Sometimes, there are birthdays…

Title: Real-time GIS-based Snow Cover Approximation and Rendering for Large Terrains

Journal: Computers & Graphics

Authors: Benjamin Neukom, Stefan Arisona, Simon Schubiger

Abstract: Various terrain visualization techniques based on geographic information system (GIS) data already exist. One major drawback of existing visualizations is that they do not capture seasonal variations well. Besides vegetation variations, in colder areas this particularly also applies to snow cover. In this paper, we propose a real-time multi-scale snow cover approximation and visualization for large terrains. The computation runs on a large grid, calculates the snow/water equivalent based on precipitation data from a GIS and snowmelt based on a physically-based solar radiation calculation combined with a degree-day snowmelt approach using level of detail (LOD). The snow visualization is divided into two parts: Zero thickness snow cover textures are generated for distant views. For close up views the terrain’s height field is modified using displacement maps and tessellation to produce thick snow covers. The GPU-based data-parallel computation and the visualization run on the GPU in real-time on a modern desktop computer. The implementation is tested using a real area in the Swiss Alps, with a size of 14.16 by 12.88 km, a grid resolution of 222 × 206, and a time step of 1 h. We compare the rendered results spanning several months with a time series of photographs from webcams for visual accuracy.

Comparison of webcam images (left) of Zermatt with our simulation (right). Trees were placed by hand and the sun position was approximated from the webcam image. (A) Start of the computation on 12.10.2015 with only the initial snow visible. (B) The results on 18.10.2015 after the first snowfall. The snowline was accurately computed. (C) The results on 16.01.2016 after the first heavy snowfall with the whole scene covered in snow. (D) The results on 21.04.2016 with snow beginning to melt as the temperature rises.

Code for Unreal Engine (open source): https://github.com/bneukom/UnrealSnow

Title: Visualizing Waypoints-Constrained Origin-Destination Patterns for Massive Transportation Data
Authors: Benjamin Neukom, Stefan Arisona, Simon Schubiger
Journal: Computers & Graphics
Publisher: Elsevier
Year: 2018
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cag.2017.10.003

An 18m long and 4m high illuminated display hung in the middle of the bridge arch of the Hochbrücke Baden. It resembled an oversized LCD display, in six parts, like the word VERSUS, or a digital clock display: for hours, minutes, seconds. For 10 days it displayed words, so-called Versus pairs. These were pairs of words that shone in a regular cycle and synchronously above the Limmat in the directions north and south.

Only one word was readable at a time, or the opposing term shone in the opposite direction. The installation confronted the visitors with the festival theme of the Badenfahrt 2017 VERSUS and playfully challenged them to look for the contrast to the depicted word. The installation was loaded with a fund of over 100 pairs of opposites.  Every visitor could play around these word pairs on the high bridge. Two games were specially developed for this purpose. Standing opposite each other, separated by the game console, they could compete against each other in the middle of a temporary permanent structure on the High Bridge.

The Versus pairs ranged from obvious opposites such as LOVE vs. HATE to „inseparable“ word pairs in which the opposites dissolved, e.g. PARKER vs. BARROW (surnames Bonnie & Clyde).

(by Matthias Gubler - thisisthis.ch/versus_installation)

Exhibited at Badenfahrt, Baden, Switzerland, August - September 2017

3600 high power LEDs
14 km Cable
300m PVC-film
1.5 Tons
1800 × 400 × 60 cm

In collaboration with Matthias Gubler, Simon Schubiger, Filip Schramka, Cloé Hüsser, Tobias Baumgartner.

Supported by FHNW and BALTS.

Another edition of the Exploding Plastic Inevitable Redux, this time at the beautiful Rolex Learning Center at EPFL in Lausanne Switzerland. Together with Marcel Andreas Reimer and Simon Schubiger, on October 20 2017.

https://culture.epfl.ch/EPI-redux_en

Exhibition at the Institute for the Future (IFTF), Palo Alto, 21 September 2015 - 15 April 2016 as part of the Apocalypse Exhibition by Catherine Young

Pre-opening at swissnex San Francisco, 19 September 2015

Stefan Arisona, Simon Schubiger, in collaboration with Catherine Young

The Wild Jewels explore the possibilities of data-driven wearable technology that responds to future environmental scenarios. The pieces make use of data provided by millions of sensors and mobile phones that permanently collect data of the momentary state of a city; and in addition expand the scale to include solar activity data collected from observatories and probes in space.

The collection is inspired by large data analysis and collaboration facilities such as the Value Lab Asia, and it demonstrates typical modes of interaction with data: visualizing, filtering, projecting and connecting in a different context. Thereby, the pieces freely re-interpret and embody these modes, and bring them to a small, personal scale. The functional aspect is combined with precious materials and traditional jewelry and accessory designs, ultimately to be worn as pretty artworks.

Raumwetter (Space Weather Orb)

Raumwetter is a necklace that visualizes the beauty of space weather: The sun permanently releases streams of hot gas into space – the solar wind. A solar flare may blast millions of tons of matter into space, turning the wind into a storm reaching speeds of up to 2 million miles per hour. Luckily, on earth we are protected. Earth’s magnetic field redirects most charged solar particles to flow around the planet. However, space based technology (GPS), communication systems and power grids may be at risk. Thus, Raumwetter also has the capability to warn you of intense solar events.

Raumwetter: Machine-cut acrylic; “patate di mare”; gold wire; transparent acrylic sphere, lit with pico-projector from inside.

Giftschleuse (Poison Gate Cuff)

On Earth, 780 million people do not have access to clean water, and in the near future, availability of water is expected to decrease in many regions. Giftschleuse is a water filtering bangle that can be worn at all times. It provides instant, clean water. Similarly to an exo-skeleton, it is an exo-organ that provides additional functions to the human body in situations where our own organism cannot deal with conditions such as polluted water. In addition, it maps areas of clean water and shares the data with other water-seekers nearby.

Giftschleuse: Machine cut brass, silicon pipes, coloured cooling liquid, electrical pumps.

Durchblick (Clear Vision Goggles)

Besides correcting your seeing capabilities and protecting your eyes from strong light, Durchblick is a multifunctional display device that allows you to project the invisible into your visual perception: Depending on its configuration, it provides hints about wireless communication networks, radiation, dust and more. These are the shades for a hotter planet!

Durchblick: Machine-cut brass, acrylic glasses, motorised clock-work driving the shades.

Übergesund (Super Health Glove)

Übergesund is decorated glove and a social health device that builds spontaneous data networks with other wearers. It will inform you if somebody near you needs help, and it forwards such alerts to others around who might be able to help. In densely populated areas, such as in cities, Übergesund provides a decentralized health-network that allows for community-sourced services that are available at a high response time.

Übergesund: Cut, turned and brushed steel; gold wire; silicon LED strings; custom-programmed smart watch LCD display.

This work was supported by: ETH Zürich (ETH Global & Future Cities Laboratory), FHNW (Institute of 4D Technologies), Institute for the Future, swissnex San Francisco, Consulate General of Switzerland in San Francisco.

The Fine Jewels

More infos on the Apocalypse Project: https://apocalypse.cc