Applications for Mixed Reality

Mixed or Augmented Reality (AR) systems align computer generated virtual objects and real world objects with each other to enhance the vision of the physical reality with the virtual objects in a manner, that will allow a user to interact with spatial data in his natural environment and scale (1:1). Especially when dealing with natural disasters the advantage of a user’s view augmented with additional supporting data is apparent. Activities like preventive protective measures, effective reaction and reconstruction need to be assisted by a technology that improves the operators efficiency and performance. This approach deals with a system that serves particular needs regarding earth science and disaster management. We will present our work developing an AR-System (ARS) and its components with examples of practical applications. The crucial point of this implementation is the use of laser scanning models with adequate accuracy, reliability, actuality and completeness. VRML tiles produced from the laser scanning data are displayed in the operator’s field of view together with additional water surface models or simple features like points and lines. These geometrical objects are visualised and controlled using scene graph parent-child relationship of Java3D. In this paper, flood disasters are used to illustrate possible applications in a typical four-phased disaster management process. Additionally, several examples representing the virtual water surface for flood damage prediction are discussed. Results of virtual water models are used by applying digital image processing techniques to laser scanning data in order to provide tactical information for disaster management.