Sketching Uncertainty into Simulations

Information

• Publication Type: Journal Paper (without talk)
• Workgroup(s)/Project(s):
  • Visualization Group
• Date: December 2012
• Journal: IEEE Transaction on Visualization and Computer Graphics
• Number: 12
• Volume: 18
• Pages: 2255 – 2264

Abstract

In a variety of application areas, the use of simulation steering in decision making is limited at best. Research focusing on this problem suggests that most user interfaces are too complex for the end user. Our goal is to let users create and investigate multiple, alternative scenarios without the need for special simulation expertise. To simplify the specification of parameters, we move from a traditional manipulation of numbers to a sketch-based input approach. Users steer both numeric parameters and parameters with a spatial correspondence by sketching a change onto the rendering. Special visualizations provide immediate visual feedback on how the sketches are transformed into boundary conditions of the simulation models. Since uncertainty with respect to many intertwined parameters plays an important role in planning, we also allow the user to intuitively setup complete value ranges, which are then automatically transformed into ensemble simulations. The interface and the underlying system were developed in collaboration with experts in the field of flood management. The real-world data they have provided has allowed us to construct scenarios used to evaluate the system. These were presented to a variety of flood response personnel, and their feedback is discussed in detail in the paper. The interface was found to be intuitive and relevant, although a certain amount of training might be necessary.

Additional Files and Images

Weblinks

• http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?arnumber=6327230

BibTeX

@article{Ribicic_2012_SUS,
  title =      "Sketching Uncertainty into Simulations",
  author =     "Hrvoje Ribi\v{c}i\'{c} and J\"{u}rgen Waser and R Gurbat and
               Berhard Sadransky and Eduard Gr\"{o}ller",
  year =       "2012",
  abstract =   "In a variety of application areas, the use of simulation
               steering in decision making is limited at best. Research
               focusing on this problem suggests that most user interfaces
               are too complex for the end user. Our goal is to let users
               create and investigate multiple, alternative scenarios
               without the need for special simulation expertise. To
               simplify the specification of parameters, we move from a
               traditional manipulation of numbers to a sketch-based input
               approach. Users steer both numeric parameters and parameters
               with a spatial correspondence by sketching a change onto the
               rendering. Special visualizations provide immediate visual
               feedback on how the sketches are transformed into boundary
               conditions of the simulation models. Since uncertainty with
               respect to many intertwined parameters plays an important
               role in planning, we also allow the user to intuitively
               setup complete value ranges, which are then automatically
               transformed into ensemble simulations. The interface and the
               underlying system were developed in collaboration with
               experts in the field of flood management. The real-world
               data they have provided has allowed us to construct
               scenarios used to evaluate the system. These were presented
               to a variety of flood response personnel, and their feedback
               is discussed in detail in the paper. The interface was found
               to be intuitive and relevant, although a certain amount of
               training might be necessary.",
  month =      dec,
  journal =    "IEEE Transaction on Visualization and Computer Graphics",
  number =     "12",
  volume =     "18",
  pages =      "2255--2264",
  URL =        "https://www.cg.tuwien.ac.at/research/publications/2012/Ribicic_2012_SUS/",
}