Yanmi Project 1 Plan

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 

Phase 1: Research & Setup (By 2/11)

• 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).

Phase 2: AR Map Recognition Prototype (By 2/13)

• 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.

Phase 3: Data Pipeline Integration (By 2/20)

• 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).

Phase 4: 3D Visualization Development (By 2/25)

• Tasks:

  • Build 3D tree models(Need to check feasibility) showing forest loss.

  • Compare with 2D graphs (toggle feature?).

• Milestone:

  • Toggle between 2D/3D model.

Phase 5: Multi-Country UI (By 2/27)

• 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).

Phase 6: In-Class Activity (3/04)

• 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.

Phase 7: Final Adjustments & Wiki (By 3/06)

• Tasks:

  • Optimize performance based on feedback.

  • Write Wiki contribution: AR setup, data integration, 2D vs. 3D best practices.

• Milestone:

  • Final Wiki published.

  • Final presentation.

Proposed Wiki Deliverables

1. Tutorial: Setting up AR map recognition in Unity with Vuforia.

2. 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