SandMap® is an interactive augmented reality platform, primarily built to support educational tourism. It is implemented and supported by SenseLab Space Informatics research group of the Technical University of Crete. SandMap is a tangible alternative for map visualization, interaction and decision support. A user can freely form the sand in any shape and in map characteristics will be dynamically adjusted through impressive graphics projections. By providing real-time, tangible visualizations, users can easily understand 3-d space and become spatially aware of the morphology of the area under investigation, communicating spatial information. Thus, SandMap provides a visualization and interaction platform that supports spatial education and decision making in an abundance of users.

A consortium of one research institute and two entities: a private primary, secondary and life-long school and a museum (SenseLab Space Informatics research group of the Technical University of Crete, Theodoropoulou Schools, Nautical Museum of Crete) join forces to design and develop exercises, games that will educate, enhance and entertain its users while at the same time it will develop their spatial intelligence and their perception of the three-dimensional space. Avatars and virtual reality modules will further support the effectiveness of SandMap.

Sandmap was developed in the frame of the Operational Programme Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation 2014-2020 (EPanEK) and was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund ( Τ2ΕΔΚ-00896).