Forests in a virtual environment
We are offering a BSc thesis project looking into the creation of a forest in a virtual environment.
The outcome of forest models predicting future forest conditions are often difficult to interpret. Hence ETH’s Forest Resources Management research group FORM is aiming to develop a VR (virtual reality) experience, allowing a full immersion into a wide range of forest types from the comfort of your home (office). Using tools such as ESRI’s city engine, the Unreal Engine and/ or Unity, you will bring an exemplary Marteloskop site into VR, and answer related questions such as:
- Which current applications using forest information can be enhanced by bringing it into a VR environment?
- What are future applications of forest date/ information showcased in VR?
- What are current limitations regarding computational capacity?
We are looking for a student with basic knowledge of forestry, (eg. obtained via courses such as 701-0303-00 Waldvegetation und Waldstandort, or the Systemvertiefung Wald & Landschaft) and a strong interest in VR gaming + development, ESRI’s city engine, the Unreal engine and/ or Unity.
No previous experience with these tools is required, but an interest to learn is essential.
The project has a flexible starting date, with preference given to interested candidates who would like to start as soon as possible.
You will get to
- Work on an interdisciplinary, cutting edge topic, with a lot of room for creativity.
- Expand your network discussing your work with experts from the intersecting fields of forest sciences, robotics, and computer sciences.
- Be a co-author on a publication resulting from this work.
- Be part of a motivated, fun, and energetic team of scientists.
If the idea of participating in cutting edge interdisciplinary research excites you, please contact verena.griess(at)usys.ethz.ch. The FORM team is looking forward to hearing from you!