OCTOBER 17, 2018 GOOD NEWS FILE

Union Gas is helping make a Virtual Reality Sandbox a reality.

Union Gas recently presented a $2,000 donation to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA), supporting a Virtual Reality Sandbox. This program will be put into place at the Chatham-Kent & Lambton Children’s Water Festival as wee as other public events.

The Virtual Reality (VR) Sandbox exhibit has many three dimensional visualization applications that teach children about geography, geology, and hydrology – in effect, all about the earth! People can use their hands to shape the sand into different landscapes, which are then reflected in real time with coloured map depicting elevations, contour lines and imaginary lakes, rivers, ponds and wetlands. Users learn how to read a topographic map and understand the concepts on contour lines and watersheds right before their eyes! This model helps viewers understand the relationships between the land elevations and watershed process such as flooding and erosion.

The VR Sandbox consists of a raised sandbox table, camera and projector. A unique software program does the rest! The unit is transportable and can e showcased at a variety of local public events and venues such as festivals, fairs, expos, libraries, and other education events. Its debut was at the 2018 International Plowing Match in the Conservation Authority tent  where over 6,000 people tested it out with amazement! The creation of the AR Sandbox was financially supported by Union Gas, The Friends of the St. Clair River, Chatham- Kent and Lambton Children’s Water Festival, and the three Conversation Authorities – St. Clair Region, Essex Region and Lower Thames Valley.

“Union Gas has been an ongoing supporter of the LTVCA, as well SCRCS and ECRS investing in the education of our youth,” said Sean Collier, district manager Windsor Essex. “We support important educational programs in the communities we serve, helping our children learn about the importance of conservation and protection of our water.”