Abstract
Digitalization in schools requires a rethinking of teaching materials and methods in all subjects. This upheaval also concerns traditional print media, like school atlases used in geography classes. In this work, we examine the cartographic technological feasibility of extending a printed school atlas with digital content by augmented reality (AR). While previous research rather focused on topographic three-dimensional (3D) maps, our prototypical application for Android tablets complements map sheets of the Swiss World Atlas with thematically related data. We follow a natural marker approach using the AR engine Vuforia and the game engine Unity. We compare two workflows to insert geo-data, being correctly aligned with the map images, into the game engine. Next, the imported data are transformed into partly animated 3D visualizations, such as a dot distribution map, curved lines, pie chart billboards, stacked cuboids, extruded bars, and polygons. Additionally, we implemented legends, elements for temporal and thematic navigation, a screen capture function, and a touch-based feature query for the user interface. We evaluated our prototype in a usability experiment, which showed that secondary school students are as effective, interested, and sustainable with printed as with augmented maps when solving geographic tasks.
Highlights
In recent years, an increasing number of students have gained access to mobile devices
We evaluated our prototype in a usability experiment, which showed that secondary school students are as effective, interested, and sustainable with printed as with augmented maps when solving geographic tasks
We have shown the technical-cartographic feasibility of an augmented reality (AR) application that combines printed atlas maps with digital thematic 3D maps
Summary
An increasing number of students have gained access to mobile devices. Students are provided with tablets by their schools. In the city of Zurich, for example, all primary students in year five are equipped with a personal tablet for the new subject “Media and Informatics” [1]. The subject shall foster digitalization, as demanded by the legislative curriculum in Switzerland [2]. Another global trend involves students bringing their own mobile devices to schools where they solve tasks by means of applications using an inquiry-based learning approach [3]. We want to explore synergies of printed school atlases with mobile devices, especially tablets, and their capabilities for augmented reality
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
