Project

Destination Lanzarote: Designing Earth Mission Control

Phillip Cherner

Through collecting digital assets including 360 video, drone, photogrammetry, videos, and sensor data,  we will document the research being conducted by the rest of the Lunar Research team  in Lanzarote  and create an immersive digital twin of the research sites, so that others can learn from and experience the field work of the team in the unique Lanzarote Landscape.

The Earth Mission Control (EMC) project represents a significant step in making climate
data more accessible, combining a global and local perspective. While incorporating advanced VR/AR technology for an interactive, multi-user experience, EMC's approach goes beyond traditional charts and graphs. This platform is designed to deepen the understanding of the Earth's vital signs by presenting a more relatable and comprehensive view of climate data. While EMC includes content from established sources, its primary focus is on demystifying the complexities of climate change, bridging the gap between global trends and local impacts. By offering a mix of immersive visuals and interactive elements, EMC aims to make the understanding of climate change more intuitive and engaging, catering to a broad audience seeking to grasp the nuances of this global phenomenon at a local level.

Our upcoming expedition to Lanzarote is crucial for EMC. Lanzarote, with its unique
landscape, is a perfect study area for the effects of climate change, particularly on island
environments. Our objective is to collect extensive data about Lanzarote's environment and
geography. To do this, we'll use modern technology like drones and 360-degree cameras. These efforts will result in creating 3D models and engaging videos that we'll integrate into the EMC platform, adding a new layer of depth to our climate narratives. This will help make climate data more tangible and engaging. Preparing for this expedition involves securing the necessary tech tools and collaborating with local specialists, ensuring that our project is both thorough and respectful of the area we're studying. This step is crucial in our mission to enhance climate education through innovative technology.

Fieldwork Plan

For the on-site portion of the project, the procedure to setup and operate the project will
simply involve setting up the 360 camera in a place that can capture the other researchers at
work, take drone footage/scans of the areas where the field work is being conducted, take
photos/videos of the research, and collect sensor data from the other projects. The goals would be to collect high-resolution geographical and environmental data of Lanzarote as digital assets. 

At the end of the expedition we plan to have a set of assets collected on site including 360 video, drone photogrammetry, and sensor data. We will take these assets and process them, generating 3D models, soundscapes, and immersive videos. Once processed, these assets will be added into the EMC platform as a new location/scene which can be used to share the outcomes of the rest of the other fieldwork from the trip.