SEHAG 2 - Historic image processing Phase 2

SEHAG is a multi-partner project with the aim to understand the relation between processes in the geosystem of Alpine catchments and climate. While the first SEHAG project phase offered insights into the past, collecting and transforming historic data to draw conclusions on the former state of the geosystem, the second phase is dedicated to the future. Besides inferring information from photos and other sensors (e.g. LiDAR, GPR, SONAR), research will focus on the collaborative exploration and visualization of predicted changes in 2D- and 3D-models of our environment. In order to broaden the basis of available datasets, the collection and georeferencing of newly acquired and historic geodata will be continued. For historical terrestrial images, research on improved methods for the automatic orientation will increase automation, reliability, and accuracy. Besides airborne laser scanning (ALS), data acquired with additional sensors will be used to derive surface models in specific areas: (i) ground penetrating radar (GPR) to derive subglacial topography (ii) echo sounding for seafloor bathymetry. With the focus on the prediction of changes of our environment, the role of images is reversed in comparison to the first project phase: Instead of solely extracting information from images, information generated from models will be visualized. The generated visualizations are not merely a means of dissemination, but more importantly trigger scientific discussion on the interaction of processes. Focus will be laid on the evaluation and development of methods for the combined visualization of the predicted changes from various geoscience disciplines (glaciology, geomorphology including the cryospheric component, hydrology, and vegetation science). Furthermore, 3D georeferenced historical images will be used, to visually represent the connection between the past and future by projecting predicted features into the images. The Corona19-pandemic had drastic impacts on the way we communicated and interacted. In the new collab- oration forms induced by restrictions, we see a chance for sustainably transforming (parts of) our work. There- fore, new possibilities to collaboratively analyze, interact and interpret data, used within the SEHAG project, will be investigated. Special attention will be laid on the question how to remotely interact with each other and the data. This will be investigated by means of so called virtual field meetings where the basic elements of real world field meetings will be made available virtually. With the developed tool researchers from various research areas will be able to collaboratively analyze and interpret environmental past, current and future data and states remotely. While the need for such possibilities became apparent through the Corona-19 pandemic, they will be relevant in the future as well, supplementing and extending current fieldwork.