MRT Core Library Proposal

‘Ge-ode’ :: MRT Core Library Public Artwork

Concept

‘Ge-ode’ will be a an interactive projection installation, displaying a series of aesthetic data-visualizations inspired by Tasmania’s rocks, minerals, geology and geophysics.

The title is a play on words – meaning an ‘ode to geology’ – which informs the underpinning aesthetic approach to this proposal for the MRT Morning Core Library public artwork.

It will visualize a broad range of geological and geophysical data generated by the scientific activities of the Core Library and MRT more generally.

The proposal is presented in the visualization above: an interactive projection system is installed, projecting a catalogue of images and visualizations upon the internal art-work wall of the foyer area.

The movie below gives a more detailed view of the installation, as well as indicating some of the ‘overview’-style content that can be generated – for instance, an accurate 3D model of Tasmania, that can be navigated from Earth to space, visiting the main geologically significant provinces of the island. These locations would be worked out in detail in consultation with MRT staff, including the types of data that would be interesting and informative to explore.

Collaborator

My collaborator on this project is Paul Bourke (paulbourke.net), with whom I have worked for many years on a wide variety of projects. He will provide technical advice for the installation requirements, as well as input into the interactivity and visualization options. Examples of our previous work together: MONA ‘Pausiris’ mummy, ‘Ocean’ data visualisation. Paul has an extensive track-record in in both hardware and software development for sophisticated interactive video systems.

Visualizations

The work will comprise of a database of short visualization of MRT geoscientific materials, including:

• Drill core samples cuttings and billets
• Polished and unpolished rock slabs
• Rock samples from the MRT collection
• Mineral specimens
• Imagery from thin sections and the Hylogger hyperspectral core logging instrument
• Geological databases and maps
• Geochemical data

Thematic concerns will be identified in consultation with MRT staff, leading to the development of the broad program of visualization content.

Visualizations may consist of short, medium and longer sequences (e.g. 30s, 1-5mins) that collage together around a series of themes (e.g. geolocation, mineralisation, geochemical signature etc.). In combination this can create a display that runs all day, never playing the same way twice, creating a sense of surprise and interesting juxtaposition. The database approach means that additional content can be added in future.

Example visualization of Rosebury Mine output:

Example Virtual Core Library Data

Materials will be selected in close consultation with MRT personnel, in order to create a series of visualizations around identified areas of thematic concern. These may include short animated sequences of imagery derived from rock samples (eg. core images, rock slab surfaces, mineral specimens), including animated 3D sequences deriving from photogrammetric models of mineral samples held by the collection. In this respect the proposal will enable some public-facing ‘transparency’ of the collection by revealing some of the marvellous treasures held within its vaults.

Mineral AI Visualisations

The installation also provides an opportunity for public display of sophisticated geophysical models of Tasmanian geological units and structure developed in GOCAD and related inversion packages by Bombardieri et.al (https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/11/11/1195). These models can be further treated for aesthetic display purposes, whilst retaining their scientific accuracy.

Interactivity

The movies will play in an interactive carousel mode, activated by hand gesture. Hand gesture will be detected by motion sensor systems attached to a computer that plays the video content.

The exact duration of the movies is hard to determine before-hand, as that is contingent upon the source materials. A key objective is to create a system that will play in a variety of interesting ways, using stochastic ordering and user-gesture input, such that the programmatic content is varied and surprising. Possibilities for directed play will be investigated.

Also of concern is the requirement for dimming or shutting off the system in certain circumstances – for instance when groups of people are walking past. A simple switching mechanism for this can be developed.

Technical Details

Accurate measurements of the foyer have been undertaken, leading to the construction of the 3D model. This model enables correct measurement for projector system siting, determination of throw length, image size, lighting conditions and other characteristics.

Locating the projector near the ceiling effectively eliminates shadow-casting by people passing through, as well as the possibility of bright light shining into people’s eyes.

Initial assessment suggests the following:

Mount: all requirement for the system can be consolidated into a single ceiling mounted unit, incorporating projector, computer, motion sensors, audio output and sound baffling. Electrical power is locally available within the room, requiring a qualified AV technician for installation.

Shading: Due to the high light levels of the foyer, some intervention must be made to reduce illumination. A variety of window-tinting/shading solutions have been found, ranging from simple plastic window-films, through perforated materials to blind-systems. Some discussion will need to be undertaken with MRT and the building architects to find a mutually satisfactory solution. It is not a big cost impact.

Projection Surface: The current wall finish may be suitable and could be interesting to project on. If it proves unsuited, a simple, lightweight and inexpensive wall-mounted projection surface can be fitted with little intervention required. Further assessment will be undertaken in consultation with MRT if this proposal is successful.

Projector: A range of suitable short-throw models are available (eg. Optoma UHD55 4K, BenQ W1800 4K, InFocus INL148)

Projector security cage: TBD, suitable for computer and projector. Example: https://www.gilkon.com.au/product/projector-security-cage/

Computer: Apple Mac mini M1.

Software: Bespoke runtime system developed in Vuo.

Motion sensors: Leapmotion controller or custom camera system.

Sound: An audio system can be consolidated into the projector mounting system. Possibilities exist for sonification of data and/or the construction of an ambient soundtrack – including field recordings of geological sites. Audio levels will be controllable, and include considerations for minimisation or elimination of projector noise. Sound baffling can be built into projector enclosures.

Automation: As with the mac-mini based system we have installed at TMAG, the system will require little intervention or maintenance, automatically starting and shutting down according to a pre-programmed schedule. On-going costs relate to periodic maintenance by an AV technician and replacement of projector globes. These are largely eliminated if a laser projector is used, some of which carry 5-year warranties.

Budget

Costed estimate. Provided separately.

A local AV company will be capable of installation of the system.

Timeline

Timeline: 26 weeks for completion, over 4 phases of approximately

Phase 1 (over 4 weeks): Close consultation with MRT personnel for major theme development, identification of resources.

Phase 2 (over 4 weeks): Technical implementation of display system, design and testing.

Phase 3 (over 16 weeks): Content development

Phase 4 (over 2 weeks./contingency): Installation and deployment, testing in situ.