Improving student’s three dimensional visualization skills using an augmented reality sandbox

Principal Investigator:

Scott Giorgis, Geneseo

Students often struggle with the 3D visualization skills necessary to reduce a 3D data set (landscape) down to a 2D, flat expression (paper topographic map). The augmented reality sandbox bridges the gap between 2D and 3D visualization by projecting a topographic map onto a landscape created in a sandbox. As that sandbox landscape is altered, the topographic map dynamically adjusts in real time to match the landscape, giving students the opportunity to discover how to read topographic maps on their own. We propose to construct two augmented reality sandboxes and develop the curriculum to deploy them in both introductory and upper level courses. Moreover, we will expand upon the augmented reality sandbox open source code to incorporate aspects of geologic map visualization. Potential student gains in 3D visualizations and/or topographic map reading skills will be quantitatively assessed and materials will be shared both nationally and within the SUNY system.

Co-PI’s and Key Partners:

Kirk Anne, Assistant Director, Manager of Systems & Networking, Computing and Information Technology (CIT)
Nancy Mahlen, Instructional Support Specialist, Department of Geological Sciences, Geneseo