Illustrating Transition Scenarios to Renewable Energy in Hawaii with ProjecTable

TL;DR

This paper presents ProjecTable 3.0 within the Makawalu VE framework, focusing on the Author and Presenter tools to democratize the creation and presentation of geospatial data on a tangible table. It details hardware-software architecture, traces progression from ProjecTable 1.0 (HAVEN) and 2.0, and demonstrates a Unity-based, modular system that supports data-driven storytelling with time-aware visualization. Evaluation includes deployment at public events and Molokaʻi outreach, with feedback indicating strong engagement and actionable suggestions such as more data layers and standardized UI components. Future work envisions standardized UI components, story maps, integration of student contributions, and AI-assisted Presenter layouts to broaden accessibility and reuse across platforms.

Abstract

Creating engaging and immersive data visualization tools has become increasingly significant for a wide range of users who want to display their data in a meaningful way. However, this can be limiting for individuals with varying levels of coding expertise. There are specific needs, such as visualizing complex data in easily understandable ways, highlighting real-world problems, or telling a story with data. The Makawalu Visualization Environment (VE) package aims to address these needs through three distinct modular tools: Author, Presenter, and Editor. These tools work together to facilitate different use cases based on the user's requirements. This paper discusses the latest version of the ProjecTable and focuses on the design and usage of the Makawalu VE Author and Presenter tools.

Figures (15)

• Figure 1: Photos from the NASEO tour at LAVA: (Top) The HAVENTable being used by HSEO representatives to explain various scenarios for achieving sustainability in Hawai'i. (Bottom) The HAVENTable system during the tour, featuring a lower table setup to explore alternative table positions for optimal projection.
• Figure 2: Photos from the NGA tour at LAVA: (Top) HSEO representative discussing O'ahu-related data with visitors. (Bottom) HSEO representative presenting data related to Moloka'i to the visitors.
• Figure 3: The ProjecTable 1.0 system with tangible pucks currently dialed to the year 2041 and displaying data related to the Post April scenario.
• Figure 4: (Top) The table display of the ProjecTable 2.0 system. (Bottom) The touch display of the ProjecTable 2.0 system with a very large touchscreen.
• Figure 5: (Top) The ProjecTable 3.0 system in action, showing a user interacting with the touchscreen display to toggle the Agriculture sub-layers, while another user observes the data. (Bottom) A close-up view of the 3D model with data layers projected onto it.