Walking through the forests of the future: using data-driven virtual reality to visualize forests under climate change
Walking through the forests of the future: using data-driven virtual reality to visualize forests under climate change
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DOI：
10.1080/13658816.2020.1830997
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发表时间：
2020-11
影响因子：
5.7
通讯作者：
Jiawei Huang;M. Lucash;R. Scheller;A. Klippel
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
Jiawei Huang;M. Lucash;R. Scheller;A. Klippel
摘要沟通和理解气候引起的环境变化是具有挑战性的，特别是使用传统的表示方法，如图表，地图或照片。沉浸式的可视化和体验为抽象概念提供了一种直观的、发自内心的方法，但科学地创造它们是一项挑战。在本文中，我们将生态建模，过程建模和虚拟现实相结合，以提供未来森林的沉浸式体验。我们绘制了当前的树种组成北方威斯康星州使用森林资源清查和分析（FIA）的数据，然后预测森林变化50年到未来的两种气候情景下，使用LANDIS-II，一个空间上明确的，机械模拟模型。我们转换了模型输出（例如，树木生物量）转换为3D可视化所需的参数。程序规则使我们能够有效地和可重复地将参数转换为模拟森林。使用虚幻引擎实现了数据可视化、环境探索和信息检索。生态学专家的系统评价为全面的生态系统可视化和分析方法提供了积极的反馈和未来的主题。我们创造气候变化下森林的内在体验的方法可以促进专家，政策制定者和公众之间的沟通。
ABSTRACT Communicating and understanding climate induced environmental changes can be challenging, especially using traditional representations such as graphs, maps or photos. Immersive visualizations and experiences offer an intuitive, visceral approach to otherwise rather abstract concepts, but creating them scientifically is challenging. In this paper, we linked ecological modeling, procedural modeling, and virtual reality to provide an immersive experience of a future forest. We mapped current tree species composition in northern Wisconsin using the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data and then forecast forest change 50 years into the future under two climate scenarios using LANDIS-II, a spatially-explicit, mechanistic simulation model. We converted the model output (e.g., tree biomass) into parameters required for 3D visualizations with analytical modeling. Procedural rules allowed us to efficiently and reproducibly translate the parameters into a simulated forest. Data visualization, environment exploration, and information retrieval were realized using the Unreal Engine. A system evaluation with experts in ecology provided positive feedback and future topics for a comprehensive ecosystem visualization and analysis approach. Our approach to create visceral experiences of forests under climate change can facilitate communication among experts, policy-makers, and the general public.