For my second project, I want to build an interactive object that helps avalanche forecast data in a way that's easy to understand at a glance. Many avalanche forecasts give data for three levels of elevation: above tree-line, at tree-line, and below tree-line.
They also give forecasts for different slope aspects: North, South, East and West. I would build a small mountain sculpture that connects to wifi, receives avalanche forecast data, and displays the relative danger rating as a color of lit up LEDs at a location on the mountain corresponding to the direction and elevation of the forecast. For example, if the forecast shows a moderate danger on all south and south-east facing aspects with high danger above tree-line, my project would light up yellow on the south and southeast sides and red at the top.
The mountain itself will be CNC machined out of wood, with holes drilled to place LEDs inside. I will need to learn how to access weather and avalanche data using the Arduino in order to make this project possible, but that is a challenge I'm willing to take on. If it turns out not to be possible to receive avalanche forecasting data, I will modify the project to use weather data and display snow or temperature forecasts.
Materials:
- particle photon (or other wifi enabled Arduino compatible board)
- WS2812 LEDs
- Wood
- CNC machine
- Wiring and proto-board.