Norwegian researchers have borrowed a page from game developers to devise simulation technology that can save lives in many parts of the world by helping to reduce the damage from catastrophic floods. Three-dimensional simulations of natural phenomena such as tsunamis and floods require tremendous computing capacity – and even then, clear-cut answers are slow to emerge. But now researchers at SINTEF ICT in Oslo have developed methods that cut that waiting time substantially. The key lies in using computer graphics cards.
The simulations can also be used for flood-prone areas where other conditions such as landslides may cause flooding. All that is required is the input of a different data set. It is also conceivable that terrain data can be collected from other sources such as Google Earth. The method could also streamline the visualisation of petroleum reservoirs based on data collected from the seabed. This is another application area that requires processing of massive amounts of data.
More information:
http://www.forskningsradet.no/en/Newsarticle/Gaming_technology_for_calculating_floods/1253972272123
More information:
http://www.forskningsradet.no/en/Newsarticle/Gaming_technology_for_calculating_floods/1253972272123