Experience Sea Level Rise Solutions in Virtual Reality
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How can virtual reality help us understand climate impacts and nature-based solutions?
As communities face the challenges of storm surge and sea level rise, Florida Atlantic University is providing innovative tools to support residents and decision makers in finding better solutions.
For this research and engagement project, residents of West Palm Beach, Florida experienced flooding due to storm surge and projected sea level rise in public parks along the intracoastal waterway. Participants also saw potential mitigation strategies, including seawalls and nature based infrastructure. A survey captured their responses afterward.
The results of randomized study revealed differences between participants using a tablet interaction versus virtual reality. In VR, as opposed to the tablet, people found the strategies depicted to be more effective. In VR, the emotional response was higher. And in VR, people were more receptive to be informed about future strategies to mitigate the impacts of flooding in their community. Learn more about residents’ responses in the project video
Trailer – Sea Level Rise Explorer West Palm Beach
Picture public parks flooding and adapting in our immersive, 10-minute VR experience. After the interaction, participants contributed to a research study investigating virtual reality and sea-level rise.
360-Degree Video
Alternatively, watch out 360-degree video. When the narrator says, “Take a look around”, use your mouse, touchpad, or touch screen to “drag” or navigate in all directions.
360-degree video allows viewers to drag and view in all directions
Nature-Based Solutions
In this animation, see how cities can address climate impacts with nature-based solutions. In addition to adding infrastructure such as seawalls, communities can choose options that enhance and protect public parks.
About the experience
During the study, our team assisted with the virtual reality googles and interacting with the immersive, 10-minute VR experience. Participants could see public parks flooding and solutions that can protect parks in West Palm Beach.
After the interaction, participants had the options to be included in a research study by completing a survey investigating virtual reality and sea-level rise. Participants’ input is meant to guide the Mayor and City Commission in making important decisions for the future.
This project, developed by Florida Atlantic University in partnership with Virtual Planet Technologies, was made possible by a grant to the City of West Palm Beach from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity with funding provided by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Contact the scientists John Renne, Ph.D., or Serena Hoermann, Ph.D., at [email protected] at the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions.
When and Where – the VR Experience
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Questions?
Contact [email protected] or 561-297-4279 and learn more about CUES research or virtual reality and sea-level rise at the Center for Urban and Enviromental Solutions.
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