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THE GEOWALL CONSORTIUM
Paul Morin, University of Minnesota – Geology and Geophysics
mailto:lpaul@umn.edu
612-626-0505
A good understanding of spatial relationships is a fundamental
requirement in the study of the Earth Sciences. Traditional
teaching methods have strongly relied on the 2D representations
through maps and profiles that are occasionally augmented
by physical models. Although most Earth Scientists have been
trained to understand the 3D structure from such representations,
the extrapolation requires spatial thinking skills that are
difficult to learn and often form a stumbling block for students
at the introductory level.
The GeoWall mission is to develop Earth Science curriculum
that is supported by low cost, classroom based virtual reality
visualization devices.
The GeoWall is based on the Agave (http://www.evl.uic.edu/cavern/agave/)
technology developed at the Electronic Visualization Lab (http://www.evl.uic.edu/
).
This document provides contact information about current
installations of the Wall and projects being conducted, lists
upcoming projects, and provides the technical specifications
for building your own Wall.
CURRENT "WALL" INSTALLATIONS AND PROJECTS
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Department
of Geology and Geophysics
Department
of Astronomy
Institute
for New Media Studies
Department
of Curriculum and Instruction
Number of GeoWalls: 2 built of 5 planned (as of September
2001)
Projects:
- General Earth Science Visualizations
- Geodynamics, Seismology, Climate Change, Midwestern Geology
- Astronomy Visualization
- Antique Stereo Opticons
- Stereo Image Pair Alignment Software
- Stereo Remote Sensing
- Testing under classroom conditions
- Hardware development
- Content modules gathering, cataloging, distribution
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Department
of Geological Sciences
Media
Union
Number of GeoWalls: 1 built
Projects:
- General Earth Science Visualizations
- Geodynamics, Seismology
- Mastodon visualization
- Testing in the Classroom
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS – CHICAGO
Electronic
Visualization Lab
Number of GeoWalls: 1
Projects:
- Hardware and Software development
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Department
of Geological Sciences
Number of GeoWalls: 1
Projects:
- Hydrogeology Visualization
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – DULUTH
Visualization
and Digital Imaging Lab
Number of GeoWalls: 1
Projects:
FOND DU LAC TRIBAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Department
of Computer Science and Mathematics
Number of GeoWalls: 3 planned
Projects:
- Math and Computer Science Visualizations
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Eros
Data Center
Number of GeoWalls: 1
Projects:
LOCATIONS UNDER DISCUSSION
AVAILABLE VISUALIZATIONS
- Global Earthquakes
- van Keken convection within a sphere.
- Spakman tomography
- 3D surficial geology of Arizona
- Chemistry (Ball and Stick) examples
- Stereo photography of Joshua Tree National Park
- Antique stereo opticons
AVAILABLE CURRICULUM
Under development
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Software installation instructions
(Please copy this page to the local server)
Hardware Specifications/Parts List
Computer
- Any fast PC with a AGP port and a ASUS AGP-v7100/2V1D
GeForce2 MX Twinview running RedHat 7.1 Linux.
Projectors
Screens:
This system requires that the light from the projector
be polarized. The screens must preserve the polarization.
- Low-cost, portable, front projection screens from Da-Lite
will work fine. They are not best with ambient light in
the room but work fine in a semi dark room. Both Reel3d
.com http://stereoscopy.com/reel3d/screens.html
and Rob Gag at ProjectorPoint.com (robgag@tierneybros.com
or (877) 330-1991) carry these. Remember to buy a carrying
case.
- We have found the best screens to be from Stewart Filmscreens,
Inc. They can be purchased from ProjectorPoint.com. Talk
to Rob Gag at ProjectorPoint.com (robgag@tierneybros.com
or (877) 330-1991)
Filters and Goggles
Monitor Signal Splitter.
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