Hydro3DJS: A modular web-based library for real-time 3D visualization of watershed dynamics and digital twin integration

Ramteja Sajja; Omer Mermer; Yusuf Sermet; Ibrahim Demir

doi:10.1016/j.envsoft.2025.106853

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Hydro3DJS: A modular web-based library for real-time 3D visualization of watershed dynamics and digital twin integration

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Hydro3DJS: A modular web-based library for real-time 3D visualization of watershed dynamics and digital twin integration

Ramteja Sajja, Omer Mermer, Yusuf Sermet and Ibrahim Demir

Environmental modelling & software : with environment data news, Vol.197, 106853

02/2026

DOI: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2025.106853

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2025.106853View

Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Effective visualization of hydrological data is essential for interpreting flood risk and supporting environmental decision-making. This study presents Hydro3DJS, a lightweight, browser-native 3D visualization library that integrates real-time environmental data with interactive digital-twin capabilities. Built with JavaScript, WebGL, and the Google Maps API, the system renders rainfall, floodwater dynamics, and insfrastructure exposure within spatially accurate environments while incorporating live data from USGS and NOAA. Its modular design supports terrain-aware water animation, customizable 3D infrastructure models, and scenario-based simulations suitable for research, planning, and communication. Two use cases, a rural multi-hazard simulation and an urban 100-year flood event with stream gauge overlays, demonstrate cross-context applicability. A usability study with 20 domain experts highlights the platform's strengths and identifies opportunities for enhanced interactivity and performance. Hydro3DJS contributes an accessible open-source framework for real-time 3D hydrological visualization, modular environmental data integration, and improved stakeholder communication in flood and watershed analysis. •A 3D web-based library visualizes rainfall and flooding using real-time geospatial data.•The tool supports interactive 3D models of dams, levees, and urban infrastructure.•Usability testing showed a strong opportunity in flood planning and stakeholder outreach.•The library runs in browsers with no plugins, ensuring cross-platform accessibility.•User study identified key visualization gaps and informed future feature design.

3D hydrological visualization

Digital twin

Real-time data integration

Watershed management

Web-based geospatial tools

WebGL

Details

Title: Subtitle: Hydro3DJS: A modular web-based library for real-time 3D visualization of watershed dynamics and digital twin integration
Creators: Ramteja Sajja - University of New Orleans
Omer Mermer - University of New Orleans
Yusuf Sermet - University of New Orleans
Ibrahim Demir - University of New Orleans
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Environmental modelling & software : with environment data news, Vol.197, 106853
DOI: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2025.106853
ISSN: 1364-8152
eISSN: 1873-6726
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Grant note: NOAA Cooperative Institute Program: NA22NWS4320003
This research was supported by the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH) with funding under award NA22NWS4320003 from the NOAA Cooperative Institute Program. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of NOAA.
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 12/25/2025
Date published: 02/2026
Academic Unit: Electrical and Computer Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering; IIHR--Hydroscience and Engineering; Injury Prevention Research Center
Record Identifier: 9985112974902771

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