Year of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School/College
Computer Science
Committee Chair
Jesse Johnson
Commitee Members
Jesse Johnson, Zedong Peng, Russell Parsons
Keywords
Virtual Reality, Unreal Engine, Geospatial, Data Visualization
Abstract
This thesis presents a method for integrating high-fidelity geospatial data into Unreal Engine, creating a foundation for numerical computation and simulation in a virtual reality (VR) environment. The research focuses on developing tools that facilitate the incorporation of geospatial data into Unreal Engine, essential for visualizing and accessing data needed to develop training resources for high-risk professions, such as wildland firefighting. This includes the creation of custom plugins for both QGIS and Unreal Engine, forming a data pipeline that establishes a robust data foundation within Unreal Engine. This groundwork enables the development of simulation applications in a VR environment. By leveraging Unreal Engine's advanced visualization capabilities, this project enhances the ability to visualize and interact with geospatial data, demonstrating VR's potential as a data visualization tool and as a training environment to better prepare individuals for dynamic and hazardous scenarios.
Recommended Citation
Gedlaman, Hannah E., "Representing High-Fidelity Geospatial Data in Unreal Engine: Establishing a Foundation for Numerical Computation and Simulation in a Virtual Reality Environment" (2024). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 12348.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/12348
© Copyright 2024 Hannah E. Gedlaman