Real-Time Visualization in Operational Hydrology through Web-based Cartography

Abstract

Early warning and monitoring activities in the field of natural hazard management are crucial in order to limit damage to life and property from extreme natural events. Decision makers in these fields, such as operational hydrologists, must be enabled to quickly and comprehensively assess an on-going situation, examine its details, and then take further actions based on the most current information available. The cartographic challenge is to deliver automated, real-time visualizations from distributed raw measurement data while applying sound cartographic rules and standards. In this research, a web-based, cartographic, real-time information system is presented. True real-time data of Swiss hydro-meteorological measuring networks were used, and a prototype application was tested that integrates the acquisition, processing, and visualizations in different ways, depending on the chosen timeframe and level of detail. Besides monitoring visualizations, data are retraceable using visualizations that clearly stress the course of a hydrological event and the data's spatio-temporal character. Further visualizations and functionalities are provided that allow for relating real-time data to a broader historical context, facilitating learning from former experiences. Data for past events are immediately retrievable from a data archive, then classified and visualized for comparisons.