College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Computer Science Department
Advisor
Fahim Khan, College of Engineering, Computer Science and Software Engineering Department
Funding Source
Cal Poly’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) 2025 and the Computer Science and Software Engineering Department
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Dr. Fahim Khan for guiding the research.
Date
10-2025
Abstract/Summary
This project aims to develop an Augmented Reality (AR) application that overlays real-time coastal environmental data onto physical landscapes when viewed through AR devices such as smartphones and mixed reality headsets. By integrating data from machine learning models, computer vision-based event detection, coastal sensors, and geospatial mapping technologies, the application will provide users with an immersive and interactive experience, enhancing their understanding of coastal dynamics and environmental changes. The application will focus on observing coastal phenomena such as rip currents, tracking endangered coastal species and marine mammals, monitoring crowd levels on beaches, etc. Data sources will include NOAA's National Data Buoy Center, the Coastal Data Information Program, and live webcam feeds from NOAA’s WebCOOS, incorporating parameters such as tide levels, wave heights, and weather conditions. Geospatial mapping will be achieved through GPS and GIS technologies to accurately align data overlays with the user's physical environment. Potential user groups for this application include lifeguards, coastal scientists, swimmers, and surfers, with the potential to serve as both a research and educational tool. The student researcher will be responsible for developing the AR interface using platforms like Unity3D and WebXR, integrating real-time data APIs, and ensuring accurate geospatial mapping. The real-time event detection component involves training machine learning models for computer vision capable of running on the targeted AR devices. Additionally, the student will design and implement user interaction features that allow for the selection and visualization of specific data layers and timeframes. This interdisciplinary approach combines computer science, environmental science, and user experience design to advance knowledge in AR applications for environmental monitoring. The project will build upon my previously published works such as RipScout (2025), RipFinder (2025), which focused on utilizing technology for coastal hazard detection and monitoring. Future expansions of this project may explore the potential application of AR devices for citizen science data collection.
October 1, 2025.
Included in
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/ceng_surp/123