Visualizing 3D Terrain, Geo-Spatial Data, and Uncertainty

Abstract

Visualizing geo-spatial data embedded into a three-dimensional terrain is challenging. The problem becomes even more complex when uncertainty information needs to be presented as well. This paper addresses the question of how to visually communicate all three aspects: the 3D terrain, the geo-spatial data, and the data-associated uncertainty. We argue that visualizing all aspects with a high degree of detail will likely exceed the visual budget. Therefore, we propose a visualization strategy based on prioritizing a selected aspect and presenting the remaining two with less detail. We discuss various design options that allow us to obtain differently prioritized visual representations. Our approach has been implemented as a tool for rapid visualization prototyping in the context of avionics applications. Practical solutions are described for a use case related to the visualization of 3D terrain and uncertain weather data.

Evaluation of User Performance in Interactive and Static 3D Maps

“…Despite the limited number of available participants, our results can contribute to the development of new systems using 3D maps designed for landscape management, precision farming, environmental protection, and crisis management, where tasks that consider both terrain (altitudes and slopes) and thematic information are performed on 3D geovisualizations using color intensity as the main variable. Such 3D maps have been used, for example, by Jedlička and Charvát [70] to visualize yield potential, Herman andŘezník [71] to map noise, Christen et al [72] to visualize avalanche simulations, and Dübel et al [73] and Sieber et al [74] to represent hazardous weather.…”

Visualization of Features in 3D Terrain

“…For instance, visualizing geo-spatial data by intrinsic techniques on top of the terrain surface impedes the analysis of local features of the terrain topography and vice versa. Previous research [46] suggests that prioritization can help to decrease such interdependencies. However, comprehensive evaluations are still required.…”

“…Hence, emphasizing such characteristics means highlighting the location of respective data points. To expose subsets of the data, various techniques exist, such as coloring, blurring or resizing [37,46]. Figure 8 shows examples for extrinsic and intrinsic visualization, respectively.…”

“…There are two general approaches to visualize data values along with the terrain: intrinsic and extrinsic techniques [46]. Intrinsic techniques modify the appearance of the terrain surface.…”

Historical Photos and Visualizations: Potential for Research

“…Thus, it becomes necessary to visualize the uncertainties of the 3D points, especially when those are derived from images dating from different periods. Several studies have shown that the accuracy of 3D geospatial data can be visualized in various ways, such as with heat maps or shading (Dübel et al, 2017;Herman et al, 2018;O'Banion et al, 2018;Zuk et al, 2005).…”