VR environments for geo-spatial data
Our interactive 3D visualization tool PRo3D offers a virtual reality environment in which geospatial data that have a natural embedding in 3D space can be visualized and experienced immersively. For example, tunnel inspections can take place in VR true to scale and of course remotely. Planerary researchers can realistically measure the (as yet) inaccessible surface of Mars.
Immersive Analysis for Asteroid Defense
In the area of planetary science, we are exploring the potential of immersive analysis tools for time-dependent multivariate data. For example, in an impact study that took place as part of our research collaboration with the ESA/NASA HERA project, we developed interactive 3D tools that make asteroid impact simulations easier and more intuitive to grasp. These simulations serve as a basis for the development of future asteroid defense strategies.
Immersive analytics at the service of hydropower
One of the goals of the DIGI-Hydro project is to develop a digital hydropower twin. Augmented reality methods will be used to enable experts and technicians at a power plant to gain insight into the current state of the turbine without it being accessible or viewable under real conditions. In a first prototype, the 3D model of a turbine was loaded onto the Microsoft Hololens and rendered. In the further course, it should be possible to recognize damage parameters on the machine (e.g., through colored markings) as well as external influences.
Complex space weather becomes tangible thanks to virtual reality
In our CosmoWeather project, we are working on behalf of ESA together with the German Aerospace Center on intuitively experienceable virtual reality environments that make space weather events more comprehensible. The focus here is on the development of two innovative VR prototypes that bring the topic closer to both experts and the general public.
Communicating flood risk through virtual reality
Our internationally successful flood simulation tool Visdom combines simulation, visualization and analysis for the purpose of hydrodynamic modeling. Many municipalities and federal states in Austria, Germany and countries abroad already use this tool for hydrodynamic simulation and, for example, improved flood protection. In order to prepare people even better for flood hazards, to make it possible to experience them with the help of immersive technology, we are developing a flood protection training system that combines an interactive flood simulation with a VR client. The collaboration between trainer and user allows the trainer to control the remote simulation from the virtual environment, evaluate the effectiveness of the protective measures used, and compare the results across multiple simulation runs. The trainer also monitors the trainee's actions via a linked desktop application to assist with complex tasks.
The CosmoWeather research project aims to develop VR and AR solutions for experts and the general public to make the research field of space weather more accessible and understandable.
Renewable energies, such as hydropower, are an essential backbone for a climate-friendly future. To enable better real-time monitoring and thus maintenance of hydropower infrastructure, innovative digital hydropower twins are being developed in this project.
Visual Analysis of Asteroid Deflection.
The goal of the project MARAMT is to develop a software framework to significantly reduce the effort required to work with existing and future complex cyber-physical systems.