Interactive, 3D Simulation of Natural Instability Processes for Civil Protection Purposes

A computer simulation of a debris flow in motion, a landslide in evolution and a snow avalanche is here presented that was realized in the context of a series of risk education activities developed within the European project RISKNAT. The pc simulation allows to view in 3D and in their natural context of occurrence the three types of mass movements mentioned above. The peculiarity of the simulation is that the user is able to directly interact with the processes with the help of a special joystick that allows to vary the main parameters governing the process and also its sight. It is possible, for example, to choose an aerial view, or to get a view closer to the ground to observe in more detail the phenomenon in its progress. The computer simulation is based on real data and intends to spread among the local population, primarily exposed to risks, instructional and educational bases by offering a virtual experience of some recurrent natural processes occurring in alpine valleys. In fact it allows the user to reach a greater awareness of these latter, learning about their aspect, their mode of propagation, their velocity and their interaction with the natural and urbanized landscape. The simulation is therefore a tool to support the communication activities devoted to explain to the general public the civil protection basics, with the belief that the direct involvement, albeit virtual, in a situation of danger can be an important stimulus to better understand the forces of nature and to assimilate the basic behaviors needed for self defense.