3D Visualisation Wall
Through the DigiLabs project, we have purchased a large 3D LED wall (5m x 3m). This consists of mini-LEDs only 1.2mm apart which can bring the landscape into the room.
This is really important for us to see landscapes which would otherwise be difficult to gain access to – such as China or Namibia. The wall helps us to prepare for long distance travels, allowing us to go from walker to astronaut in one fell swoop!
Tom Djikstra, Reader in Engineering Geomorphology was inspired by previous work at the British Geological Survey, where they used the wall to prepare for fieldwork. After the Gorkha Earthquake in Nepal in 2015, they brought up images to get a better impression of the area without the travel.
A step change in visualisation
For students, the 3D visualisation wall helps to give them appreciation of landscapes. We now have data that shows information on the Loughborough ‘bubble’, including Loughborough and Charnwood Forest, an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark.
Our students will be able to gain access to things we have never been able to do before and allow them to learn by doing. Students can develop their own materials that they can showcase in this environment and give them exposure to these environments where necessary.
We can also use the wall for other disciplinary areas, such as architecture and urban planning, showcasing molecular models and endless collaborative design possibilities, as the wall has the element of interactive work with digital representation.