Development of Interactive Virtual Environment for Hydro-meteorological Visualization and Analysis

Visualization in the sciences of meteorology and hydrology has evolved concurrently with advances in computer technology. As the world moves toward a new era of technology including Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications, visualization packages for earth science data stand to significantly improved. Data visualization is an essential aspect of understanding, exploring and manipulating relationships among variables for training and within research and development and operational workflows. VR and AR provide a unique medium to both analyze and interact with data either collected or generated within a three-dimensional (3-D) environment. Some studies have suggested that being immersed in an environment leads to better recall and improved situational awareness. The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) continues to develop a VR platform to support (i) training on the Meteorology and Hydrology programmes, (ii) impact-based forecasting and (iii) disaster management primarily for the benefit of the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) Member States. The CIMH has been exploring the integration of observations from near real-time observation networks, spaced-based imagery, ground-based imagery, outputs from numerical prediction models and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) layer overlays such as watershed boundaries and hazard maps. Draping satellite imagery over a 3-D representation of the terrain provides an in-country fly over experience and a powerful visualization tool that allows (i) lecturers and scientist to better demonstrate, explain and explore interactions between 5-D atmospheric variables and the environment, (ii) forecasters to have a better appreciation for exposed assets and vulnerable communities in support of impact-based forecasting and (iii) pre-assessment and site familiarization prior to the deployment of reconnaissance and assessment teams. Currently, island scale VR representations for approximately nine (9) CMO Member States are available. AR application development at the CIMH is in its infancy. However, it is expected that AR applications will soon be mature enough to support training, research and development. This poster showcases the development of VR applications at the CIMH and introduces AR has an additional visualization tool.