We are developing a unique project that combines an augmented reality (AR) sandbox with wind modeling to enhance education, research and learning in geography as well as other related fields. The AR sandbox is a physical sandbox that is equipped with sensors and an augmented reality system that projects digital information onto the sandbox surface. The sandbox allows users to create and manipulate topographic models with sand, while the AR system overlays digital information such as contours, water flow, and vegetation on the physical sand surface.
The lab is now incorporating wind modeling into this project to enable users to visualize and comprehend how wind interacts with the surface of the planet. The wind modeling system simulates wind patterns and direction, displaying how wind interacts with different landforms and vegetation, making the experience interactive and realistic.
This integration of AR sandbox and wind modeling supports education and learning in geography and related fields. The interactive and immersive experience provided by the AR sandbox, combined with near real-time wind modeling, will assist students to understand complex concepts related to landforms, water flow, and weather patterns, in a more captivating way.
We use the opportunity to investigate the efficiency of AR and a wind modeling tool in teaching and learning. The integration of an AR sandbox and wind modeling to support teaching, learning and research in geography and other fields is an innovative and exciting project that seeks to change the way we understand and interact with our planet, using cutting-edge technology to provide a highly interactive and immersive experience.