Keliann LaConte - Developing spatial thinking skills with three-dimensional visualizations
Presenters: Keliann LaConte, Vanessa Vincente, and Lee-ann Simpson
Workshop (90 min)
Description: Spatial thinking is a critical part of many scientific endeavors, and it is necessary to think spatially in order to progress from a novice to an expert in a given scientific domain (NRC 2006). To provide learners with practice in this area, the lesson “Monitoring for Potential Flash Flood & Debris Flow Threats” (Vincente and LaConte 2023) includes an innovative spatial visualization approach for training. Various software, including Sketchfab, Autodesk, Photoshop, and Google Earth, were used to simulate a post-fire landscape, which was overlaid with three different types of hydrological and geological data. The lesson engages learners in connecting how four key factors contribute to the likelihood of a flash flood and debris flow event occurring at a given location in that landscape. The three-dimensional visualizations allow learners to interact with data as they develop new perspectives for how the four factors interact. Using this example as a springboard, participants will discuss how 3D visuals can engage learners in interacting with data and developing conceptual models. Through small-group discussions, participants will generate new ideas for including 3D visualizations in future training efforts. They will also be invited to share resources and examples of how 3D visualizations can support learners in mastering complex concepts.
Example: Below, a three-dimensional topographic model shows the Spring Creek Fire burn scar perimeter in southern Colorado (USA), along with major highways, county lines, creeks, and locations of interest. In the lesson Monitoring for Potential Flash Flood & Debris Flow Threats, learners use this model to explore vulnerable assets, called “Values at Risk,” which can be impacted by erosion, sedimentation, rockfall, flooding, and debris flows. Learners can click on each of three locations to review information on why it was identified as a “value at risk.”
Agenda:
- Introduction
- Discussion: 3D visualizations and how they have been used in training
- Activity: Training challenges
- Discussions: How might training on this challenge benefit from 3D visualization?
- Debrief
- Wrap-up
Additional Examples: The lesson Monitoring for Potential Flash Flood & Debris Flow Threats includes four additional Sketchfab models, as well as a video animation:
Soil Burn Severity + Terrain Slope: This three-dimensional model overlays the soil burn severity assessment for the Spring Creek Fire (produced by the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team) on the terrain of the area. Levels of soil burn severity are categorized as one of four categories.
Drainages + Rainfall Rate Threshold: This three-dimensional model shows the directions that drainages flow over this landscape, as denoted by white arrows.
Basin Hazard Assessment + Terrain Slope: In this three-dimensional model, the USGS basin hazard assessment for the Spring Creek Fire is overlaid on the terrain of the area. The probability for debris-flow occurrence in a basin is categorized as one of three categories: low (yellow), moderate (orange), or high (red).
Debris Flow Model: This three-dimensional simulation models a post-fire flash flood and debris flow event in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado on July 31, 2021.
References:
National Research Council. 2006. Learning to Think Spatially. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/11019.
Vincente, V. and LaConte, K. 2023. Monitoring for Potential Flash Flood & Debris Flow Threats. https://www.meted.ucar.edu/education_training/lesson/10162