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Project # 86
AR Sandbox: Dynamic Terrain Mapping and Water Simulation in an AR Environment
| Team Lead: | Jack Yohn |
| Other Team Members: | Jason Escobar | Rachel Chen |
| Faculty Advisor(s): | Nick Fang (CE), Daniel Li (CE) |
| Department: | CE |
| Project Type: | REU |
| Title: | AR Sandbox: Dynamic Terrain Mapping and Water Simulation in an AR Environment |
| Abstract: | This project presents an enhanced Augmented Reality (AR) Sandbox built by undergraduate students at the Water Engineering Research Center as an interactive hydrologic modeling and education tool. Built following the open-source SARndbox framework developed at University of California, Davis, our system provides users real time rainfall simulation and water flow visualization to demonstrate watershed dynamics and stormwater flow. Using a depth-sensing camera, projector, and real-time terrain-mapping software, the sandbox continuously detects changes in sand elevation and overlays a color coded topographic map. A virtual rainfall feature allows users to introduce precipitation anywhere on the landscape, instantly generating simulated runoff that flows according to topographic gradients. As users reshape the terrain, forming hills, channels, or retention basins, the projected water responds dynamically, illustrating concepts such as watershed boundaries, drainage paths, and flood behavior. This tangible interface transforms complex hydrologic principles into an intuitive, hands on learning experience. By physically manipulating terrain and observing immediate rainfall runoff responses, users gain deeper insight into water engineering challenges including stormwater management and flood mitigation. The AR Sandbox serves as an engaging outreach and flood water demonstration platform, bridging environmental engineering theory with interactive visualization to promote STEM education and community awareness of water systems. |
| Poster: | View Poster #86 (PDF) |
| Judges Scoring: | Submit Evaluation (judges only) |