Design and key techniques of a collaborative virtual flood experiment that integrates cellular automata and dynamic observations

With the development of computer science, communications technology and environmental modeling, virtual geographic environments (VGEs) have been linked with field observations and geographic modeling. VGEs enable researchers in various fields to collaboratively perform computer-aided geographic experiments. This study proposes a collaborative environment to conduct a virtual flood experiment that integrates cellular automata and dynamic observations. Some of the key techniques, including a cellular automata flood modeling method, a real-time parameter similarity evaluation method, and a collaborative visualization and operation method, are explored. The proposed techniques are tested with a prototype system as part of a flood simulation case study of the Hunhe River in Liaoning Province. We conclude that a virtual experiment environment can provide effective technical support for flood research.