Interactive 3D animation and AR asset built to visualize coastal erosion for live weather broadcasts
Coastal Erosion Explainer
This animated explainer visualized the science behind coastal erosion for live weather broadcasts. Built in Cinema 4D with RealFlow and X-Particles, the rigged terrain allowed broadcasters to customize erosion levels, triggering dynamic water simulations. Used nationwide, the asset was also adapted for augmented reality integration.
This 3D explainer was customized for a CBS station with added palm tree foliage to better reflect the region’s terrain.
Coastal erosion is the process where wind, waves, and currents gradually wear away beaches, cliffs, and shorelines. Over time, this natural process can reshape coastlines, threaten habitats, and put coastal communities at risk.
Shown above are the particle simulations and rigged terrain used during development, along with a custom HUD overlay on the glass to emphasize erosion and enhance the storytelling.
The original project staged in our MAX AR environment before being distributed to stations nationwide.
Details | ||||
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Client: | The Weather Company | |||
Date: | May 1st 2021 | |||
Website/Link: | ||||
This 3D explainer was designed to illustrate the process of coastal erosion for a weather broadcast audience. Developed in Cinema 4D, the animation was also adapted for use as an interactive AR element, enabling stations to showcase erosion dynamics in real time. The project was featured on-air by more than half a dozen stations nationwide. The terrain was modeled using Loft Nurbs in Cinema 4D and rigged with Xpresso controls, allowing both our team and end users to dynamically adjust erosion levels. These changes would then trigger responsive simulations in the surrounding water using RealFlow and X-Particles, creating a visually cohesive and scientifically grounded representation of erosion in action. This modular setup allowed for high visual fidelity while remaining flexible enough for broadcasters to tailor the element to different locations and narratives. | ||||
