Research Facilities
Virtual Reality based Data Observatory
Existing Equipment:
Two sets of Oculus Rift + Touch Virtual Reality Systems
Two customized desktops with compatible graphics cards
Two large screens
At DAASE, IIT Indore, we have built a Virtual Reality based Data Observatory (VDO) located at Room 402 in POD 1E for the applications in Astronomy, Space Sciences and Engineering. It has the following aspects —
Teaching:
The VDO aids to the teaching in Astronomy M.Sc. programme and the Minor programme in astronomy by introducing complicated astrophysical/cosmological concepts through interactive VR experiments. Astronomy experiments through VR are being used by the leading universities around the world for their respective Master’s programme in Astronomy. One such programme is run by the Uppsala University in Sweden. Prof. Erik Zackrisson from Uppsala University has developed these VR based astronomy experiments for their Master’s course, which has become extremely popular among the students there. He is one of our existing collaborators through a SPARC project and had visited IIT Indore in January 2020. He is actively collaborating with us to develop several VR based experiments for the M.Sc. in Astronomy and the Astronomy Minor courses. We have already started with three existing experiments in VR, and will develop new ones in due course. The experiments that are being demonstrated are documented here.Research Applications:
Research in Astronomy, Space Science and Engineering has entered into a new data-intensive era. Many of the upcoming next generation telescope e.g. Square Kilometre Array (SKA), Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT)– two of the seven international mega science projects in which India is a major partner and which has been highlighted by the recent nationwide Vigyansamagam (https://www.vigyansamagam.in/) exhibitions organized by DST, DAE and PMO; AstroSat (India’s first dedicated astronomy satellite), upcoming Aditya-L1 (India’s first Solar satellite mission) etc. are going to generate a humongous amount of observational data (SKA alone will produce ~5 zettabytes of data per year). Further, numerical simulations for cosmology, astrophysics and space sciences are also getting heavier with time. Both observed and simulated data have a large number of complex parameters which makes them even more difficult to visualize, analyze, and comprehend. Virtual Reality based platforms have come up as an innovative avenue to visualize this multidimensional raw data, its further analysis and understanding, and visualizing the statistical inference drawn from such analysis of the BIG data. The VDO will help us to achieve these goals in the following manner —
a) By providing a platform for developing novel methods to visualize multidimensional data
b) To help us in identifying the possible scope of improvements in complex numerical models of cosmology and astrophysics.
c) By providing a platform for visualization of statistical inference of data analysis in multidimensional parameter space.
d) By aiding chance discoveries from raw observations through better visualization.Public Outreach:
The VDO is enriching the already existing various public outreach activities organized by DAASE. It is helping us to create more enthusiasm among the public regarding Astronomy. Using the VDO, school students or the general public can see what will happen if they “Destroy the solar system” or how can they “Create their own star cluster” etc.
Drone based Hyperspectral camera
Drone-based hyperspectral cameras represent a cutting-edge technology that combines the mobility and flexibility of drones with the advanced imaging capabilities of hyperspectral sensors. This combination allows for detailed, high-resolution spectral analysis of various environments, providing invaluable data for numerous applications, from agriculture and environmental monitoring to mining and urban planning.
2. What is Hyperspectral Imaging?
Hyperspectral imaging captures a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum, collecting data across many narrow and contiguous spectral bands. Unlike traditional RGB cameras that capture just three broad bands (red, green, and blue), hyperspectral cameras can capture hundreds of bands, identifying specific materials and substances based on their spectral signatures.
3. Advantages of Drone-Based Hyperspectral Cameras
Mobility and Accessibility: Drones can access areas that are difficult or impossible for ground-based systems, such as rugged terrains, forests, or disaster zones. They can also cover large areas quickly, making them ideal for time-sensitive missions.
High-Resolution Data: Combining drone mobility with hyperspectral imaging allows for collecting high-resolution data at fine spatial scales. This is crucial for applications like precision agriculture, where detailed plant-level crop health information is needed.
Cost-Effectiveness: Unlike manned aircraft or satellite-based hyperspectral systems, drone-based solutions are more cost-effective, especially for small to medium-sized areas.
Customization: Drones can be equipped with various hyperspectral sensors tailored to specific needs, whether it's for monitoring vegetation, assessing water quality, or detecting mineral deposits.
Real-Time Data Acquisition: Drones can transmit data in real-time, allowing for immediate analysis and decision-making, which is crucial in applications like disaster response or environmental monitoring.
4. Applications
Agriculture: Drone-based hyperspectral cameras are widely used in precision agriculture to monitor crop health, detect diseases, and optimize irrigation and fertilizer application. They can identify plant stress long before it becomes visible to the naked eye.
Environmental Monitoring: Hyperspectral drones are used to monitor changes in land use, detect pollution, assess water quality, and track vegetation health in forests and wetlands. They can also monitor the effects of climate change on ecosystems.
Mining and Mineral Exploration: In mining, drones equipped with hyperspectral cameras can identify mineral deposits and map out geological features, reducing the need for invasive and expensive ground surveys.