Projects

SLab GIS Sandbox

Details

  • When: pre-2017-current
  • Project type: Exhibits & Installations
SLab GIS Sandbox logo or decorative image

The SLab GIS Sandbox is a (currently work-in-progress) mixed real+virtual reality system offering an actual sandbox where teachers and researchers can shape topographic surfaces, which are then color-mapped and augmented with topographic contour lines and simulated water using a 3D camera and projector.

The first version of our GIS Sandbox started many years back, but in Summer 2025 Drew MacQueen and Chris Gist rejuvenated it, and are continuing this work-in-progress to add new features. The Sandbox builds on Oliver Kreylos’ generously open-sourced research and code.

The sandbox is not currently available for public use; stay tuned for an announcement when that becomes available.

SLab GIS Sandbox 2.0

A photo of the 2.0 version of SLab's GIS Sandbox in use: a projector displays bands of colored light on top of a topographic formation of sand to approximate a topographic map in 3D

SLab GIS Sandbox 1.0

A photo of the 1.0 version of SLab's GIS Sandbox in use: a projector displays bands of colored light on top of a topographic formation of sand to approximate a topographic map in 3D

Collaborators: