Rob VAN SON

Rob van Son is Project Leader of Digital Underground, a research-to-application project that aims to develop a roadmap for the 3D mapping of existing and future utility networks in Singapore. The availability of an integrated above ground and underground 3D digital map will enable planners to plan in a holistic manner and improve management of underground infrastructure. The project is a collaboration between the Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC), Singapore Land Authority and the City of Zürich.

Rob is a technologist with over 10 years of experience in applied scientific research, public sector consulting and product development. He is experienced in connecting cutting-edge research, technology providers, and end users to develop applications for serious gaming, virtual and augmented reality, and web technology.

Before joining the SEC in 2015, Rob was a technology consultant at the Netherlands organisation for applied scientific research TNO. In this role, he advised national and local government institutions on topics such as neighbourhood resilience and burglary prevention, and operationalising research into engaging new business cases (i.a. "The Watchful Flat") that fostered the prototyping and evaluation of new startup products. Prior to that, he worked as a researcher at TNO's Modelling, Simulation and Gaming department, developing and optimising the 3D virtual world production pipeline for training simulators and urban planning applications.

Rob holds an MSc degree in Computer Science from the Center for Geometry, Imaging and Virtual Environments at Utrecht University.