Here-Now-Us "OWL" Virtual Reality SLR Project

Here.Now.Us. was a project launched in 2015 by the County of Marin, California, Climate Access, and the company Owlized to engage community members of the county to better understand local climate impacts, and begin to formulate solutions. To help visualize local sea level rise, OWL viewfinders were installed along a popular coastal multi-use pathway in Mill Valley, Marin County. These viewfinders are modeled after the classic coin-operated binoculars found at scenic viewpoints, but upgraded with 3D visualizations of how these places can be affected by sea level rise.

The viewfinders offer a 360-degree view of current conditions with no flooding, King Tide flooding that is already occurring at that location, and the expected impacts of sea level rise in the location where people were actually standing. The OWLs were in use for over four months in which time there were over 3,700 unique visitors, and many shared their thoughts after viewing what sea level rise would look like in that location. 

Here's an example of the normal street view from where a viewfinder was placed, and the viewfinder's imagery of the same spot, with 3 feet of sea level rise: 

At the end of the project, the project partners facilitated a community dialogue between residents and the County about the local impacts of sea level rise, focusing on identifying priorities and solutions. The ultimate goal was to generate community input, involvement and support for a process that will result in a community-driven action plan rooted in regional values and priorities.

In 2016, two additional OWL digital viewfinders were installed at Coyote Point Recreation Area in San Mateo County, CA, which is an area already experiencing impacts from sea level rise.  These upgraded viewfinders provided a 360-degree photorealistic view of what future sea level rise could look like with and without action being taken. Those who engaged with the viewfinders are asked questions to assess their interest in the issue, and their willingness to engage further in the public process.

Here. Now. Us. is a research project that will release an assessment of the use of visualization to motivate action on climate change. The project intends to develop new approaches to building support for climate action, and help coastal communities to reduce and prepare for sea level rise impacts.

Outcomes of the Marin County project¹ 

• 3,705 user sessions occurred at the OWLS between June 9 and September 21, 2015. Of these user sessions, 1,121 users answered all five questions;
• Over 75% of the users indicated they were concerned about the impacts of climate change on their community after viewing scenarios of sea level rise in Marin County, compared to their answers at the beginning of the experience;
• Surveys found that users who initially expressed no concern about sea level rise reported a significant increase in their level of concern after viewing the scenarios;
• Users who expressed high levels of post-viewing concern also indicated a willingness to take a more active role in addressing sea level rise impacts locally; and
• 88% of individuals who attended the deliberative dialogue event indicated they learned something new from participating, while a majority indicated the small-table conversations were the most informative piece.

Publication Date: 2015

Related Organizations:

• Marin County, California
• Climate Access

Sectors:

• Coastal

Resource Category:

• Education and Outreach

Resource Types:

• Case study
• Engagement

States Affected:

• California

Impacts:

• Sea-level rise

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Endnotes