Geospatial Analysis

Learn how to perform geospatial analysis with NikaWorkspace in 7 easy steps. This tutorial will guide you from creating your first notebook to publishing your analysis results.

Step 1: Create Your First Notebook

Quick Start

  1. Navigate to Notebooks: Click on “Notebooks” in the left sidebar
  2. Click ”+” Button: Click the ”+” button in the notebook list
  3. Select “Blank Notebook”: Choose “Blank Notebook” from the dropdown menu
  4. Auto-Save Enabled: Your notebook is automatically saved

Rename Your Notebook

  • Click Title Area: Click on the notebook title at the top left
  • Type New Name: Enter a descriptive name like “Geospatial Analysis Project”
  • Professional Naming: Use clear, descriptive names for your projects
Create Blank Notebook

Step 2: Start Your Machine

Select Machine Configuration

Choose from available configurations:
  • CPUx3: 3 CPU cores, 24GB RAM, ready in under 30 seconds (recommended for beginners)
  • CPUx7: 7 CPU cores, 53GB RAM, ready in over 2 minutes
  • GPU Machines: For machine learning and complex processing

Start Machine

  1. Click “Start Machine”: Click the prominent white button
  2. Wait for Ready: Machine will be ready in 15-40 seconds
  3. Monitor Status: Hover over the green dot to check machine status
Start Machine

Step 3: Add Content Blocks

Using the ”+” Icon

  1. Find ”+” Button: Look for the ”+” icon on the left of any row
  2. Click ”+”: Click to add a new block
  3. Select Block Type: Choose from code, markdown, alerts, or media blocks

Using Keyboard Shortcut

  • Press ”/”: Type ”/” in any empty row to trigger block selection
  • Choose Block: Select the desired block type from the menu

Available Block Types

  • Code Block: For Python code execution
  • Alert Block: Highlight important information
  • Headings: Create section headers
  • Media: Insert images, videos, or file attachments
Cool Blocks Available

Step 4: Run Your Code

Multiple Execution Methods

  1. Hover Menu: Hover over code block and click the play button (▶️)
  2. Keyboard Shortcut: Select block and press Shift+Enter
  3. Run All: Use “Run All” button in top-right toolbar for sequential execution

Streaming Execution

  • Real-time Output: Results stream in from the kernel
  • Background Processing: Long-running code continues even if you close the workspace
  • Return Later: Come back hours later to see completed results
Run Button in Hover Menu

Step 5: Use Pre-installed Geospatial Libraries

GDAL and CUDA Ready

All VM kernels come with:
  • GDAL 3.9.1: Geospatial Data Abstraction Library
  • CUDA 12.2: NVIDIA CUDA for GPU acceleration
  • Python 3.10/3.11: Multiple Python versions available

Example Geospatial Code

# Import geospatial libraries
import rasterio
import geopandas as gpd
import numpy as np

# Load raster data
with rasterio.open('/workspace/data/satellite.tif') as src:
    data = src.read()
    print(f"Raster size: {src.width} x {src.height}")

# Load vector data
gdf = gpd.read_file('/workspace/data/shapefile.shp')
print(f"Number of features: {len(gdf)}")

# Perform analysis
ndvi = (data[3] - data[2]) / (data[3] + data[2])
print(f"NDVI calculated successfully")
GDAL CUDA Pre-installed

Step 6: Use AI-Powered Features

Quick AI Edit

  • Press Cmd/Ctrl + K: Get AI suggestions for code improvements
  • Green Suggestions: AI suggestions appear in green text
  • Preview Execution: Test suggested changes before accepting
  • Accept/Reject: Choose which suggestions to keep

Error Resolution with GAIA

  • “Resolve in GAIA” Button: Click when you encounter errors
  • AI Analysis: GAIA analyzes your entire notebook context
  • Chat Interface: Ask questions and get AI assistance
  • Direct Modifications: AI can modify your notebook directly
Resolve in GAIA Button

Step 7: Publish Your Analysis

Prepare for Publishing

  1. Finalize Your Analysis: Ensure all code blocks are executed
  2. Add Documentation: Include markdown blocks explaining your work
  3. Test Functionality: Verify all interactive features work

Publish Your Notebook

  1. Right-click Notebook: Right-click on your notebook in the list
  2. Select “Publish”: Choose the publish option from the context menu
  3. Fill Required Fields: Enter title*, version*, and category*
  4. Generate Thumbnail: Use AI generation if you don’t have a thumbnail
  5. Set Visibility: Choose Team Only or Public access
  6. Click Publish: Finalize your publication

View Published Notebook

  • Click Arrow Icon: Click the arrow icon in the publish dialog
  • New Tab Opens: Your published notebook opens in a new tab
  • Static View: Notebook is view-only for others
  • Public Gallery: If public, appears in the NikaGallery
Publish Dialog with Required Fields

Key Features Summary

Easy to Use

  • Auto-save: Everything is automatically saved
  • Streaming Execution: Long-running tasks continue in background
  • Multiple Execution Methods: Hover, keyboard shortcuts, or run all
  • Block Reordering: Easy reordering with arrow buttons

Powerful Analysis

  • Pre-installed Libraries: GDAL, CUDA, and Python ready to use
  • Large Dataset Support: Work with TB-PB sized geospatial data
  • GPU Acceleration: Use CUDA for faster processing
  • Real-time Linting: Code quality feedback as you type

AI-Powered

  • Quick AI Edit: Get code suggestions with Cmd/Ctrl + K
  • Error Resolution: Use GAIA for intelligent error fixing
  • Context-Aware: AI understands your entire notebook
  • Chat Interface: Natural language interaction with AI

Collaboration Ready

  • Team Publishing: Share with team members
  • Public Gallery: Share with the broader community
  • Version Control: Maintain different versions of your work
  • Easy Updates: Modify and republish as needed

Next Steps

Now that you’ve completed the tutorial:
  1. Explore Libraries: Check Supported Python Libraries
  2. Advanced Features: Learn about AI Coding in Notebook
  3. Machine Management: Understand Starting Your Machine
  4. Publishing: Master Publishing Your Notebook

Need Help?

  • Guides: Use the /guides tab for detailed tutorials
  • AI Assistance: Use GAIA for code help and error resolution
  • Community: Ask questions in our community forum
  • Support: Send us a support request
Happy geospatial analyzing!