Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #30: Scientific Visualization of Circumpolar Arctic Environments:  (Photo-realistic visualization of circumpolar environments and linkages.)

Outline
Contemporary efforts in the preservation of arctic environments demand a better means by which to educate and reinforce the understanding of the arctic science and observations within the public and decision making arenas. The project proposed here is multidisciplinary and international in focus, it bridges the disciplines of geomatics, geography, biogeography, glaciology, marine and ocean sciences. We propose to utilize dynamic photorealistic animation to visualize the circumpolar arctic environments, processes, linkages and the predicted changes in these environments due to climate and anthropogenic stress. Geovisualization is an emerging tool that can be used to investigate various systems and processes. Geovisualization merges the sciences of visualization and geomatics. The utilization of visualization techniques can enhance our understanding of systems and processes, and reveal patterns in data that would be otherwise hidden even to the most experienced. Moreover, geovisualization is an effective tool for communicating Arctic science to different interest groups with different levels of knowledge (e.g. policy makers, public, residents, international communities, etc…) This project will produce photo-realistic animations of environments including glacial, periglacial, ecological, limnological, marine, sea ice and ocean. Utilizing the latest in 3D animation technology, the spatial temporal aspects of current arctic environments will be depicted and the temporal attributes will be manipulated for clear illustration environmental changes. For example, a visualization could illustrate past and projected changes in sea-ice cover or even the effects of melting permafrost in Arctic coastal environments. Earth observation datasets (EO) and existing geospatial datasets on arctic physiognomy, biogeography and marine environments among others will be utilized. Existing data warehouses that provide information on the circumpolar arctic geography will be sourced. These include archives like the GLCC and NOAA in additionto R-ArcticNET, the Canadian Arctic Data Archive, the Unaami data collection and many others. Considerable complexity exists between different geographical datasets and the visual domain. The ability to include numerous variables into one compact visualization is a primary objective of visual analysis that allows complex overall patterns to emerge and be quickly understood. For example, the majority of decision makers, and lay persons do not have the expertise or time to process complex mapped datasets. 3D photorealistic animation allows the observer to be immersed within a virtual reality (VR). Within such a VR, multiple environmental variables can be presented in a way that approximates the perceptual experience of the individual. Little attention has been given to the use of 3D animation as a means of explaining the complex interactions within arctic environmental systems. Utilizing technologies largely developed within the feature film industry brings new technological capabilities for dynamic 3D visualization and will develop products that guarantee advances in knowledge and understanding of arctic environments by professional and lay person alike.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This project impacts upon all of the IPY themes to different extents. This project does not undertake pure science but rather concentrates on the communication of scientific predictions and observations of the Arctic. The visualizations will depict the present environmental status of the circumpolar arctic region utilizing estisting datasets. Visualizations of past environmental change will be depicted through the use of paleoecological datasets such as fossil pollen and diatoms. Global linkages will be reinforced via visualizations of ocean currents, sea-ice and glacier melt and the projected effects of these on the Arctic coastal environments and sub-polar regions. visualizations produced will q1_7_collab : We will be initially collaborating with the International Arctic Research Centre (IARC) in Fairbanks Alaska.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
This project relies on the fieldwork of other Arctic researchers and itself does not require direct access to the Arctic.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
This project is technologically based and will not require any logistical support.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No. However, the visualization products, files and a website will be permanent.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: THEME: Educ, Out & Comm SUB-THEME: Ref tools & Matls

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New

This project is for the most part new but has linkages with existing projects in the context of Parks Canada. Specifically, there is some minor overlap with the current visualization of Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island.

How will the project be organised and managed?
This project will be managed through the Laboratory for Applied Geomatics and GIS Science at the University of Ottawa. Specifically, the lead investigator, Professor Michael Sawada will be organizing the project, timeline and deliverables.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Dissemination of the visualizations will be in two main forms. First, a website will be developed and completed within the IPY timeline and individual visualizations of different arctic environments and changes will be available for download or real-time streaming. Second, a DVD will be produced with narration and text initially in English and French and will be made available for reproduction and dissemination to decision makers and the public. Plans also include the production of a high-definition (HD) version of all visualizations for use in the HD kiosks of museums.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Original visualization files, textures as well as source geospatial data and derived geospatial datasets will be made available with each visualization upon completion.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The technology and computational needs of this project will be assumed by the Laboratory for Applied Geomatics and GIS Science (LAGGISS). Funding will be required for models and students for the duration of the project. Overlap with Parks Canada exists in some regions, some of the student funding will be available through a Government Related Initiatives Program grant. Further funding will be required for scholarship and production materials

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Because this project concentrates on the communication and visualization of Arctic science, a set of highly experienced and reputable arctic researchers and scholars are involved. Project expertise includes arctic ecology, arctic biogeography, arctic climate, arctic climate change, and periglacial environments. Existing data from Parks Canada will be used in the context of this project and the archived datasets and samples at the Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) will also be utilized The CMN is completing the Flora of the Arctic (by Susan G. Aiken) and has a vast digital database in addition to the largest arctic mammal collection and arctic sea-weed collection. These will be consulted in the creation of the visualizations. The Laboratory for Applied Geomatics and GIS Science (LAGGISS) has considerable expertise in visualization of geospatial and ecological data and will provide the hardware, software and human power for this project.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr  Michael Sawada
Laboratory for Applied Geomatics and GIS Science (LAGGISS)
Department of Geography, 60 University Street
Ottawa, ON
K1N 6N5
Canada

Tel: 613-562-5800 x1040
Mobile: no
Fax: 613-562-5145
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation