Laserfiche WebLink
2.1.2 Prepare Prototypes of Data Visualization and Presentations <br />A variety of geospatial data visualization tools were assessed for their utility based on our own trials and a <br />review of the literature. Programs contained within the ArcGIS (Environmental Systems Research <br />Institute) and ERDAS (Leica) products were tested for three-dimensional rendering and visualization of <br />multiple SPDSS layers. ArcScene and ArcGlobe (ArcGIS) were identified as being suitable <br />environments for generating static data visualizations (screen grabs for PowerPoint slides), as well as <br />developing short movies. The aim of creating these `canned' visualizations was to generate a library of <br />SPDSS graphics, PowerPoint slides, and videos, for selection and use in various paper and web <br />documents and PowerPoint presentations. Numerous prototype graphics and videos were generated under <br />Sub-Task 98.1. <br />An interactive visualization tool was also determined to have utility, the purpose of this tool being to <br />supply an easy to use environment where SPDSS users can navigate through classified irrigated lands <br />data in a virtually realistic landscape setting, make simple queries of the data, add their own data as <br />appropriate, and generate custom visualization graphics for presentations. Following a preliminary search <br />and assessment of existing software tools for interactive visualization, the four leading candidates were <br />given a thorough trial. Trial evaluation comments are reported in Table 1. ArcReader was selected <br />primarily because it currently offers more flexibility regarding base-layer (image) selection, and because <br />it is most compatible with State GIS software. In addition, ESRI have clearly identified upcoming <br />enhancements to this tool with the release of a compatible replacement in 2006 (ArcExplorer) that will <br />facilitate queries that are more sophisticated and analysis. <br />2.1.3 Present Examples and Make Recommendations to the State <br />Examples of visualization prototypes were presented at the State contactor's meeting in October 2005. <br />From hereon, recommendations for visualization tools were presented along with various prototypes <br />during monthly project update meetings with the State. Suggestions for visualization tools included: <br />• 40-50 PowerPoint slides focused on visualizations of: <br />^ Irrigated lands (land use-crop type) and irrigation systems; <br />^ Consumptive use; <br />^ Groundwater. <br />• 4 videos of `fly-throughs' through the SPDSS highlighting irrigated lands mapping <br />• 1 video of groundwater surfaces <br />• Interactive visualization tool for stakeholder use consisting o£ <br />^ ArcGIS ArcReader Application; <br />^ 2- and 3-D packaging of multiple SPDSS data layers for visualization and query; <br />^ Bookmarked sub-regions within study area; <br />^ CD's containing free ArcReader software bundled with SPDSS data for visualization. <br />The State identified that in the past, large format posters had provided a useful means of presenting ideas <br />and information on State projects. Posters for three major themes of the SPDSS (Irrigated Lands, <br />Groundwater, and Consumptive Use/Water Budget Modeling) were suggested by the State. The content <br />of the posters was to be primarily non-technical, i.e. informative to a lay audience. <br />Page 2 of 7 ~Ixlverslde Technafagy, Inc, <br />Wafer Aescurces Engn~eerrag and Consuffrnq <br />