Smart Canning
Challenge
In Western Australia, urban waterways face increasing pressure from pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Yet for many communities, the science behind water quality and local wildlife can feel invisible. At the Wharf Street Basin in Canning, the City of Canning wanted to change that, turning a local pond into a living classroom where people could see, feel, and play their way to a better understanding of environmental health.
Solution
Smart Canning transforms the Wharf Street Basin into an augmented reality adventure. Guided by an interactive 3D map, visitors explore the area on foot to find striking metal photo-frame structures placed around the water. Scanning a frame with the app launches location-specific mini-games and AR scenes that lock perfectly onto the real-world view. Players might leap through reeds as a motorbike frog, swoop across treetops as a Gould’s wattled bat, or investigate how microclimate sensor data reveals the impact of pollutants. The mix of play, science, and wildlife storytelling encourages curiosity about how human actions affect local ecosystems.
Positive Impact
Families, walkers, and nature lovers leave with a deeper appreciation for the basin and its inhabitants. The photo-frame design invites people to snap and share pictures, spreading awareness beyond the site. For the City of Canning, Smart Canning is a sustainable, reusable attraction that draws repeat visits, fosters environmental advocacy, and makes water science accessible to all ages.
Overview
In Western Australia, urban waterways face increasing pressure from pollution, habitat loss, and climate change. Yet for many communities, the science behind water quality and local wildlife can feel invisible. At the Wharf Street Basin in Canning, the City of Canning wanted to change that, turning a local pond into a living classroom where people could see, feel, and play their way to a better understanding of environmental health.
Video Trailer
Smart Canning transforms the Wharf Street Basin into an augmented reality adventure. Guided by an interactive 3D map, visitors explore the area on foot to find striking metal photo-frame structures placed around the water. Scanning a frame with the app launches location-specific mini-games and AR scenes that lock perfectly onto the real-world view. Players might leap through reeds as a motorbike frog, swoop across treetops as a Gould’s wattled bat, or investigate how microclimate sensor data reveals the impact of pollutants. The mix of play, science, and wildlife storytelling encourages curiosity about how human actions affect local ecosystems.
