Ideum, an experiential designer of interactive exhibits, has partnered with the National Park Service to develop an interactive projection map table that explores the volcanic and cultural history of the Valles Caldera National Preserve, New Mexico.
The exhibit is on show at the new Volcano Discovery Center, which opened on 25 July.
Spanning nearly 89,000 acres, Valles Caldera National Preserve has been shaped by a dormant supervolcano that last erupted 1.2 million years ago. The geologically and ecologically significant landscape includes meadows, streams, hot springs and a rich array of wildlife that attracts visitors for hiking, cycling, stargazing, and more.
The new Volcano Discovery Center shares the origin and history of the unique national preserve. Ideum partnered with the National Park Service to represent this extraordinary landscape and tell its story through interactive animations projected upon a 12-foot topographic relief map.
By combining scientific storytelling and advanced technology, this project helps visitors understand how this extraordinary landscape was formed and why it continues to matter.
Multiuser interaction
The interactive projection map table is designed to engage visitors of all ages. Above the map table, a 13,000-lumen 4K projector brings the exhibit to life with projection-mapped animations that enable visitors to understand how the Caldera’s different elements interact to create its thriving ecosystem.
Synchronised RGB lighting bathes the walls in vibrant colour, and a 6.1 surround sound system with a 15” subwoofer creates a dynamic, visceral soundscape. Additionally, the show control system connects to roller shades that darken the room every hour for the signature volcanic eruption sequence, transforming the exhibit hall into a fully immersive, cinematic environment.
Around the map are four Ideum 34” ultrawide Presenter touch displays. Each controls a different theme for the projection, and enables guests to simultaneously trigger and explore content.
Visitors can enjoy games and activities on four different topics, including:
- Cultural history. This theme traces human activity from archaic-period settlers to the present day, and was developed in collaboration with 38 tribes and pueblos to honour their enduring cultural connections to the Caldera.
- Ecology. The exhibit’s most extensive library of animations allows guests to visualise wildlife migration patterns, plant communities, watersheds, and wildfire impacts across the preserve.
- Geology. A scrubbable geologic timeline where visitors can see the Caldera’s primary eruption 1.2 million years ago, and the formation of lakes, lava domes, and other landscape changes.
- Scientific Discovery. This topic explores the scientific research that has taken place in the region, including paleomagnetics, geothermal research, and seismic monitoring efforts.
The Ideum team fabricated the accurate map table using Geographic Information System (GIS) data provided by the National Park Service. The relief was machine-milled from high-density foam, then coated with epoxy for longevity, and finished with projection-enhancing paint. This hard-wearing surface is easy to clean and durable.
The table’s substructure, built from steel and wooden joists, is clad in Staron and Nevamar Armored Protection, creating an ultra-resilient piece designed to endure the heavy use of public spaces while ensuring a high-quality appearance.
Digital docent
In addition to the interactive exhibit, Ideum and the National Park Service have developed a digital docent to draw visitors into the new interactive exhibit hall, which is located over a mile from the park’s main entrance.
This is provided on a 65” Ideum Presenter at the Welcome Station. The docent offers maps, FAQs, and other day planning tools, as well as a countdown clock inviting guests to witness the table’s hourly ‘volcanic eruption’.
Last month, Ideum shared details of its collaboration with the Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA) to create a digital interactive for its Appearances Deceive: Embroideries by Policarpio Valencia exhibit. The digital interactive enables visitors to explore these detailed textiles in greater depth through touch and projection.
