Emergency SimTable

A man using a laser pointer on the projected firemap in the simtable sandbox while teaching a demonstration.

Emergency Simulation Table

The Cal Poly Humboldt Library is home to the Emergency Simulation Table, an interactive learning tool that brings disaster scenarios to life. Using SimTable technology, users can model and explore a variety of real-world events, including wildfires, dam releases, extreme precipitation and flooding, and chemical gas plume events.

Featuring an interactive sand table with real-time terrain mapping, the Emergency Simulation Table allows users to simulate emergencies across different landscapes and locations. Explore how terrain influences disaster behavior, create evacuation routes, model traffic flow during emergency response, and use the Fuel Painter tool to visualize how changes to vegetation and fuel conditions can affect wildfire behavior.

Experiment with a wide range of scenarios to better understand hazard behavior and emergency management. For example, you could simulate a wildfire that goes undetected for six hours in a forested area with 13 MPH winds to see how far it might spread. The Emergency Simulation Table offers a hands-on way to explore disaster preparedness, environmental processes, and emergency response in an engaging and collaborative setting.

Features

Interactive disaster simulations
Dynamic sand table with real-time terrain mapping
Simulate wildfires, flooding, dam releases, and chemical gas plume events
Explore different landscapes and locations
Create evacuation routes and simulate traffic flow
Use the Fuel Painter tool to model wildfire fuel conditions
Visualize hazard progression in real time
Collaborative learning experience for individuals and groups

Instructional Resources

Ready to get started? Explore instructional videos and guides to learn how to operate the Emergency Simulation Table and make the most of your simulation experience. Before your session, check out the Emergency Simulation Table kit from the Library Checkout Desk on the first floor.

Simtable Hardware Setup