## 4 Conclusions  
The development of this framework marks significant progress toward our vision for an immersive information system. By integrating the Maps SDK with USGS stream data into the Unity engine, hydrological information is presented within its spatial context, enhancing understanding of local conditions. Users can traverse the continental United States virtually and visualize hydrological data from streams with USGS sensors. This includes stream conditions and real-time updates on local weather parameters such as temperature, wind speed, direction, and precipitation. Dynamic weather visualizations add a sense of dynamism to the digital environment. Ongoing efforts focus on refining the user experience, emphasizing an intuitive and accessible interface adaptable to diverse devices while maintaining functionality. Future development priorities include ensuring compatibility across all data visualization and simulation systems. A crucial objective is the integration of real-time fluid simulations with dynamically generated terrain to depict intricate hydrological processes. Future phases will incorporate additional facets of the hydrological cycle, such as percolation and the accumulation of precipitation particles, into the fluid simulation. We also plan to engage with key stakeholders to demonstrate the system and collect feedback. This feedback \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt}} \hline
**Tool/SDK/API** & **Functionality/Use Case** & **Strengths** \\ \hline Unity Engine & Core development platform for 3D visualization and simulation & Well documented Strong XR support \\ \hline Mapbox Maps SDK & Terrain, street, and satellite map rendering with 3D buildings, traffic, and bathymetry support & High geospatial accuracy Rich dataset (3D buildings, live traffic, terrain) Intuitive coordinate-based API Free tier \\ \hline USGS Discharge and Weather API & Real-time streamflow and weather data & UpToDate hydrologic and meteorological data RESTful access Reliable source \\ \hline Weather API (3 rd party) & Provides temperature, precipitation, wind speed, etc. & Real-time weather information for immersive visual context \\ \hline Zibra Liquids Plugin & Real-time fluid simulation & Easy integration Modifiable via script Realistic visual \\ \hline WebX Exporter for Unity & WebGL builds for browser and VR compatibility & Device-agnostic Eliminates the need for platform-specific builds \\ \hline Virtual Reality Tool Kit (VRTK) & Handles VR controller input and interactions & Device-agnostic controller support Simplifies input mapping \\ \hline Cesium & Map provider evaluated during planning phase & 3D Tiles standard OpenStreetMap integration Cross-platform support \\ \hline Google Photorealistic 3D Tiles & Experimental photogrammetric mesh used for terrain & High-precision visuals Follows elevation contours Based on satellite/Street View data \\ \hline Unity Particle System & Rainfall/snowfall visual effects & Lightweight weather visualization Customizable attributes Real-time adjustments possible \\ \hline Unity C\# Scripts & Custom interaction logic for particles weather, and UI controls & Fully modifiable Exposes attributes to UI or runtime panels \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Summary of Tools and SDKs considered, with their functionality and key benefits. will help assess the usability, clarity, and relevance of the immersive visualizations and guide further improvements to better support real-world environmental planning and decision-making needs. A key consideration in the project's design is its openness and generalizability. While currently focused on hydrological data, the framework allows users to incorporate new data APIs for spatial contextualization. Users can adapt the project to showcase various information, from drought patterns and forest fire coverage to soil erosion and transport.