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

Uditha Herath Mudiyanselage; Eveline Landes Gonzalez; Yusuf Sermet; Ibrahim Demir

doi:10.3390/app15105278

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

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

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

Uditha Herath Mudiyanselage, Eveline Landes Gonzalez, Yusuf Sermet and Ibrahim Demir

Applied sciences, Vol.15(10), 5278

05/09/2025

DOI: 10.3390/app15105278

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https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105278View

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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 2D data visualization methods in hydrology to more advanced XR technologies, including virtual and augmented reality. Unlike static 2D maps or charts that require cross-referencing disparate data sources, this system consolidates real-time, multivariate datasets, such as streamflow, precipitation, and terrain, into a single interactive, spatially contextualized 3D environment. Immersive information systems facilitate dynamic interaction with real-time hydrological and meteorological datasets for various stakeholders and use cases, and pave the way for metaverse and digital twin systems. This system, accessible via web browsers and XR devices, allows users to navigate a 3D representation of the continental United States. The paper addresses the current limitations in hydrological visualization, methodology, and 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. Future application potential includes climate resilience planning, immersive disaster preparedness training, and public education, where stakeholders can explore scenario-based outcomes within a virtual space to support real-time or anticipatory decision making.

hydrology

data visualization

immersive environments

digital twin

metaverse

Details

Title: Subtitle: An Immersive Hydroinformatics Framework with Extended Reality for Enhanced Visualization and Simulation of Hydrologic Data
Creators: Uditha Herath Mudiyanselage - University of Iowa
Eveline Landes Gonzalez - University of Iowa
Yusuf Sermet - University of Iowa
Ibrahim Demir - Tulane University
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Applied sciences, Vol.15(10), 5278
DOI: 10.3390/app15105278
ISSN: 2076-3417
eISSN: 2076-3417
Publisher: MDPI; BASEL
Grant note: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: NA22NWS4320003 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
This project was funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) via a cooperative agreement with the University of Alabama (NA22NWS4320003) awarded to the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH).
Language: English
Date published: 05/09/2025
Academic Unit: Electrical and Computer Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering; IIHR--Hydroscience and Engineering; Injury Prevention Research Center
Record Identifier: 9984822967002771

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