Virtual Geographic Environment Research Articles

A 3D virtual geographic environment for flood representation towards risk communication

Risk communication seeks to develop a shared understanding of disaster among stakeholders, thereby amplifying public awareness and empowering them to respond more effectively to emergencies. However, existing studies have overemphasized specialized numerical modelling, making the professional output challenging to understand and use by non-research stakeholders. In this context, this article proposes a 3D virtual geographic environment for flood representation towards risk communication, which integrates flood modelling, parallel computation, and 3D representation in a pipeline. Finally, a section of the Rhine River in Bonn, Germany, is selected for experiment analysis. The experimental results show that the proposed approach is capable of flood modelling and 3D representation within a few hours, the parallel speedup ratio reached 6.45. The intuitive flood scene with 3D city models is beneficial for promoting flood risk communication and is particularly helpful for participants without direct experience of floods to understand its spatiotemporal process. It also can be embedded in the Geospatial Infrastructure Management Ecosystem (GeoIME) cloud application for intelligent flood systems.

Using Immersive Virtual Reality to Study Road-Crossing Sustainability in Fleeting Moments of Space and Time

Despite a history of year-by-year reduction in road-crossing harm and fatality in the United States, the trend reversed course in 2009 and road-crossing has grown more hazardous since. Within this tendency, there has been a marked uptick in risk to urban crossers who are neither children nor elderly. The age group in between these extremes represents a bulk of urban crossers, for whom theoretical explanations for crossing behavior that are focused on youth and senior crossing factors often do not apply. New insight is likely required to explain why the rate of crossing harm is growing for the 20–44 age group, but declining among the young and elderly. However, it is difficult to experiment with crossing scenarios in a real-world context, where significant dangers are present and for which the uniqueness of crossers and crossing sites is abundant. In this paper, we introduce an end-to-end system for examining crossing behavior using a unique combination of real human crossing behavior, made safe through the combination of agent-based models, motion capture, virtual geographic environments, and immersive technologies from virtual reality. We demonstrate that this combination of methods can be deployed to examine very high resolution and very high specificities of crossing scenarios and behaviors, with reach to individual crossers and their judgment over tiny windows of space and time. We demonstrate that the system can reproduce known effects from the theoretical literature and from existing case studies, while also generating huge swaths of empirical and diagnostically useful data on crossing actions, interactions, and reactions relative to fleeting events and phenomena of urban geography, traffic dynamics, and ambient pedestrian crowds. To prove the concept, we deploy the system to investigate crossing judgment behavior among the 20–44 age group.

A knowledge-guided visualization framework of disaster scenes for helping the public cognize risk information

As an important application of virtual geographic environments (VGEs), virtual disaster scenes are essential in enhancing the public’s risk awareness. However, existing virtual disaster scene visualization methods lack expert guidance and fail to meet the public’s requirements, resulting in an ineffective public understanding. Therefore, this paper proposes a knowledge-guided disaster scene 3D visualization framework. First, the public’s demand for disaster scene visualization is analyzed, and a geographic knowledge graph of disaster scenes is constructed. Second, through the guidance of the knowledge graph, the virtual disaster scenes are fusion modeled and suitability represented. Third, a diverse organization and adaptive scheduling method of disaster scene data for multi-computing devices is established. Finally, we developed a prototype system for disaster scene visualization, selected a typical disaster, and conducted cognitive experiments with eye-tracking technology. The results show that the proposed method can effectively support the adaptive visualization of virtual disaster scenes for four computing devices and maintain an efficient frame rate. In addition, compared with other disaster scene visualization methods, our framework incorporates semantic knowledge of scene, user, demand, and space. It can effectively convey disaster information and help the public cognize disaster risks and has significant advantages in modeling standardization, personalization, and adaptability.

A highly realistic 3D reconstruction method for tree models created for virtual geographic environments

A highly realistic 3D reconstruction method for tree models created for virtual geographic environments

Branching the limits: Robust 3D tree reconstruction from incomplete laser point clouds

Accurate individual tree reconstruction based on laser point clouds is vital for precise biomass estimation, virtual geographic environment modeling, and simulation. However, mobile laser 3D scanning systems often capture tree point clouds obscured by leaves, resulting in missing or incomplete branch data, posing significant challenges to detailed tree reconstruction. In this paper, a novel method for fine-grained 3D tree model reconstruction from incomplete point clouds is proposed. This approach addresses the structural reconstruction of trees, tackling two main problems: reconstructing the main trunk and branches based on data completeness. Initially, a 3D morphological algorithm is employed to separate the main trunk and branches in the point cloud. Next, branch point clouds are node-aggregated using clustering, and the trunk’s skeleton point is computed using a multi-scale curve fitting method. To account for incomplete branch point clouds, the Alpha shape is calculated and used as a constraint for the growth model of the L-system, enabling the automatic generation of branch structures. Finally, a morphologically constrained multi-level trunk fusion method is utilized to achieve complete tree model reconstruction. To validate the effectiveness of this method, five trees with varying structures and levels of complexity were selected for structural reconstruction and compared with state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods. Experimental results evince that the method delineated in this study exhibits an aptitude for adeptly approximating tree nodes, even in scenarios characterized by incomplete point cloud data. This approach transcends the reconstruction accuracy manifested by SOTA algorithms specific to three-dimensional tree modeling, simultaneously demonstrating a pronounced resilience to noise and enhanced robustness.

Digital terrain interactive editing technology for landscape planning and design based on deep learning

Abstract In the era of big data information digitization, digital terrain editing technology is an important research content in the virtual geographic environment, 3D landscape simulation system, which has significant value in digital planning and design practice of cities and villages, regional road networks, and landscape gardens. This paper focuses on deep learning-based digital terrain interactive editing technology for landscape planning and design. Firstly, it introduces the concept and principle of digital terrain interactive editing technology, constructs the model and terrain interactive editing algorithm, and then analyzes three systems’ digital geography interactive data from two aspects of accuracy and convergence. The results show that A system planning digital landscape garden landscape accuracy, planning accuracy, and convergence are small, and the planning accuracy reaches a minimum of 88% and a maximum of 95%. The intersection reaches a minimum of 75% and a maximum of 87%. Compared with the other two systems are high, so it can be seen that the digital interactive terrain editing for landscape planning of this design has high planning accuracy and convergence. Digital interactive editing technology is developing rapidly in China’s landscape architecture discipline research and professional practice applications. It has shown excellent development potential and application value in the landscape planning and design industry. This study improves the accuracy and efficiency of digital interactive editing technology and has great historical significance for the development and progress of the Chinese architectural design industry.

Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) in Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) Continuum

Spatial data infrastructure (SDI) is a system that supports the management and use of geospatial data and related resources. It involves the creation and maintenance of a network of organizations, people, and technology that enables the sharing of geospatial data across sectors and stakeholders. In recent years, the growth of geospatial data and the increasing reliance on it by various sectors has led to the emergence of new trends in SDI, such as the use of cloud computing and big data analytics, the integration of geospatial data with other types of data, and the emphasis on open data and data interoperability. Volunteered geographic information (VGI) refers to geospatial data that is collected and contributed by individuals or groups, rather than traditional sources using the application of web 2.0 and location based applications, social media, mobile devices or say citizens as the censors. Crowdsourcing in geospatial data generation concept of VGI has changed the traditional concept of SDI having one way relationship as producers and users to the user driven SDI, where user create diverse, high quality data (spatial, temporal, attribute) and also use the data interoperable, transparently, world widely and free of cost. Various authors have discussed about the application of VGI in the world of the digital data and also point outs the possibility of integration of VGI in SDI as the starting of the new generation of SDI in the form of Global GIS platform, Data Spaces, System of Systems (SoS), Geoverse, Digital Earth, Digital Twin, Virtual Geographic Environment (VGEs). However, there exists multiple VGI challenges such as data quality, data structure, data differentiation, data copyright, and data confidentiality and privacy, but with the proper cooperation and partnerships, policy and legal arrangements, standard developments, financial arrangements, inter/intra communication and added advantages of web 3.0, concept of Global Digital Ecosystem containing Geoverse, SDI and SoS is possible. Hence, VGI is the present and also the future in this SDI continuum.

Discussion on flood control application technology of digital twin Basin based on virtual geographic environment

Discussion on flood control application technology of digital twin Basin based on virtual geographic environment

Progresses in Integrated Application Methods of Geographic Analysis Models for Virtual Geographic Environment Construction

Progresses in Integrated Application Methods of Geographic Analysis Models for Virtual Geographic Environment Construction

A Primary Exploration of Geographic Metaverse from the Perspective of Virtual Geographic Environment

A Primary Exploration of Geographic Metaverse from the Perspective of Virtual Geographic Environment

Inverse augmentation: Transposing real people into pedestrian models

We introduce a scheme for immersing real human users in urban simulations, and for enabling them to transpose their embodied behavior into models. We achieve this by inverse augmentation, flipping traditional philosophies of augmented reality. Rather than beginning with real-world scenes and embellishing them with graphics, we proceed from a base of synthetic, modeled, streetscapes filled with agent characters, which we augment with real human users. Participants are then allowed to use their natural abilities to explore the simulation scenarios. We achieve this by employing mobile virtual reality to allow users to build dynamic presence in a fused geosimulation and virtual geographic environment that they can physically view and walk around in. Our central argument is that inversion of this kind allows for the detail and nuances of human behavior to be brought directly into simulation, where they would traditionally be difficult to capture and represent. We show that close matches between real physical activity on the ground and actions in the model world can be achieved, as measured by spatial analysis and encephalography of user brain activity. We demonstrate the usefulness of the approach with an application to studying pedestrian road-crossing behavior.

VGEs as a New Platform for Urban Modeling and Simulation

The complexity of interrelationships between urban natural environments and human environments is increasing with rapid urbanization. This brings new challenges to urban modeling and simulation in simultaneously meeting the comprehensive needs of the dual integration of data and models, multi-type visualizations, human-centered simulation, geographic collaboration, and interactions between physical and virtual spaces. We here propose virtual geographic environments (VGEs) as a new platform of urban modeling and simulation. After discussing the evolution, definition, and features of VGEs, we design a VGE framework for urban system modeling and simulation. Two typical cases are provided to illustrate how VGEs support urban modeling and simulation on different scales: VGE-based collaborative modeling and the simulation of air pollution dispersion in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) urban agglomeration, and fire emergency crowd evacuation simulation. In the future, VGEs may also play an important role in digital twin cities and urban metaverses.

INTEGRATION AND WEB-BASED PRESENTATION OF 3D CITY MODELS AND BIM DATA: THE CASE OF THE KÖYCEĞİZ CAMPUS

Abstract. Smart cities increase the quality of life of people living in cities with the help of technology. They are the living spaces where practices that minimize the adverse effects of city life are implemented. The ever-growing and complex structure of cities has increased the need to include advanced information and communication technologies in management processes. In addition, the creation and use of three-dimensional (3D) city models in different areas are becoming widespread. 3D city models can be used for spatial analysis and visualization in various applications such as urban and telecommunications planning, disaster management, real-time simulations for educational purposes, and facility management. New concepts and techniques such as 3D GIS and virtual geographic environments are still under development in this context. In addition, Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes are of great importance for the construction of buildings, from manufacturing to operation and management, to the theme of smart cities.In this study, three-dimensional (3D) city models produced by terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry, BIM, and campus infrastructure projects produced by the theme of smart cities were presented on the web. Evaluations were made on the comparison and integration of the mentioned systems.

A process‐driven geo‐analysis engine to support online collaborative geographic experiments

Geographic experiments, as a comprehensive research approach, are utilized to explore natural and social worlds. To help geographically dispersed people engage in geographic experiments and improve experimental outcomes, online collaborative geographic experiments have received increasing attention. As a new generation of geo-analysis tools, VGEs (virtual geographic environments) can provide computer-aided tools to serve geographic experiments. They can not only provide the collaborative GIS capabilities, but also implement geographic simulations using different cyberspace dispersed geographic models. For the complicated and interaction-intensive online collaborative geographic experiments, VGEs also need to help experts implement geographic experiments following a well-defined process. Nevertheless, the process is hardly considered in the existing support systems of collaborative geographic experiments. Therefore, we clarify the categories and relationships of interactions during the process of collaborative geographic experiments and design a process-driven geo-analysis engine. Through this engine, participants can maintain the processes of their collaborative geographic experiments, as well as implement interactions throughout the entire process. To verify the capability of the engine, it is used to support the case study on traffic noise simulation. The results suggest that the engine could assist the different geo-analysis applications with a well-defined process.

Literary placemaking and narrative immersion in extended reality virtual geographic environments

ABSTRACT Virtual geographical environments (VGEs) are being used to represent our sense of place through the application of extended-reality or cross-reality (XR) technologies with a focus on technological advancement and immersion. In light of this, we propose that an expanded and interdisciplinary understanding of the concept of immersion is required to facilitate an understanding of spatial data to a broader audience. The potential of focusing on narrative immersion and literary placemaking in VGEs is discussed to evoke a stronger sense of place and a feeling of presence and belonging in users. This paper seeks to highlight the unique affordances and potentialities of XR narrative style GIS digital representations through an interdisciplinary theoretically lead analysis of outputs created by the Building City dashboards project towards the goal of expanding audiences of non-specialist stakeholders in urban planning processes.

A GIS representation framework for location‐based social media activities

AbstractThe past couple of decades have witnessed tremendous growth of location‐based social media activities (LBSMA) data in virtual spaces, including virtual geographic environments. Such data become innovative resources for the analysis of human activities. Meanwhile, a shift of human interactions from geographical spaces to virtual spaces has been observed. Although this is an exciting research opportunity, it also imposes significant challenges on GIScience, as current GIS representation models are no longer sufficient to handle the increased sophistication of human activities data. This research formalizes an ontology for LBSMA data and a conceptual framework for representing such data in GIS. The framework contributes to GIScience as it enables interconnections of human activities in both the physical and virtual worlds to be represented, organized, retrieved, analyzed, and visualized. The proposed GIS representation model integrates a social dimension into the existing spatial–temporal representation models and allows data analysis in the spatial–temporal–social (STS) dimensions. The research tested this conceptual framework with a prototype and a case study using Facebook data. The prototype and the case study prove that the proposed framework can significantly enhance GIS capabilities for data organization, retrieval, and analysis of LBSMA data in STS dimensions.

Virtual geographic environment construction based on ubiquitous geographic information

Virtual geographic environment construction based on ubiquitous geographic information

Experiencing virtual geographic environment in urban 3D participatory e-planning: A user perspective

The adoption of technology in urban participatory planning with tools such as Virtual Geographic Environments (VGE) promises a broader engagement of urban dwellers, which should ultimately lead to the creation of better cities. However, the authorities and urban experts show hesitancy in endorsing these tools in their practices. Indeed, several parameters must be wisely considered in the design of VGE; if misjudged, their impact could be damaging for the participatory approach and the related urban project. The objective of this study is to engage participants (N = 107) with common tasks conducted in participatory sessions, in order to evaluate the users’ performance when manipulating a VGE. We aimed at assessing three crucial parameters: (1) the VGE representation, (2) the participants’ idiosyncrasies, and (3) the nature of the VGE format. The results demonstrate that the parameters did not affect the same aspect of users’ performance in terms of time, inputs, and correctness. The VGE representation impacts only the time needed to fulfill a task. The participants’ idiosyncrasies, namely age, gender and frequency of 3D use also induce an alteration in time, but spatial abilities seem to impact all characteristics of users’ performance, including correctness. Lastly, the nature of the VGE format significantly alters the time and correctness of users interactions. The results of this study highlight concerns about the inadequacies of the current VGE practices in participatory sessions. Moreover, we suggest guidelines to improve the design of VGE, which could enhance urban participatory planning processes, in order to create better cities.

A dynamic snow accumulation simulation approach for forecasting snow distribution over regional‐scale terrain

AbstractEconomic losses due to snow‐related disasters in pastoral areas of China have become severe in recent decades. Terrain and wind play prominent roles in determining snow distribution patterns. As complex topography and dynamic wind conditions are strong nonlinear multivariables with many uncertain factors, it is difficult to predict elevation‐ and wind‐affected snow depth distribution. The complex characteristics of the snow accumulation process call for highly reliable comprehensive simulation for disaster management. The accuracy of these simulations mainly depends on the integration of multiple models for multi‐stage snow accumulation processes. Focusing on coupling wind‐affected snowdrift and snowmelt processes, we put forward a virtual geographical environment snow accumulation simulation approach. The approach consists of three main steps: (1) computational fluid dynamics prediction of 3D dynamic wind‐flow fields; (2) wind‐affected snowdrift simulation; and (3) snowmelt simulation based on degree‐day model. To check its reliability and efficiency, this approach has been validated by reconstructing a historical snow event at Tacheng City, Xinjiang Province, China. The results have characterized the elevation‐ and wind‐induced snowdrift patterns and their specific levels of risk under various conditions. The comprehensive simulation method described here can be applied to help the government and the public examine future events, and stimulate consideration of appropriate policies and techniques for snow risk mitigation.

Ubiquitous geographic information in the emergent Metaverse

AbstractWe sketch a brief history of the development of virtual geographic environments which build on online gaming, three‐dimensional representations of cities, and the notion that computer technologies are now so all pervasive that many different models of the same phenomenon, in this case, geospatial systems, can now be built. This enables new forms of analysis that let us explore future spatial scenarios which address key urban problems through virtual environments. These allow us to experiment with the near future and to this end, we identify three key issues. First, we look at how we can use new technologies to develop all‐embracing digital environments which are loosely called the “Metaverse”; second, the development of many models which form various kinds of digital twins having different degrees of “closeness” to the real system; and third, the emergence of platform economies that are beginning to push Metaverse‐like technologies into the economic world of networked markets. We conclude with suggestions that these technologies can be used to inform our plan‐making capabilities, for example, through geodesign, and we suggest how we might address the key challenges that need to be addressed to make their approaches ever more relevant to urban planning.