GeoVIS
Another DFD user service joins the World Data Center for Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere (WDC-RSAT) and the Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information (ZKI):
DFD’s GeoVisualizationCenter (GeoVIS) specializes in visualizing geoscientific data and projects. Because people are able to rapidly comprehend large amounts of data visually, the huge amounts of data and the spatial relatedness of the resulting information which characterize the field of remote sensing put it in a unique position to benefit from visualization and computer animation. With the help of modern computer graphics, this human ability can be utilized to lead to a clearer understanding of complex interrelationships.
GeoVIS develops techniques for presenting science data and projects. It produces complex computer visualizations of the science activities of the Applied Remote Sensing Cluster of DLR institutes and other research institutions and thereby facilities the transfer of valuable research results to political decision makers, users and the public at large.
The GeoVisualizationCenter can provide the following services:
Visualization for Scientists
-Visualizing missions and projects-
The work of scientists has to be made visible, transparent and comprehensible if it is to be valued and supported by society and political decision makers. Its presence in the public media has an indirect influence on the provision of funding, the career choices of young scientists and the utilization of research results in the economy and society.
Because of intense competition on the media market, it requires special efforts before abstract and complex research can capture the public’s attention. This is where GeoVIS can make a contribution. In close cooperation with the scientists involved it produces high quality, ready-to-broadcast material which explains missions and research in an understandable way. The work of the GeoVisualizationCenter includes the entire production process from original concept to realization, including editing, postproduction, and delivery of the material, whether in analog or digital form, for example as a menu-equipped DVD.
-Visualization to facilitate data analysis-
Large and intricate data sets - like time series derived from satellite data - can be more easily analyzed as animations than as individual images. A combination of various data sets in three-dimensional space can also help in visualizing the spatial and temporal relationships between measurements. The GeoVisualizationCenter provides such animations as a service to project scientists.
Visualizations for the Media
The number of science programs on German television has steadily increased in recent years. This stimulates demands from the media for material on science subjects. GeoVIS provides the media with ready-to-broadcast material, thereby improving awareness of a wide range of earth observation technologies.
The GeoVisualizationCenter is also a partner for the print media whenever satellite images are needed to illustrate current events. In cooperation with a publisher, the books “Kunstwerk Erde” and “Berge aus dem All” (also available in English as “Mountains from Space”) have appeared. These volumes vividly illustrate multifarious ways of representing earth observation data.
Visualization for Education and Training
In the sense of “public understanding of science” the GeoVisualizationCenter provides schools and others institutions of learning with satellite images and science animations free of charge via a database. It is also involved in designing and implementing exhibits on remote sensing topics.
Visualizations for future events
Together with national and international partners, the GeoVisualizationCenter is developing methods for rapidly visualizing geodata. Virtual landscapes which can be navigated in real-time can then, for example, be used to brief and coordinate teams coping with crises, for transportation and landscape planning, and for virtual tourism. .
Range of services
- Design / conceptualization
- Geodata processing
- Modeling / Animation
- Rendering
- Digital editing
- Postproduction
- HDTV production (high definition television)
- DVD authoring
- Stereoscopic productions
- Processing-chain development
- Real-time solutions