CoSMoS Model XR Exploration
Client: United States Geological Survey Role: Product Strategist Product: XR Exploration for the USGS CoSMoS
OVERVIEW
To increase public engagement of the Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS), the USGS recently created enhanced tower viewers with a fixed reality flooding experience. After these successful MVP’s conclusion, the USGS wishes to continue exploring further XR possibilities.
APPROACH
An exploratory research team examined current and emerging platforms while conceptual designs were created to pair with a proposal.
RESULTS
Two RFP documents were then written and submitted to companies for conversation and bids. Several parties were interested and the project is ongoing. I will continue to explore other viable visual options and funding sources.
Note: This project is ongoing. After accepting bids a LiDAR and drone scan was completed on Captiola Beach and water simulations and interactions will be added as a YouTube 360 experience this fall.
USGS Survey July 10th.
Existing USGS MVPs: OWLS
The enhanced tower viewers (OWLs) displayed several static 360 degree paint overs of storm surge scenarios. The visual representation of flood data received positive feedback from survey screens.
Other Comparatives: The Weather Channel Storm Surge
The storm surge augmented reality demonstration from Hurricane Florence.
Request For Proposal A
The first RFP written was built around a geo location augmented reality experience. Several roadblocks were identified through research and bid discussions including GPS and water height accuracy. Some remedies were considered:
Using known points of interest.
Using emerging scanning techniques to create occlusion geometry.
Limiting the working site to pre-scanned areas.
Using graphic elements to represent water height.
Concept Art
UI Design
Proposal PDF
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
CoSMoS, developed by the U.S. Geological Survey, is the modeling approach used to estimate sea level rise and storm scenarios. An augmented reality experience built around these results would be designed to increase public awareness and engagement. The target audience would range from concerned citizens to home buyers trying to better understand the issues surrounding coastal impact. Visual feedback based upon sea level and storm scenario queries would quickly allow anyone to view the CoSMos model and interact with their environment.
Conclusions
Existing roadblocks were too difficult for an augmented reality MVP. Another solution was required to visualize flooding data with both fidelity and accuracy.
New options: USGS Google 360 Videos
Other than the OWL program, the USGS has conducted Google 360 King Tide videos. These 360 videos, in cooperation with YouTube , and have shown promise in communicating sea level rise.
Request For Proposal B
Using existing video footage as a backdrop, water simulations using Houdini (or similar package) could be overlaid in 3D space. Locations would have to be properly surveyed during filming to ensure accuracy. Benefits include:
Public engagement from any location.
Low recurring development after initial pipeline investment.
High fidelity and accuracy.
Pipeline schematic
Proposal PDF
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
CoSMoS, developed by the USGS, is the modeling approach used to estimate sea level rise and storm surge scenarios. The USGS is also filming Google 360 videos of king tides in at risk areas. A virtual reality experience built around these videos using CoSMOs data would increase public awareness and engagement. The target audience would range from concerned citizens to risk averse home buyers trying to better understand the issues surrounding coastal flooding.
Conclusions
With current technology, a virtual reality experience is the most viable option to build upon that success of 360 King Tide videos. VR could be hosted with USGS websites or as standalone property.