An Augmented Reality Facility to Run Hybrid Physical-Numerical Flood Models

Abstract

This article presents a novel installation for the development of hybrid physical-numerical flood models in an augmented reality environment. This installation extends the concept introduced by the well-known Augmented Reality-SandBox (AR-Sandbox) module, which presents a more educational, and less research-based and professional application. It consists of a physical scale topography built in a sandbox into which other elements (such as buildings, roads or dikes) can be incorporated. A scanner generates, in real time, a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) from the sandbox topography, which serves as a basis for the simulation of overland flow using professional hydraulic software (Iber+). The hydraulic and hydrological parameters (surface roughness, inlet discharges, boundary conditions) are entered with a simple Graphical User Interface (GUI) developed specifically for this project, as indeed was the entire system that allows the visualization of the simulation results. This allows us to obtain quantitative results of flood extension and magnitude, which are represented directly over the physical topography, yielding a realistic visual effect. This installation is conceived for both educational and professional uses. An example of its use is presented, through which its accuracy can be appreciated, and which also illustrates its potential.

Flood Risk in Urban Areas: Modelling, Management and Adaptation to Climate Change. A Review

“…More specifically, there is some evidence in regard to urban flooding that coping responses to flooding risks could be enhanced in a 3D environment [321] which, at least, improves the interpretability of disaster data and the effectiveness of decision-making processes [322]. So, the potential of 3D visual representation in flood-risk communication is gradually starting to be systematically discussed in the literature [323][324][325][326][327][328][329][330][331], showing that supplementing flood maps with 3D-visualization techniques is increasingly seen as a powerful tool with which to engage people in relation to flood hazards.…”

Editorial—Physical Modelling in Hydraulics Engineering

“…This Special Issue contains contributions to the physical and numerical modeling of hydraulics structures, such as dam stilling basing [5][6][7], stepped spillways [8], free falling jets [9] and vortex shaft drops [10]. The development of traditional [11] and novel [12,13] modelling approaches in river engineering are also covered in the Special Issue. Furthermore, contributions in the field of coastal structures and port engineering [14,15], offshore structures [16], and the environmental design of brine discharges [17] are presented in the Special Issue.…”

“…The article "An Augmented Reality Facility to Run Hybrid Physical-Numerical Flood Models" [13] presents a novel installation which extends the concept introduced by the well-known Augmented Reality-SandBox (AR-Sandbox) module. It consists of a physical scale topography built in sandbox, a scanner to generate in real time a digital terrain model (DTM), which serves as a basis for the simulation of overland flow using professional hydraulic software Iber+.…”