Interactive Topographic Map - Week 1

You've seen one online by now I am sure. You may have even tried one out. These are amazing, and seem feasible enough to actually make. What I am referring to is the Interactive Topographic Map Project which originated out of a U.C. Davis project. I first experienced one at the Discovery Cube here in Los Angeles, and was most recently inspired by a colleague at another school whose team built one for their campus. Here's a sample of what this interactive sandbox can do, from the East Carolinian Geology Department:

I am collaborating on this project with an 8th grade student, Charlie. Charlie and I will take the next few weeks to build one for the school. Our objective is to create a sandbox that is mobile, so that it can be used by the upper school science department, primarily, but also by other students and teachers across campus.

The main components for this project are:

• Sandbox and sand
• PC running Linux
• XBOX Kinect
• Projector
• AR Sandbox software and supporting software

During week one, we began building out the frame for the sandbox and setting up the PC with Linux and AR Sandbox software. We were able to get much of the materials for free or very low cost, but I did purchase the PC new in order to have the faster graphics card.

Pictured above, Charlie is measuring out, cutting and sanding the framing. Once set, wood glue was applied to the frame, and the base was screwed into place.

As recommended by the originators of this project, we are using the Linux Mint distro for this project. Interestingly, the Linux Mint site was hacked into during this same week, so the site was down temporarily until they could ensure a safe new version. This was the first attack of this scale that the organization had experienced.

Next week, we will continue work on the mobile part of our sandbox and hopefully have time to test the Kinect.