3D Visualization of Fresh Water Landscapes at High Spatial Resolution
Disciplines
Geomorphology | Hydrology
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Communities at different spatial scales depend upon freshwater resources such as rivers, creeks, and streams. With increasing populations, managing these resources is becoming more challenging globally. Most agencies use various traditional surveying tools to manage these resources at local, regional, national, and international levels. Despite the accuracy of such data, these tools need an additional layer of high-resolution visualization and modeling. Therefore, this research focuses on high-resolution (millimeter-scale) data collection and presentation. A local stream in Western Illinois was surveyed using terrestrial LiDAR (laser scanner). The data was collected in a point cloud format and orthophotos along the full length of the stream. The Cyclone suite was used to import, process, and analyze the data. It was followed by developing the final deliverable of the 3D models of the stream valley. While being visually appealing, the results are directly applicable to various agencies because it offers millimeter-level information about the universe of stream valleys. Our method provides valuable management tools for various agencies.
Keywords: Freshwater, River, Visualization, LiDAR, Point Cloud, Survey
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Geography & Anthropology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Ranbir Kang
3D Visualization of Fresh Water Landscapes at High Spatial Resolution
Communities at different spatial scales depend upon freshwater resources such as rivers, creeks, and streams. With increasing populations, managing these resources is becoming more challenging globally. Most agencies use various traditional surveying tools to manage these resources at local, regional, national, and international levels. Despite the accuracy of such data, these tools need an additional layer of high-resolution visualization and modeling. Therefore, this research focuses on high-resolution (millimeter-scale) data collection and presentation. A local stream in Western Illinois was surveyed using terrestrial LiDAR (laser scanner). The data was collected in a point cloud format and orthophotos along the full length of the stream. The Cyclone suite was used to import, process, and analyze the data. It was followed by developing the final deliverable of the 3D models of the stream valley. While being visually appealing, the results are directly applicable to various agencies because it offers millimeter-level information about the universe of stream valleys. Our method provides valuable management tools for various agencies.
Keywords: Freshwater, River, Visualization, LiDAR, Point Cloud, Survey