Combining
Visualization, Simulation, and Collaboration Tools for Next Generation Decision
Environments
Miller, Perry A.1, Jessica L.
Block1 (1) Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
A new class of visualization centers are
emerging that more seamlessly combine 3D visualization with simulation and
collaboration tools. Once such center, the Decision Theater
at Arizona State University, has
been operational since May 2005 with the objective of connecting the science of
the university with problems faced by public and private sector organizations. This paper will focus
on our experience with several projects examining aquifer management issues in
the Phoenix metropolitan area. In
particular, the paper will examine the tools and resources used to visualize
and simulate aquifer behavior over the next 100 years. In addition, we will
discuss the integration of group collaboration tools with the visualization and
simulation tools to improve and accelerate the decision process. Finally, we
will address the issues associated with distributing this integrated set of
tools via the Internet.