The project combines an augmented reality sandbox exhibit with 3D visualization applications to teach earth science concepts. The AR sandbox allows users to shape real sand to create topography models, which are then overlaid in real-time with color maps, contour lines, and simulated water flows. This teaches users about topography maps, contour lines, watersheds and other geographic and hydrologic concepts. The goals are to develop an integrated AR system for creating and scanning dynamic topography models for use in exhibits, and to raise public awareness of freshwater ecosystems through 3D simulations and activities. The AR system works by using camera images and a database to determine height differences across the terrain and generate contour lines based on partial derivatives and directional derivatives.

2. Overview
The project combines 3D visualization applications with a hands-on sandbox exhibit to
teach earth science concepts. The augmented reality (AR) sandbox allows users to create
topography models by shaping real sand, which is then augmented in real-time by an
elevation color map, topographic contour lines, and simulated water. The system teaches
geographic, geologic, and hydrologic concepts such as how to read a topography map,
the meaning of contour lines, watersheds, catchment areas, levees, etc.

3. Goals
 Develop a real-time integrated augmented reality system to physically
create topography models which are then scanned into a computer in
real-time, and used as background for a variety of graphics effects and
simulations. The final product is self-contained and ideal for use as a
hands-on exhibit in science museums.
 Raise public awareness and increase understanding and stewardship of
freshwater lake ecosystems and earth science processes using immersive
three-dimensional (3-D) visualization of lake and watershed processes,
supplemented by tabletop science activity stations.

6. Working of the AR
Sandbox
Basically the camera records the picture in real time of the terrain present
below and from a data base of the different heights at different points.
Using the partial derivatives and the concept of the directional derivatives
the AI software makes the contour lines.

7. The contour lines are basically the curves joining the points in the complete area
that lie at a common height as compared to the allocated sea level.
Contour Lines