Lunar surface collaborative browsing system for science museum exhibitions

Abstract

The lunar surface collaborative browsing system was developed for exhibitions at science museums. It visualizes multimedia data using the geographic locations in the area of the lunar surface explored by the NASA Apollo missions, providing visitors with a collaborative-learning environment through networked interactive functions. We designed scenarios based on real episodes during exploration activities and assumed a quasi-role-play with children acting as astronauts and their parents acting as mission commanders. Children manipulate a rover on the lunar surface and view a landscape at a viewpoint on the lunar surface. Parents instruct their children to find objects or information to complete tasks. Our contribution is to create a collaborative-learning environment by integrating map-based and virtual environments to view the lunar surface from exocentric and egocentric viewpoints. The system has capabilities that encourage children and their parents to get together to learn. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.