Enhancing Environmental Data Communication Through VR | TU Wien

Information

Publication Type: Conference Paper
Workgroup(s)/Project(s):
- Climate-sensitive Adaptive Planning for Shaping Resilient Cities
Date: September 2025
ISBN: 978-3-03868-293-6
Publisher: The Eurographics Association
Open Access: yes
Location: Liverpool John Moores University
Lecturer: Marlene Huber
Event: Computer Graphics & Visual Computing 2025 (CGVC 2025)
DOI: 10.2312/cgvc.20251220
Booktitle: Computer Graphics & Visual Computing (CGVC) 2025 : Eurographics UK Chapter Proceedings : Liverpool John Moores University, UK : 11 - 12 September 2025
Pages: 5
Conference date: 11. September 2025 – 12. September 2025
Pages: 1 – 5
Keywords: Human-centered computing, User studies, Virtual reality, Information visualization

Abstract

This paper examines how environmental data can be effectively communicated to non-experts in interactive, immersive 3D spaces. Utilizing a use case centered on global spatio-temporal CO2 emissions and population dynamics over the past six decades, we explore techniques for presenting both absolute (country-level) and per capita data within meaningful spatial and temporal contexts. We developed a VR prototype visualizing these data on an interactive 3D globe and conducted a qualitative user study to evaluate its clarity and interpretability for non-expert audiences. Our findings suggest that incorporating clear geographical context, intuitive representations, and user-centered interactions can enhance engagement and certain aspects of understanding. We thereby offer a practical contribution to tackling environmental data visualization and communication in immersive environments. This promotes transparency and mitigates the risk of misinterpretation or misinformation in data communication across emerging digital media platforms.

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BibTeX

@inproceedings{huber-2025-eed,
  title =      "Enhancing Environmental Data Communication Through VR",
  author =     "Marlene Huber and Johannes Eschner and Katharina Kr\"{o}sl
               and Milena Vuckovic",
  year =       "2025",
  abstract =   "This paper examines how environmental data can be
               effectively communicated to non-experts in interactive,
               immersive 3D spaces. Utilizing a use case centered on global
               spatio-temporal CO2 emissions and population dynamics over
               the past six decades, we explore techniques for presenting
               both absolute (country-level) and per capita data within
               meaningful spatial and temporal contexts. We developed a VR
               prototype visualizing these data on an interactive 3D globe
               and conducted a qualitative user study to evaluate its
               clarity and interpretability for non-expert audiences. Our
               findings suggest that incorporating clear geographical
               context, intuitive representations, and user-centered
               interactions can enhance engagement and certain aspects of
               understanding. We thereby offer a practical contribution to
               tackling environmental data visualization and communication
               in immersive environments. This promotes transparency and
               mitigates the risk of misinterpretation or misinformation in
               data communication across emerging digital media platforms.",
  month =      sep,
  isbn =       "978-3-03868-293-6",
  publisher =  "The Eurographics Association",
  location =   "Liverpool John Moores University",
  event =      "Computer Graphics & Visual Computing 2025 (CGVC 2025)",
  doi =        "10.2312/cgvc.20251220",
  booktitle =  "Computer Graphics & Visual Computing (CGVC) 2025 :
               Eurographics UK Chapter Proceedings : Liverpool John Moores
               University, UK : 11 - 12 September 2025",
  pages =      "5",
  pages =      "1--5",
  keywords =   "Human-centered computing, User studies, Virtual reality,
               Information visualization",
  URL =        "https://www.cg.tuwien.ac.at/research/publications/2025/huber-2025-eed/",
}