Education & Infographics
‘Flood & Fire’ – REROC
Charles Sturt University
agripark.csu.edu.au/innovation/extended-reality-centre
The eXtended Reality Centre (XRC) was thrilled to undertake the creation of three nonverbal 3D visualisations for the Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC), aimed at launching the 'Flood & Fire—Disaster Risk Reduction' project. Embracing the challenge of conveying a compelling narrative solely through visuals, without the aid of narration or text, our team meticulously crafted animations that immerse viewers in each scenario. These visualisations provide a unique first-person perspective, effectively illustrating the critical importance of adopting preventative measures in anticipation of flooding and fire events. By harnessing the power of visual storytelling, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and proactive approach to disaster preparedness, ultimately contributing to the safety and resilience of the community.
The entire project was created in Unreal Engine, with the final mixing in Adobe Premiere Pro. The real-time production speed allowed us to meet our deliverable of only three weeks. The work has since been updated to work for 3D stereoscopic viewing and 180° large-scale projection, further enhancing the project's impact.
The immersive scenarios are;
Flood Video 1: Causeways
Flooded causeways can be deceptive, hiding the depth and current of water, making them far more dangerous than they appear. Understanding this risk is crucial for drivers to make informed decisions against attempting to cross, thereby preventing potential loss of life and vehicle damage.
Flood Video 2: Speed
Flooding can occur suddenly, with flash floods developing in minutes to hours, overwhelming areas with little warning. Awareness of flooding's rapid onset is vital for communities to evacuate promptly, protecting lives and minimising property damage in vulnerable regions.
Fire Video: Speed & Fury
Bushfires, fuelled by strong winds and dry conditions, can advance quickly at speeds over 20 kilometres per hour, necessitating swift evacuation decisions to protect lives and property from their unpredictable threat. They also produce dense smoke and ash that can drastically reduce visibility and simulate night during the day, making it essential for people to be aware of these conditions for safer navigation and decision-making during evacuations.
Most importantly, we hope these universal animations resonate with a broad audience across all demographics, encouraging individuals to pause, reflect, and adopt preventative behaviours that can ultimately save lives.
CREW
Andrew Hagan, Jared Robb
Software
Unreal Engine, Adobe Premiere Pro