3D visualisation method for urban road waterlogging based on mobile augmented reality

Abstract

3D waterlogging visualisation is an immersive method to understand how water accumulates in specific areas. Since urban waterlogging involves complex subsystems above and below the ground, augmented reality (AR) visualisation is especially effective for risk perception. In this paper, a 3D visualisation method for urban road waterlogging based on mobile augmented reality is proposed. The waterlogging situation is simulated by integrating open-source Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and Weighted Cellular Automata 2D Inundation Model (WCA2D). The 3D pipe network and road inundation volume objects are constructed and organised as the basic geospatial objects for AR visualisation. Then, the simulated flow results are mapped and fused with 3D objects, achieving enhanced waterlogging visualisation based on mobile augmented reality. The method is applied to a case study in Wuhan, China. The results demonstrate that underground pipe drainage and surface runoff processes can be presented intuitively from the perspective of mobile AR. The scene rendering organised by the multilevel index is smooth, with an FPS of more than 30 frames. This research provides methodological and practical references for the general public to increase waterlogging awareness and make emergency decisions.

Keywords

• 3D visualisation
• Urban waterlogging
• road inundation
• pipe network drainage
• mobile augmented reality