How virtual reality can help visualise and assess geohazards

Geohazard research requires extensive spatiotemporal understanding based on an adequate multi-scale representation of modelling results. The most commonly applied representation basis for collected data is still the one of a 2D plane, typically a map. Digital maps of spatial data can be visualised a...

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Main Authors: Hans-Balder Havenith, Philippe Cerfontaine, Anne-Sophie Mreyen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2019-02-01
Series:International Journal of Digital Earth
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17538947.2017.1365960
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author Hans-Balder Havenith
Philippe Cerfontaine
Anne-Sophie Mreyen
author_facet Hans-Balder Havenith
Philippe Cerfontaine
Anne-Sophie Mreyen
author_sort Hans-Balder Havenith
collection DOAJ
description Geohazard research requires extensive spatiotemporal understanding based on an adequate multi-scale representation of modelling results. The most commonly applied representation basis for collected data is still the one of a 2D plane, typically a map. Digital maps of spatial data can be visualised and processed by using Geographic Information Systems. It is far less common to use 3D geomodels for the analysis and visualisation of spatial data. For the visualisation of both spatial and temporal hazard components, there are no standardised tools. We claim that a full geohazard assessment is only possible inside a new type of geoscientific and technological environment that is at the same time multi-dimensional, spatiotemporal, integrated, fully interactive (tele-)immersive, and collaborative. Surface and subsurface processes are interacting at various scales that are difficult to be overviewed at once. Virtual Reality (VR) technology could provide an attractive solution to overcome the multi-dimensional and spatiotemporal obstacles. The review of geoscientific applications using VR technology developed by multiple teams around the world shows that some solutions have already been developed many years ago, but widespread use was not possible. This is clearly changing now and soon we will see if VR can contribute to a better understanding of geo-processes.
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spelling doaj.art-428ebf8a9e564b0c9f842e17059f9e2e2023-09-21T14:38:06ZengTaylor & Francis GroupInternational Journal of Digital Earth1753-89471753-89552019-02-0112217318910.1080/17538947.2017.13659601365960How virtual reality can help visualise and assess geohazardsHans-Balder Havenith0Philippe Cerfontaine1Anne-Sophie Mreyen2University of LiegeUniversity of LiegeUniversity of LiegeGeohazard research requires extensive spatiotemporal understanding based on an adequate multi-scale representation of modelling results. The most commonly applied representation basis for collected data is still the one of a 2D plane, typically a map. Digital maps of spatial data can be visualised and processed by using Geographic Information Systems. It is far less common to use 3D geomodels for the analysis and visualisation of spatial data. For the visualisation of both spatial and temporal hazard components, there are no standardised tools. We claim that a full geohazard assessment is only possible inside a new type of geoscientific and technological environment that is at the same time multi-dimensional, spatiotemporal, integrated, fully interactive (tele-)immersive, and collaborative. Surface and subsurface processes are interacting at various scales that are difficult to be overviewed at once. Virtual Reality (VR) technology could provide an attractive solution to overcome the multi-dimensional and spatiotemporal obstacles. The review of geoscientific applications using VR technology developed by multiple teams around the world shows that some solutions have already been developed many years ago, but widespread use was not possible. This is clearly changing now and soon we will see if VR can contribute to a better understanding of geo-processes.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17538947.2017.13659604d geospacespatiotemporal analysisvirtual environmentsimmersive visualisationcollaboration
spellingShingle Hans-Balder Havenith
Philippe Cerfontaine
Anne-Sophie Mreyen
How virtual reality can help visualise and assess geohazards
International Journal of Digital Earth
4d geospace
spatiotemporal analysis
virtual environments
immersive visualisation
collaboration
title How virtual reality can help visualise and assess geohazards
title_full How virtual reality can help visualise and assess geohazards
title_fullStr How virtual reality can help visualise and assess geohazards
title_full_unstemmed How virtual reality can help visualise and assess geohazards
title_short How virtual reality can help visualise and assess geohazards
title_sort how virtual reality can help visualise and assess geohazards
topic 4d geospace
spatiotemporal analysis
virtual environments
immersive visualisation
collaboration
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17538947.2017.1365960
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