EXPLORING TOPOGRAPHIC CHANGE IMPACTS ON LAND SURFACE PROCESSES USING TANGIBLE INTERFACE

We present new advances in the development of Tangible Geospatial Modeling System (TanGeoMS), an exploratory environment for analysis of relationships between elevation surface morphology and dynamic landscape processes. The system integrates digital terrain data and a flexible physical model with GRASS GIS-based analysis and simulation tools. The physical model can be modified by hand and scanned to create digital representations of altered landscapes within a GIS. The results of topographic analysis and GIS-based simulations applied to the modified landscape are then projected over the physical model, providing the users with feedback about the impact of the changes on the terrain parameters or modeled processes.

The new prototype system replaced the costly laboratory laser scanner with a Kinect-based solution, making the system affordable, lighter and more flexible, while providing adequate accuracy and scanning speed. Advances in 3D printing and new modeling materials extended the techniques for building the physical models from a carved foam with plasticine surface to 3D printing or moulding from polymer-enriched sand for rapid 3D sketching.

We demonstrate the system applications for analysis of terrain change impacts on selected processes in natural and engineered landscapes, and for testing simulation algorithms in various landscape configurations. The examples include overland water and sediment transport patterns modeled by standard flowrouting and unit stream power based method and by a robust particle sampling algorithm. Coastal terrain inundation and dynamics of solar irradiation under changing topographic conditions is also explored. The demonstration examples highlight the TanGeoMS application for collaborative explorations, communication of terrain change impacts and testing of algorithms for dynamic land surface process simulations.