The RWBC is exploring methods to integrate GIS and Scientific Visualization (VIS). Our aim is twofold: (1) create new forms of information and communications technology that can inspire and enable collaborative multidisciplinary research, and (2) link this research to policy, planning and education for sustainable city-region development.

1. Scientific Visualization
The RWBC is developing and testing state of the art 3-D visualization technologies in partnership-driven research projects as part of a long-term effort to create a "Transborder City-Region Visualization Theatre" and to make cutting edge 3-D-interactive tools directly available to academic, community, industry, and governmental organizations via the Web. An important part of this work includes the creation of a 3-D Regional Canvas for the Californias.

To learn more about the 3D Regional Canvas, click here.

To learn more about our Web-based visualization tools, click here.

2. On-line Interactive Mapping
The RWBC is developing online interactive mapping technology that allows for easy visual integration of data from multiple Internet information sources. Specifically, we are developing tools that will link Superfund toxicants data from many sources, with San Diego County Quality of Life indicators and cross-border demographic and health information being developed at Telesis Corporation, with water pollution data collected by the BayKeeper non-profit group.

3. Regional Planning Chronologies
The RWBC is developing new Web-based methods to provide integrated views of regional planning history. We are developing a framework that juxtaposes (and interrelates) official city plans, federal policies, and alternative planning visions (both unofficial & community-based). This is part of a sustained effort to provide online access to primary regional historical planning sources that will inform citizens, academics and community groups, as well as planners and decision-makers.

To learn more about the Regional Planning Chronologies, click here

4. Narratives
The RWBC is developing interactive narratives consisting of video and motion graphic presentations with sound and voice narrations, close-captioning, and links to topics as the presentation progresses. These narratives can be used to stimulate research and education, and to share information about RWBC projects.

To learn more about this multimedia resource development, click here

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

To read about an application of this approach in the context of UCSD's Superfund Basic Research Program Outreach Core activities, click here.

To learn more about the specific software and hardware we are using, click here.

Other sites with technical tools:

ENVIRONMENTAL EMPHASIS

UCLA Institute of the Environment: http://www.ioe.ucla.edu/IoE.html
MISSION: "To address the full complexity of today's environmental problems on a local, regional and global scale through innovative, integrative, multidisciplinary academic, research and outreach programs." See their "Environmental Report Cards"

Tools for Community-based approaches to environmental planning and management
List (with access to pdf files) of Ecosystem Tools, Human Dimension Tools, and Integrated Tools http://www.epa.gov/ecocommunity/tools.htm

The Natural Resources Conservation Service: provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. technical tools

Information on Cyberinfrastructure at NSF
Public release date: 13-Feb-2004
National Science Foundation
Links below copied from an NSF article titled:
Cyberinfrastructure poised to revolutionize environmental sciences and other disciplines

Report of the NSF Blue-Ribbon Advisory Panel on Cyberinfrastructure:
http://www.cise.nsf.gov/sci/reports/toc.cfm