Neophyt

Invasive, non-resident plants (neophytes) present an increasing challenge also in the canton of Zurich. For this reason, the canton defines in its action plan 2014-2017 "Invasive Non-Resident Organisms" 19 measures to prevent and combat the spreading of such species. These measures shall be complemented by improved background and targeted information. Therefor the preparation and communication of the effects of the defined measures in a way intelligible for the general public plays an important role. GIS-based 3D landscape visualizations have proved to be a suitable instrument for this purpose. These realistic landscape reproductions help visualizing the effects of measures on the future appearance of the landscape as well as communicating these effects in an understandable form. Integrating such visualizations into a decision support tool also furthers the accessibility of complex situations and interreletations in a simplified manner.

The project aims at generating realistic 3D landscape visualizations of the spreading of neophytes in the canton of Zurich during a period of roughly 20 years as a basis for information and awareness raising of the general public. The effects of the spreading of neophytes on the future appearance of the landscape are visualized at different locations and from various perspectives, in order to demonstrate to the public the extent to which original flora might potentially suffer damage.