Building clarity into the heart of environmental research

At the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig, the challenge is not a lack of data. It is making sense of it. From geothermal systems to water management and climate adaptation, the questions UFZ works on are layered, spatial and often difficult to grasp in two dimensions.

To support this, UFZ relies on a new Barco-powered VisLab environment designed to turn complex datasets into something tangible. Instead of looking at charts or flat renderings, models become immersive environments and users step into the data itself. 

The VisLab is used across teams and disciplines, and regularly brings together researchers, project partners and external stakeholders. Its role goes beyond analysis. It is also a space for alignment, explanation and decision-making.

Typical use cases range from geological and hydrogeological models to drilling data, geophysical surveys and simulations of geothermal installations. Increasingly, it is also used to visualize digital twins of infrastructure. In all of these scenarios, precision matters. Accuracy, consistency and clarity are essential for enabling meaningful analysis and effective communication across interdisciplinary teams.

As datasets became more detailed and use cases more demanding, the limitations of the existing setup became harder to ignore. Resolution was no longer sufficient to capture fine structures. Visual consistency across screens requires too much manual effort. And reliability became a concern in a space that is used on a near-daily basis.

At the same time, the system had to remain approachable. The VisLab is not operated by AV specialists alone. Researchers need to be able to run sessions without friction, whether it is for internal analysis or an external workshop.

Together with WE are XR, UFZ carried out a comprehensive modernization of VisLab. The existing projection setup was replaced with eight Barco I600 laser projectors, creating a powerful and flexible multi-channel projection system.

The strength of the I600 in this context is not one single feature, but the balance it offers. It delivers the level of detail required for scientific visualization, runs reliably over long sessions, and fits naturally into a multi-projector environment without constant recalibration. Its compact form factor also made it easier to integrate into the existing VisLab setup, giving the team more flexibility in how the system is configured without compromising performance.

For WE are XR, prior experience with Barco solutions in comparable installations made that balance a known quantity rather than a risk. In addition, the low operating costs and long-term availability of the platform aligned well with UFZ’s future-focused approach.

Alongside the projection upgrade, the media control system was completely renewed. The goal was straightforward: make the system easier to operate while increasing flexibility in how content can be displayed and managed.

The updated VisLab has become an integral part of UFZ’s research infrastructure as an environment where data becomes tangible, insights become clearer and research has greater impact.

Image quality has improved in a way that is immediately noticeable when working with dense datasets. Small details that previously required effort to interpret now stand out more clearly. The system runs more consistently, which reduces interruptions during sessions with partners or visiting groups. And the updated control layer has made it easier for different users to work with the setup without technical support.

Just as important is the effect on collaboration. When everyone in the room can follow what they are seeing, discussions move faster and decisions become more grounded. The VisLab continues to do what it was designed for, but with fewer compromises along the way.