual respect. With time, the interns began reinforcing this dynamic and helping me maintain it, even reminding each other to be punctual or less loud. Putting them in groups to peer review and present their progress to each other, also created healthy competition and growth.
When people feel comfortable, they speak freely, and honest feedback is the only way towards improvement. I’ve come to realise how difficult it can be to encourage genuine feedback, especially when it’s negative, without seeking validation.
Lastly, this experience reinforced the value of mentorship to me. Fighting against feeling intimidated to ask for help and learn from experienced people is transformative. The TSN staff was very supportive in this way. Moreover, on my own personal goals, I reached out to researchers I admired during my free time in the LiA, expecting them to not answer but knowing there was no downside to asking. I ended up getting great advice and even a lab tour - So people are much more willing to help than we often think, as long as we show genuine effort and interest.
Leonardo's last day at the Timothy Smith Network handing out certificates to the interns.
Which particular leaders inspire you the most and why?
Though I always feel a bit uneasy stating I admire living politicians, I must acknowledge the work of Tabata Amaral. She is a young congresswoman who is a refreshing, rational voice in Brazilian politics—and unfortunately, lonely at that. She went to Harvard on a scholarship, then returned to Brazil with the mission of improving our educational system. I admire her strong commitment and courage to face our corrupt system with integrity.
Above all, I can confidently say I'm inspired by my family, particularly my grandfather. Coming from a very underprivileged background, he broke out of the cycle of poverty through hard and ethical work, and now he helps others do the same through business and philanthropy.
I admire his perspective on business and success. Recently, he told me about a friend who, in his view, is very successful because her business has many employees. What he explained is that her 100 employees represent 100 families, which is around 400 people whose lives have been improved by that business. I found it brilliant to measure people's success by their social impact.
In his own business, my grandfather always fostered close relationships with his employees, helping out or adapting positions when needed. Over the years, this created a loyal and committed team. When the business recently faced a difficult period, he expected many to leave for better-paying opportunities, but they all chose to stay, and together, turned things around. So, it is inspiring to witness how business can be ethical, profitable and socially transformative.
What does it mean for you to be a Laidlaw Scholar?
Having met many Laidlaw scholars, I've noticed a pattern of people who act on their good intentions and work towards tapping into their potential. I'm always impressed by what scholars are achieving and the opportunities you are all pursuing. This builds an exceptional community, which I experienced in practice at my LiA , where I worked with remarkable scholars.
I'm very grateful for such an immense return from this program. We received invaluable experiences for personal growth as well as access to transformative academic and professional prospects.
Briefly describe a scene from the future you are striving to create.
A future I will work to create has dignified and sustainable infrastructure, especially housing. Since childhood, when visiting relatives in Rio de Janeiro, I have always imagined how the city would look with the favelas rebuilt. There are so many complicated issues that must be considered - how to redesign them, control gentrification, keep the original residents and ensure environmental and economic sustainability - so I would love to see what that looks like one day.
More recently though, I have been learning about transport networks and their potential to reduce waste and pollution. For example, Brazil loses nearly 20% of its grain production during transport (equivalent to billions of pounds annually) due to poor road infrastructure. I absolutely dread road transport - it is expensive, inefficient and polluting - and I want to see a future with a functional, sustainable, and mostly rail, transport network in place.
Leonardo's top leadership tips:
Build real connections – pay attention to people, actively listen and demonstrate that you care for them.
Mentorship is available and invaluable – don’t hesitate to ask, people are willing to help more than we think.
Encourage and create space for honest feedback – fight against seeking validation.
Being home, enjoying nature and eating good food (thankfully not cooked by me).
Leonardo is participating in the start of an NGO in his city:
For almost a year and a half now, I have been participating in the start of an NGO in my city, Brasilia. We renovated a building space for classrooms and began offering after-school classes earlier this year. Our program runs three times a week for high school students, focusing on essential technical and ethical skills needed for any profession, such as math, introduction to programming, IT, and ethics/mentoring. The NGO is located in one of the most vulnerable areas in the country, where our students attend the local public schools that are, unfortunately, highly dysfunctional.
Though still a prototype and only available in Portuguese, feel free to check our website: https://centroarete.org.br/
Anyone with experience, recommendations, study materials or books, feel free to reach out to me on Linkedin! We are still in the early stages, testing things out and studying successful cases. Earlier this week, we flew to Sao Paulo to visit two similar organizations that have been operating for many years to learn from them and foster a connection. So, any guidance or study materials can be useful!
If you want to learn more about Leonardo's work, explore Leonardo's research here and follow him on LinkedIn. Leonardois a Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Scholar at @University College London. Become a Laidlaw Scholar to conduct a research project of your choice, develop your leadership skills, and join a global community of changemakers from world-leading universities.
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Amazing!! You are so inspiring!!!