Item: Integrating Gaming Technology to Map Avalanche Hazard
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Title: Integrating Gaming Technology to Map Avalanche Hazard
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Grenoble – Chamonix Mont-Blanc - October 07-11, 2013
Authors:
- Donna Delparte [ Idaho State University, Pocatello ID, U.S.A. ]
- Michael R. Peterson [ University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo HI, U.S.A. ]
- John Perkins [ University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo HI, U.S.A. ]
- Jahrain Jackson [ University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo HI, U.S.A. ]
Date: 2013-10-07
Abstract: As gaming physics engines advance, snow scientists have the opportunity to utilize these engines to animate and model avalanche flow and runout. Numerical models coupled with real world digital elevation model (DEM) data facilitate the understanding of avalanche movement in complex terrain. Combined with known avalanche runout datasets, genetic algorithms (GAs) determine appropriate physical parameters for dynamic models that can be applied to mountain ranges similar to the training datasets. The trained models provide avalanche path outlines to supplement hazard maps. Our approach simulates avalanche flow with a particle physics based emulation using parameters of initial height, bounce friction, stickiness, damping force, turbulence force, clumping factor, viscosity and cell grid size. The model requires a DEM and a starting zone approximation. Using a GA approach, a training dataset of 10 known avalanche paths in the Rogers Pass, Canada highway corridor with mapped maximum runout and associated starting zones was used to optimize the model parameters to provide a best fit to the avalanche path outlines. The animated flow interface permits adjustment or verification of parameters on the fly and visualization of the animation in 3D or stereo view if desired. The optimized model defines avalanche paths and runout and outputs path outlines in raster format, which can be imported into a geographic information system (GIS). The raster outputs were integrated into an algorithm devised to map avalanche terrain exposure. Avalanche path activity, land cover data and topographic parameters such as slope and curvature contribute to identify hazardous terrain.
Object ID: ISSW13_paper_O2-22.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: hazard mapping, GIS, avalanche terrain modelling, DEM, genetic algorithms
Page Number(s): 625-631
Subjects: avalanche hazard avalanche paths geographic information system (gis)
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