About the Creator
Lars Larson graduated from IUPUI with a Master's Degree in Media Arts & Science, with an emphasis on using data visualization to create virtual reality environments.
From a very young age, Lars has loved learning about science, history, and cultures. In elementary school his favorite television programs were Jacque Cousteau documentaries, "Connections" with James Burke, and "NOVA." As a youth he lived in the Philippines, where he learned a language and became comfortable in another culture.
Lars also loves the outdoors, having done a bit of backpacking, kayaking, and camping. He takes his camera on every trip. "I love being out and doing things, but for me, it's about the image. It's important to have good visual documentation," he says.
This project has allowed Lars to combine his interests in the outdoors, history, culture, photography, and visual media.
"I am excited to be able to combine so many of my interests into a project that is not only relevant, but beautiful. It has been a very interesting experience."
Lars lives in Avon, Indiana, with his wife and three children.
Acknowledgments
Professor Albert William, M.S. – For taking me on as a capstone student, and for encouragement, and timely and succinct advice. Albert's pragmatism helped me focus, which is something that I need.
Dr. Joseph Defazio – Director, Media Arts and Science. Joe's cheerfulness and enthusiasm for my project gave me the courage to start, and to keep going.
Mike Linderman – As Western Regional Manager for State Historic Sites within the Indiana State Museum system, Mike is the client for this project. I am grateful for his enthusiasm for the idea and for pointing me to the right people. Thanks also for offering access to the site, as well as offering to have it mowed in case I needed to take more measurements.
Dr. Jeremy Wilson – Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Research Associate at the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology at IU-Bloomington. Dr. Wilson is the Content Matter Expert for this project and my guide to the culture and architecture of Angel Mounds. He graciously made his resources available to me, and his guidance helped me be as accurate as possible in building my 3D assets.
Dr. Vijay Lulla – IUPUI Geography Department. Dr. Lulla's assistance in a crucial step of the process allowed me get what I needed out of GIS software.
Chauncey Frend, M.S. – Analyst and programmer at the IUPUI Advanced Visualization Lab, for patiently showing me how to adapt Virtual Reality to my project. Chauncey also got me started with the Unity 3D game engine software.
James Lyst, M.S. – Lecturer, Human-Computer Interaction, for helping me with design and implementation of usability testing.
Dr. Staffan Peterson – His work showing the locations of buildings was a key part of the success of this project.
Dr. Bill Monaghan of the IU Glenn Black Laboratory – for providing the data that made the digital terrain.
Dr. Bruce Matis, D.D.S., retired from the IU School of Dentistry - for encouragement, counsel, and advice
Carl and Margaret Larson - for encouragement and financial support.
My wife Cheryl – For your continued patience and support, and for going without a lot of things, including your husband, while I finish my degree. I couldn't do this without you. Also thank you to our three stupendously awesome children for going without their dad for so long. I love you guys!