Created by Yanmi Yu, Feb 2025
Project Plan: AR/VR Deforestation & CO2 Data Visualization
Objective: Develop an AR/VR application that visualizes deforestation and CO2 emissions by country over time. Users scan a physical map to trigger AR data overlays, with 2D/3D comparisons and in-class user testing.
Timeline and objective
Tasks:
Select AR/VR tools (Unity + AR Foundation/Vuforia).
Import deforestation/CO2 data from Global Forest Watch and ArcGIS.
Set up Unity project with AR capabilities and explore Unity tutorial.
Milestone:
Functional Unity AR environment.
Data cleaned and formatted for 3-5 sample countries (with intersesting trend).
Tasks:
Implement image recognition for physical maps using Vuforia(? feasibility TBD, might need other tool).
Test with 1 country. Overlay basic 2D static deforestation data.
Milestone:
Scanning one country's map displays a 2D graph.
Tasks:
Script data parsing (CSV/JSON) for dynamic time-series updates(2002-2023).
Link CO2 emissions to deforestation rates in Unity(Drop if too much).
Milestone:
Slider UI to adjust years (2002–2023).
Tasks:
Build 3D tree models(Need to check feasibility) showing forest loss.
Compare with 2D graphs (toggle feature?).
Milestone:
Toggle between 2D/3D model.
Tasks:
Expand AR recognition to 3-5 countries.
Add basic UI panel to select countries/compare data.
Milestone:
Users scan any supported map or select from a menu to view trendsI(hopefully even display two country at the same time).
Tasks:
Students use the tool in VR headsets.
Groups analyze 1 country’s deforestation/CO2 trends.
Collect feedback via survey (quantitative + qualitative).
Write Wiki contribution: AR setup, data integration, 2D vs. 3D best practices.
Milestone:
Activity completed + feedback compiled.
Tasks:
Optimize performance based on feedback.
Write Wiki contribution: AR setup, data integration, 2D vs. 3D best practices.
Milestone:
Final Wiki published.
Final presentation.
Tutorial: Setting up AR map recognition in Unity with Vuforia.
2D vs. 3D effectiveness in conveying deforestation trends.
Other Ideas:
add pop up window for major event(fire) lead to cover loss
relationship between cover lass and CO2 emission
Tools: Unity, Vuforia
Data Sources: Global Forest Watch, ArcGIS.
Project valuation:
The proposed project clearly identifies deliverable additions to our VR Software Wiki
5, set up Vudoria and trand anlysis
involves passthrough or “augmented” in VR.
5, scan map to identify specific country
The proposed project involves large scientific data visualization along the lines of the "Scientific Data" wiki page and identifies the specific data type and software that it will use
4, Spatial data and 3D data.
The proposed project has a realistic schedule with explicit and measurable milestones at least each week and mostly every class
5, see schedule above
The proposed project explicitly evaluates VR software, preferably in comparison to related software
5, 2D VS 3D comparison
The proposed project includes an in-class activity, which can be formative (early in the project) or evaluative (later in the project)
3, class discussion + survey(more details TBD)
The proposed project has resources available with sufficient documentation
3, more to research