AROutcrop: An augmented reality mobile application for enhancing geoscience learning and comprehension in the field and classroom

Most geologists have long recognized the educational value of immersive opportunities and hands-on experiences that teaching geology in the field and using natural rock samples in the classroom offer students. However, these instructional approaches also give rise to distinct logistical and pedagogical challenges. For example, in the field, students sometimes struggle to fully connect concepts, models, and interpretations from classroom lectures with seemingly amorphous masses of rock that they encounter. Or, in the classroom, students may only have limited time for analysis when passing individual hand specimens person-to-person, and may not have access to valuable or fragile samples outside of class hours. To address these challenges, we created an app (AROutcrop) for iOS mobile devices that leverages state-of-the-art advancements in augmented reality (AR) technology to supplement or “augment” the user’s real-world environment in ways that can enhance geoscience learning and comprehension both in the field and in the classroom. AROutcrop accesses a customizable UTF-16 encoded text file stored in the iOS Files app to automatically recognize images (e.g., textbook figures, photos of rock outcrops, QR codes, etc.) to display corresponding AR geo-objects (e.g., 2D geologic interpretations, 3D rock models, 3D virtual outcrops, etc.) in the real-time view within the device’s camera environment. Once these AR geo-objects have been placed (either on a planar surface or in mid-air), users can resize the geo-object, translate it along any axis, and/or rotate it 360° about any axis. Users can also open a window with data and/or textual information describing the geology of the displayed AR geo-object. Early results from our use of AROutcrop suggest that this novel approach has the potential not only to improve student learning and comprehension in the field and in the classroom, but also to help enhance students’ observational and critical-thinking skills

AROutcrop: An augmented reality mobile application for enhancing geoscience learning and comprehension in the field and classroom

Most geologists have long recognized the educational value of immersive opportunities and hands-on experiences that teaching geology in the field and using natural rock samples in the classroom offer students. However, these instructional approaches also give rise to distinct logistical and pedagogical challenges. For example, in the field, students sometimes struggle to fully connect concepts, models, and interpretations from classroom lectures with seemingly amorphous masses of rock that they encounter. Or, in the classroom, students may only have limited time for analysis when passing individual hand specimens person-to-person, and may not have access to valuable or fragile samples outside of class hours. To address these challenges, we created an app (AROutcrop) for iOS mobile devices that leverages state-of-the-art advancements in augmented reality (AR) technology to supplement or “augment” the user’s real-world environment in ways that can enhance geoscience learning and comprehension both in the field and in the classroom. AROutcrop accesses a customizable UTF-16 encoded text file stored in the iOS Files app to automatically recognize images (e.g., textbook figures, photos of rock outcrops, QR codes, etc.) to display corresponding AR geo-objects (e.g., 2D geologic interpretations, 3D rock models, 3D virtual outcrops, etc.) in the real-time view within the device’s camera environment. Once these AR geo-objects have been placed (either on a planar surface or in mid-air), users can resize the geo-object, translate it along any axis, and/or rotate it 360° about any axis. Users can also open a window with data and/or textual information describing the geology of the displayed AR geo-object. Early results from our use of AROutcrop suggest that this novel approach has the potential not only to improve student learning and comprehension in the field and in the classroom, but also to help enhance students’ observational and critical-thinking skills

Environmental Measurements Session summaries

Emphasis was placed on data from payloads flown on the subject flights including results from the Induced Environment Contamination monitor (IECM). Brief summaries of the vibroacoustics, loads, electromagnetic and thermal aspects of the environment, as derived from Shuttle system measurements, were presented primarily to indicate where the environment was different than observed and, therefore, where specification changes may be forthcoming. In addition, brief summaries of two somewhat unexpected effects, the vehicle glow and interaction between the low Earth environment and Shuttle payload by materials were presented as an aid in interpreting other environmental data. Papers for each payload/experiment involved in Shuttle flights were presented essentially in flight related chronological order. A significant portion of time was allocated for presentation of IECM data since this payload was flown on STS-2, STS-3, and STS-4 and, therefore, represents the largest data base relative to the contamination environment. Summaries of papers are presented

Report of the infrared, ultraviolet and space plasma panels

The status of the payload bay and the needs of infrared, ultraviolet and space plasma experiments were discussed. Those measurements important in each area were reviewed. Issues of concern and how these environmental conditions might impact experiments were considered. Several common issues were revealed, and recommendations were made

The Shuttle Environment Workshop, executive summary and workshop procedures

One of the main experimental monitors used to determine the environment in the payload bay was the Induced Environment Contamination Monitor. This package of instruments has made environmental measurements during STS flights with a high degree of success. This has shown that the shuttle environment is relatively free of contaminants, except for special instances of increased abundance of methane, water vapor and particulates. Results of these measurements are rapidly becoming more available. In establishing the Shuttle Environment Workshop, the findings were shared with scientific experimenters, users and other individuals who need to know what the Shuttle is like and what experimenters may expect in the payload bay. The Workshop was centered around results obtained from the environmental measurements made on the Shuttle. The program agenda for the workshop is given. The procedures and flow of communications for the workshop are indicated

Future outlook and comments

The events of the workshop panel sessions are summarized and a synopsis of the future of the shuttle and the shuttle environment is given. Comments and projections in a number of areas addressed include: environmental measurements, contamination effects, orbiter constraints on deployable payloads, documentation and environmental information, ultraviolet experiments, infrared experiments, plasma experiments, and shuttle lidar

The Shuttle Environment Workshop

Results of shuttle environmental measurement programs were presented. The implications for plasma, infrared and ultraviolet experiments were discussed. The prelaunch environmental conditions, results of key environmental measurements made during the flights of STS 1, 2, 3, 4, and postlanding environmental conditions were covered

The Lawyers\u27 Part in Preserving Individual Liberty

Delivered before the Indiana State Bar Association at Lake Wawasee- July 7, 1933

Modeling of Natural Settling in a Trapezoidal Sedimentation Basin

The objectives of this thesis are to 1) review current theory relative to numerically modeling a trapezoidal settling basin, 2) develop a more appropriate model to better predict settling and deposition within a basin, and 3) confirm the accuracy of the model. The TSB (Trapezoidal Settling Basin) model was developed as part of this thesis. The Bureau of Reclamation\u27s SETSIZE model performs similar analysis, but the TSB model makes significant improvements. The TSB model improves numerical modeling of a trapezoidal basin by allowing both sediment and sieve particle data, complex basin geometries with a multidimensional sediment deposition, and improved hydrograph approximation, and allows interactive use by the engineer associated with design or operation of a settling basin