Geovisualization of Forest Dynamics: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Damage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Allen H. 2009. Geovisualization of Forest Dynamics: Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Damage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. University of Georgia
In this study, the methodologies for generating 2D and 3D geovisualizations depicting vegetation community dynamics in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) utilize existing GIS data sets, recently acquired remote sensing imagery, digital elevation models, ground-based observations and computer-aided graphic design software. Output consisted of detailed renderings of three different views of vegetation change in hemlock dominated communities of GRMS. Each view documents a different scale at the plot, stand, and landscape level. Once available image, GIS and DEM data are compiled in an ArcGIS geodatabase, the integration of these various data sets for a multi-scale visualization is accomplished with software such as Visual Nature Studio (VNS) (3D Nature: http://3dnature.com/) and Xfrog (Green works Organic Software, Inc.). Visual Nature Studio allows for the importing of images, GIS layers, DEMS and other geospatial data to create multi-scale and photorealistic 2D and 3D perspective images or animations that anyone can easily understand. Rendered outputs in the form of stills or animations are created by combining various objects, geospatial data, and special effects parameters in VNS.
- Type
- Academic
- Authors
- Allen, Hunter
- Date of Issue
- 2009
- Publisher
- University of Georgia
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Forest, Forest dynamics, Geovisualization, GIS, GRSM-00819, Hemlock, Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, Lidar, Plant Studies, thesis
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Forest/Woodland Communities