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11 th International Symposium for GIS and Computer Cartography for Coastal Zones ManagementFigure 1. (Top left) A view of our 3D marine debris arrival visualization environment with ocean water and current; (top right)toggling off the water allows the user to view the debris objects’ movement and paths; (bottom) A view of our 3D marine debrisarrival visualization environment showing debris path trail visualization (magenta paths). Note the ‘stepped’ bathymetry resultingfrom limited quality bathymetric data.Conclusions and future workOur Unity-based 3D geovisualization environment provides a new way for non-experts to represent and interactwith the process and results of debris accumulation. The viewer can interact and watch the debris path and behaviouras it approaches barriers. They can visually analyze where the debris accumulates, and iteratively explore hypothesesabout differential debris buoyancy and quantity, and how they result in different accumulation patterns.One of the main limitations we encountered was the need for more detailed nearshore bathymetry data. We wereforced to digitize nautical charts due to lack of availability of better data. The ocean simulation model in the 3Dgame engine is simple. We intend to improve the simulation of reflective and refractive properties of waves as wellas undercurrents. Consideration of different tidal levels can also be explored for accessibility of debris. We alsobelieve coupling the final destination of debris in the physics-based simulation with as the starting point for MCEanalysis in ArcGIS might enhance spatial analysis in the 3D virtual environment.Overall, however, we have developed a first prototype that might help communities and citizens visualize debrisaccumulation using their own local data, using a platform (3D game engine) that might be less intimidating than aconventional scientific interface. While there may be uncertainty and inertia to prepare for marine debris arrival at afederal and provincial level, coastal GIS and visualization specialists have the potential to educate and empowersmall coastal communities through accessible, informative tools. We intend to present this model to planners inTofino, BC, to citizens in a town hall meeting, and as an interactive educational tool in local schools. We intend forplanners to use this tool to explore the outcomes of hypothetical debris arrival scenarios. Our initial objective with72