Web-based visualization and rendering of aerial LiDAR point cloud for urban flood simulation
International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment
ISSN: 1759-5908
Article publication date: 10 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
In an era overshadowed by the alarming consequences of climate change and the escalating peril of recurring floods for communities worldwide, the significance of proficient disaster risk management has reached unprecedented levels. The successful implementation of disaster risk management necessitates the ability to make informed decisions. To this end, the utilization of three-dimensional (3D) visualization and Web-based rendering offers decision-makers the opportunity to engage with interactive data representations. This study aims to focus on Thiruvananthapuram, India, where the analysis of flooding caused by the Karamana River aims to furnish valuable insights for facilitating well-informed decision-making in the realm of disaster management.
Design/methodology/approach
This work introduces a systematic procedure for evaluating the influence of flooding on 3D building models through the utilization of Web-based visualization and rendering techniques. To ensure precision, aerial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data is used to generate accurate 3D building models in CityGML format, adhering to the standards set by the Open Geospatial Consortium. By using one-meter digital elevation models derived from LiDAR data, flood simulations are conducted to analyze flow patterns at different discharge levels. The integration of 3D building maps with geographic information system (GIS)-based vector maps and a flood risk map enables the assessment of the extent of inundation. To facilitate visualization and querying tasks, a Web-based graphical user interface (GUI) is developed.
Findings
The efficiency of comprehensive 3D building maps in evaluating flood consequences in Thiruvananthapuram has been established by the research. By merging with GIS-based vector maps and a flood risk map, it becomes possible to scrutinize the extent of inundation and the affected structures. Furthermore, the Web-based GUI facilitates interactive data exploration, visualization and querying, thereby assisting in decision-making.
Originality/value
The study introduces an innovative approach that merges LiDAR data, 3D building mapping, flood simulation and Web-based visualization, which can be advantageous for decision-makers in disaster risk management and may have practical use in various regions and urban areas.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, National Geospatial Programme for Aerial LiDAR data acquisition as a part of the Spatial Urban Governance Programme.
Funding: Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, National Geospatial Programme for Aerial LiDAR data acquisition as a part of Spatial Urban Governance Programme.
Conflict of interest: On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.
Citation
Saifi, S. and Anandakumar, R.M. (2024), "Web-based visualization and rendering of aerial LiDAR point cloud for urban flood simulation", International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-07-2023-0079
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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