GeoPulse & interactive exhibits

A spatial-data visualization platform and interactive exhibits at Ars Electronica Center.

Role: Creative Engineer
Organisation: Ars Electronica Linz
Period: Oct 2011 – Jul 2014 · Linz
Stack: C++, Python, OpenGL, OpenCV

Visitors exploring a large circular map table surrounded by projected spatial data at Ars Electronica

Context

I spent three years as a Creative Engineer at Ars Electronica in Linz, building interactive and new-media installations for the center and its partners. I was lead developer of GeoPulse, a platform for accessible visualization of spatial data. Other work included Techkriti 2012's "Brain Battle" and exhibits for MED-EL's Audioversum.

The problem

Museum exhibits need to run for a full day, seven days a week, for years. Visitors include small children, and the interface has to make sense to someone who stops for eight seconds, without requiring instructions.

For GeoPulse, I had to make spatial datasets understandable to visitors who did not use specialist GIS tools, while keeping the visualization responsive.

What I did

Led development of GeoPulse, the spatial-data visualization platform.
Built the interactive and computer-vision software for the center's installations and partner exhibits (C++, Python, OpenGL, OpenCV).
Worked on exhibits from concept and implementation through the reliability work needed to run them unattended.

Stack & notes

Printed maps and a tablet at the GeoPulse exhibit — GeoPulse at Ars Electronica Center.

Visitors interacting with illuminated vertical rods in an Audioversum exhibit — Interactive exhibit at MED-EL's Audioversum.

C++ · Python · OpenGL · OpenCV.