An Immersive Hydroinformatics Framework with Extended Reality for Enhanced Visualization and Simulation of Hydrologic Data

Abstract

This study introduces a novel framework, with the use of Extended Reality (XR) systems in hydrology, particularly focusing on immersive visualization of hydrologic data for enhanced environmental planning and decision-making. The study details the shift from traditional two-dimensional data visualization methods in hydrology to more advanced XR technologies, including virtual and augmented reality. Immersive information systems facilitate dynamic interaction with real-time hydrological and meteorological datasets for various stakeholders and use cases and paves the way for metaverse and digital twin systems. This system, accessible via web browsers and virtual reality (VR) devices, allows users to navigate a 3D representation of the continental United States, engaging with detailed environmental data. The paper addresses the current limitations in hydrological visualization, methodology, system architecture while discussing the challenges, limitations, and future directions to extend its applicability to a wider range of environmental management and disaster response scenarios, highlighting the potential of XR systems in transforming data visualization and its future applications in hydroinformatics.