Using AI-driven immersive visualisations to transform how we understand , prepare for and respond to wildfires
The problem
Global warming is intensifying and accelerating wildfire conditions in Australia . 2019 was our hottest year on record , characterised by drought , heatwaves and devastating fires . More than 16 million hectares of land were burnt , thousands of properties were damaged and an estimated 1.5 billion wildlife animals died . Wildfires , caused by global warming , represent a new generation of fires , vast in scale and unpredictable in behaviour .
Our solution
Harnessing artificial intelligence ( AI ) to create immersive visualisations of wildfires can transform how we reimagine , prepare for , and respond to these extreme climate events , says Scientia Professor Dennis Del Favero in the School of Art & Design . Creative visualisations can sensorially convey their dynamics within a safe virtual environment .
Dennis Del Favero is an ARC Laureate Fellow and research artist and the Executive Director of UNSW iCinema Centre for Interactive Cinema Research . He uses immersive visualisations to explore risk
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Image : iFire Networked Visualisation System .
scenarios in visceral , compelling ways . Previous projects include training simulators for improved mining safety , immersive environments exploring war memories , interactive digital museum experiences , explorations of virtual stage design prototyping and artificially intelligent contemporary art installations .
iFire , funded by Dennis Del Favero ’ s ARC Laureate Fellowship , is an AI-driven immersive system that allows researchers and first responders to interact with evolving life-like scenarios at scale and in real time . The five-year project brings together global experts in fire and art research and three expansive international advisory committees .
The platform will facilitate research and training , developing open-ended decision-making for a more agile and collaborative approach to fire planning , group training and management . It will also enable artists and designers to explore wildfire landscapes using a digital palette to enhance public understanding of wildfire scenarios .
The project is developing a pipeline for sharing and integrating diverse data sets , including fire behaviours , management procedures and protocols . The platform will be disseminated via fire management , museology and creative industry applications .
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