This makes me feel Connected Inspired at an Individual but Shared scale
The Augmented Reality Sandbox Creates Psychedelic Digital Maps
The Augmented Reality Sandbox was created by researchers at UC Davis’s W.M. Keck Center for Active Visualization in the Earth Sciences. The sandbox is equip to project visual and colorful topographic maps on a sandy surface.
“This interactive sandbox allows individuals to create their own topographic model by shaping, moving and removing sand — all of which alter either the elevation, contour lines and water flow. The up-to-the-minute information is recorded on a Microsoft Kinect 3D camera, which is then sent to the projector overlay that accurately visually represents the data. Visual information including flowing water, that adheres to the specific terrain configurations constructed, can then be observed. In a real-time and surreal experience the AR Sandbox allows one to see a body of water connect to a dry basin and fill with virtual water. Despite its playful experience, the project’s main goal is to be used for educational purposes, most likely as a museum exhibit. The desire in creating this 3D visualization was to educate people on earth science concepts and to also allow an interactive experience with earth science.”
Contributer notes
What is surprising, refreshing, most interesting?
What's interesting about this experience is the use of sandbox. It has been a solid 10 years since I have seen a sandbox so it was quite nostalgic for me to witness this. I found the combination and contrast between the sand and augment reality water(?) to be interesting as sandboxes are meant to be experienced in the physical realm but AR is meant to be experienced digitally.
Key Insights? What can we learn from this?
A playful experience can also double as an educational experience for the audience. Certain concepts, like the sandbox, can evoke a sense of nostalgia for the viewers while at the same time, it can be combine with more modern ideas like augmented reality.