An Evaluation on Flood Modelling Tools for Transformation of Spatial and Non-Spatial Data to 3D Geo visualization

Abstract

Flood is a natural disaster caused directly by excessive amount of rain water, or indirectly by the global warming. Flood information can be disseminated using visual media such as 3D flood modelling. This study uses qualitative methods to review frequently used computer tools in 3D flood modelling. Currently, the generated 3D geovisualization results produced by the 3D modelling tools are lacking in terms of their aesthetics value. The purpose of this study is to analyse and select effective 3D geovisualization tools that could be merged with multimedia tools to create better aesthetics images. This study can offer insights into creating future 3D geovisualization based on spatial and non-spatial data that are more realistic and rich with aesthetics value. The analysis was conducted using SWOT analysis in order to find out strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of each tools. Result shows that some commonly used 3D geovisualization tools such as ArcGIS and FME can be combined with multimedia tools such as 3ds Max and Blender to create 3D geovisualsization for flood modelling with applied aesthetics value.