Navteca’s “Translating Data into Interactive Frameworks” project merges geospatial data visualization, conversational AI, and immersive 3D environments to create a powerful communication tool for scientific and disaster-related data. Funded by NASA’s Wildland Fire Program, the pilot focused on visualizing the Hermit’s Peak wildfire through a real-time, interactive web experience powered by a custom AI chatbot and Unity game engine.
This tool bridges the gap between scientific data and public understanding, enabling emergency managers, scientists, and the public to explore wildfire data through an intuitive and engaging platform.

Key Features

• Immersive 3D Wildfire Visualizations
  • Real-time game engine-based scenes visualize burn severity, wind vectors, smoke plumes, and fire spread using high-fidelity geospatial data.
• Conversational AI Integration (Voice Atlas)
  • A custom chatbot that responds to user questions in multiple languages, drawing only from vetted, reliable sources like USFS incident reports.
• Data-Driven Visualization
  • Integrates NASA, NOAA, and USGS datasets into a coherent visual story with real-time data processing, compliant with FAIR/Open Science standards.
• Web-Based Accessibility
  • Deployable on standard devices (desktop and mobile), requiring no additional software.
• Analytics & Feedback Loop
  • Tracks user interactions to provide insights on public interest and information gaps.

Benefits & Impact

• Improved Public Understanding of Scientific Data
  • Makes complex multi-source wildfire data accessible to non-scientists, including policymakers and the public.
• Actionable Decision Support for Disaster Management
  • Supports informed decision-making by emergency managers and first responders through visual storytelling.
• Enhanced Science Communication
  • Allows stakeholders to see how data translates into visual and conversational narratives, improving trust and engagement.
• Supports Open Science & Data Transparency
  • Aligns with FAIR data principles and showcases the power of open, explainable AI systems.
• Scalable & Reusable Framework
  • Successfully adapted to other fire events (e.g., Eaton and Palisades Fires) and featured in public media, demonstrating adaptability.

Use Cases

• Disaster Risk and Resilience Planning
• Public Outreach and Education
• Scientific Storytelling and Reporting
• Prototype for Future Environmental Visualization Tools