Real-Time Visualization of Urban Flood Simulation Data for Non-Professionals

Abstract

Perception and understanding of risk in predictive flood simulation data is a key factor in flood risk management. However, scientific visualizations are often hard to grasp for non-professionals. We present a visualization tool for interactive, realistic flood water rendering, incorporating a variety of optical effects. Our implementation is based on state-of-the-art algorithms of interactive computer graphics using animated texture coordinates. The flood simulation data contains water depth level and a flow field. Together with terrain elevation and buildings our tool allows for natural understanding of the data. We maintain interactive frame rates on standard desktop computers. Our results were judged useful by average citizens and political decision makers.