Immersive landscapes: modelling ecosystem reference conditions in virtual reality

Abstract Context Understanding the variability and dynamics of ecosystems, as well their responses to climate or land use change, is challenging for policy makers natural resource managers. Virtual reality (VR) can be used render virtual landscapes immersive, visceral experiences communicate ecosystem users in an effective engaging way. Objectives To illustrate potential believability VR, a team landscape ecologists immersive visualisation researchers modelled reference Australian Box Gum Grassy Woodland landscape, endangered eucalypt woodland that difficult observe its pre-European colonisation form. Methods We document considerations designing including creation animated three-dimensional (3D) plants alternate between seasons, soundscapes change through course simulated day. heuristic evaluation with experts assess VR modeling. Results This cross disciplinary collaboration resulted experience was evaluated series meetings by 27 managers biodiversity conservation, many whom were familiar Woodlands. 88% participants stated simulation believable thought held great education, public engagement management. Conclusions Possible future directions include open-source libraries ecological 3D models, visual historic scenarios.