360 VR
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public outreach
Visualizing a new climate reality.
The USGS provides the public with free access to the latest projections for future California sea level rise and storm surge data through the CoSMoS project (Coast Storm Modeling System). This program has had success communicating with state and municipal agencies but has failed with the general public as the topic is broad and often polarizing.
A visceral 360 video approach was designed by Thundercloud to increase public engagement with USGS and define new shared conversations about coastal hazards.
Date
Feb 2018 - May 2020
clients
USGS
The Surfrider Foundation
PRESS
KQED The California Report
LA Times
DELIVERABLES
360 VR Simulation Video with voice over by The Mandalorian's Emily Swallow
Starting a conversation.
The city of Capitola is a crossroads of leisure and commerce. The iconic Venetian Court, built in 1924 and one of California's oldest seaside resorts, is surrounded by both residential and shopping areas that include a seasonal lagoon and one of the most popular beaches in the Santa Cruz region.
Capitola Beach has also had a history of severe storm surges, and with sea levels on the rise these events will become more frequent and costly. Visualizing these future events before they happen can help community leaders organize response plans that encourage public participation and support.
A successful simulation begins with an accurate survey. Thundercloud partnered with USGS teams to create a cm accurate LIDAR scan of Capitola Beach. This was augmented with further drone photogrammetry and survey photos.
A successful simulation begins with an accurate survey. Thundercloud partnered with USGS teams to create a cm accurate LIDAR scan of Capitola Beach. This was augmented with further drone photogrammetry and survey photos.
Seeing is believing.
Climate change is a complex issue with far reaching implications to our daily lives. Researchers and scientist have difficulties communicating these topics as they can be vast in scope and polarizing within the community.
Virtual Reality simulations create kinetic experiences allowing viewers to approach topics tangibly. Armed with new personable experiences, communities begin the conversations with resource managers sharing common ground.
