Markerless Augmented Reality Application for Interactive Exploration of Melaka's Historical Sites

Training and education have become increasingly crucial in obtaining new skills in a variety of fields, especially in assembly and disassembly operations. The main issue in mechanical engineering, particularly in the assembly department, was that automobile engine components assembly was found to be complicated and challenging to assemble using an existing method, where they only rely on a video-based method. The purpose of this paper is to create interactive Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications that allow users to efficiently assist and complete the assembly tasks. In this work, the authors designed and developed a fully immersive VR application using an HTC Vive headset and two AR applications (marker-less AR application and marker-based AR application) using EPSON MOVERIO BT-300 (AR Smart Glasses). Fourteen engineering students from Universiti Putra Malaysia were selected for the experiment. They were divided into four groups: video-based group, VR-based group, marker-less AR group, and marker-based AR group. They are required to complete all four experiments (video-based experiment, VR-based experiment, marker-less AR experiment, and marker-based AR experiment). The results showed that the marker-less AR application is the best impressive method (37% better), the VR application is the second impressive method (23% better) followed by the marker-based AR application is the third impressive method (3% better) compared to the existing video-based guideline. Therefore, the students favored AR and VR applications rather than the existing method to be used in automobile engine assembly tasks.

Integrating technology such as augmented reality into the tourism industry has led to e-tourism and smart tourism development. In the most recent few years, there has been observed a meteoric rise in the usage of mobile devices that can swiftly retrieve information has been noticed. As a result, Mobile augmented reality applications have proven globally successful in serving different fields like historical site tourism. Despite this, tourism at historical sites in Iraq continues to suffer from different problems, including a decline in popularity as well as a lack of use of modern technologies to document, preserve, and display sites to attract visitors. This paper aims to develop an offline mobile application for exploring Iraq's most important tourism site. Based on the unity3D engine and ARcore SDK, Marker-less augmented reality application was created to display the minaret and the Great Mosque of Samara. The application functionality was tested, and it was found that it works well and has good interactivity and ease of use, and can provide new solutions for tourism of the historical sites in Iraq.KeywordsAugmented realityCultural heritageTourismMarker-lessHistorical placesMobile application

PurposeThe present study focuses on analysing the impact of augmented reality (AR) on enhancing the perception of the “Authenticity of Heritage Sites” in an off-site condition. It also aims to assess participants’ satisfaction with a smartphone AR application experience of heritage sites.Design/methodology/approachThrough a literature review, the paper outlines the perception of spaces in light of digital technologies and the state of art of augmented reality (AR) applications. It then identifies criteria and indicators for assessing the “Perception of Authenticity of the Attraction Site” in AR experiences. The authors proceed with a practical implementation in two stages. The first stage involved digitally reconstructing the remains of the Sassanid Palace of Khosroes in Ctesiphon-Iraq, which dates back to the 3rd to 6th centuries AD. This reconstruction aimed to restore the lost parts of the building, and then design a proposed smartphone application for augmented reality of this heritage site. In the second stage, the application was tested through an off-site video presentation to a selected sample of participants, to simulate the application. Followed by data collection using a questionnaire.FindingsThe results revealed high percentages of positive indicators, indicating the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) in enhancing the perception of authenticity of the heritage site. Furthermore, participants expressed positive satisfaction with the AR application simulation video and advocated for the integration of new technologies in heritage experiences.Research limitations/implicationsThe study used a video presentation to simulate the proposed augmented reality application. Although this experiment defines the research benefit in the condition of pre-visit to heritage sites, the importance of the study lies in presenting the public’s interaction with these applications in Iraq as an example for Middle Eastern countries. Consequently, it is relevant to studies interested in heritage in this region, and to those comparing the conditions and results of this study with other areas in the world. Additionally, it points at the necessity for heritage managers to focus on integrating modern interactive technology applications to enhance public engagement and understanding of heritage sites.Practical implicationsThe paper gave positive results regarding the use of augmented reality technology in heritage places and results regarding satisfaction with using the application.Social implicationsProviding the public’s interaction with these applications in Iraq as an example of the Middle East countries. Consequently, understanding the heritage and calling for preservation, it is related to studies concerned with heritage in this region, in addition, the need to focus on heritage managers on integrating modern interactive technology applications to enhance general participation.Originality/valueThe paper establishes its originality by addressing the limited use of augmented reality applications in Iraq, a country in the Middle East. It highlights the audience’s recognition and endorsement of these applications. The paper examines the role of this interactive technology in raising public awareness in the region about the significance of built heritage and enhancing understanding of its authenticity. Additionally, it underscores the importance of a neglected built heritage site: the Sassanid palace in Ctesiphon. The paper highlights its considerable global tourism potential if properly considered by relevant authorities.

VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) applications are increasingly being implemented in the heritage and cultural tourism sector, generating immersive and engaging visitor experiences. Taking into account the gaps in the literature concerning the topic, the objective of this study is to compare the emotional impacts of VR and AR applications on the visitor experience in two heritage sites in the peripheral town of Ulldecona (Catalonia, Spain). Through a qualitative real-world study, combining participants’ self-reports and participant observation, the analysis will be conducted by examining visitors’ reactions across five dimensions of emotions identified in the literature (Soon et al. in Psychol Mark 40(11):2387–2412, 2023) and adapted to this context: the cognitive, affective, physiological, motivational and expressive dimensions. Both positive and negative effects are explored to provide a comprehensive understanding of the visitor experience. Results reveal that what visitors express does not always match their sensorial and physical behaviour during the experience. Additionally, VR and AR applications elicit different reactions among visitors due to their varying degree of immersivity. This research provides valuable insights to the literature on VR, AR and heritage tourism, emphasising the need for a mixed-method approach to further explore advanced technologies’ impacts on visitors at heritage sites.

The paper proposes a business model innovation (BMI) methodology for cultural heritage (CH) sites that are implementing digital technology in their visitor journey. Technologies such as virtual and augmented reality are increasingly popular in the cultural and heritage tourism sector, offering providers new tools to present and curate heritage content, and visitors new modes to interpret and engage with a site’s features. Despite its popularity, few studies have focused on the organisational changes that take place as digital technologies are implemented, that is, changes in the way heritage sites propose, co-create, and capture value from the innovation. As such, the paper investigates the process of innovation in the business model of heritage sites, namely in terms of value proposition, storytelling, mediation tools, service delivery, and value capture. Based on the study of 12 CH sites in France and the United Kingdom, the main components and stages of innovation are discussed, alongside issues and implications. In doing so, existent BMI frameworks are extended to detail innovation processes driven by new digital interpretation. Furthermore, the paper offers a practical methodology to assist heritage site managers in assessing and guiding organisational innovation while undergoing digital innovation. Avenues for further research are identified.

This chapter aims to suggest a value co-creation framework by examining the prospects of employing augmented and virtual reality into the visitor experience at the popular heritage sites of New Delhi. It will also suggest that the vigorous application of augmented and virtual reality in the heritage sites can contribute to the value co-creation for the visitor’s pre-visit, on-site, and post-visit experience. It will propose a conceptual model framework based on value co-creation using the case-study approach at the heritage sites in Delhi. The findings suggest that the effective use of augmented and virtual reality in the heritage sites can contribute to the value co-creation of the visitor’s overall touristic experiences. It will also help the stakeholders to benefit from enhanced spending, intention to return, and positive word-of-mouth, while visitors take back a personalized, enlightening, unforgettable, and interactive experience. It will also help to discover novel ways to subsist the increasingly fierce tourism market competition using the latest technology at these sites through augmented and virtual reality. Although various studies have been done in value co-creation, this will be the first attempt to take a holistic approach using augmented and virtual reality from a value co-creation outlook.

This article focuses on the effects of different representation modes of architectural heritage in augmented reality (AR) applications on remembering. Deterioration of the tangible evidence of architectural heritage compromises not only its visibility in the heritage site, but also its presence in memory. Converging survived features and digitally produced representations of the heritage, AR applications in mobile devices provide the memory of the site with endurance, however what is remembered immensely depends on how the heritage is digitally represented on screen. Conceived as a case study for the method of analysis derived from classical memorizing technique of the art of memory, the ‘[AR]temis’ project, reported in this article, aimed to get insights into the effects of the representational qualities of augmented architectural heritage on remembering and also into future AR projects developed for architectural heritage sites with its original method of analysis to inform design decisions. The research project involved the development of the method of art of augmented memory, the AR application, as well as questionnaires and interviews with the respondents’ on-site tests of the application. The results of this analysis show that the decisions regarding the digital representation of architectural heritage in AR applications entail not only the visual qualities of the heritage per se, but also how the actual site of memory is visualized on screen.

Over the past decade, augmented reality (AR) has gained traction in geometric learning for its pedagogical potential. However, research on how learners engage with different AR technologies and when and how to incorporate them has remained largely unexplored. Employing a learning analytics approach, this study investigates the impact of marker‐based and markerless AR technologies on geometric learning and student engagement in primary school classrooms. We developed a mobile AR application that integrates both marker‐based (ie, using predefined visual markers to trigger content) and markerless (ie, triggering content without predefined markers) AR modes for learning 3D shapes and conducted a quasi‐experimental study with 43 sixth‐grade students. To comprehensively capture student engagement, we collected pre‐ and posttests on geometric understanding, along with in‐app log and device sensor data. Our findings showed that both AR technologies effectively enhance geometric understanding. However, engagement patterns varied significantly; marker‐based AR led to more focused cognitive tasks, while markerless AR facilitated dynamic spatial navigation. The study highlights the distinct technical affordances of each AR technology that can lead to unique pedagogical advantages. Based on these findings, we propose a hybrid AR model for geometric learning that leverages the strengths of both marker‐based and markerless AR. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Augmented reality (AR) is a powerful tool for enhancing geometric learning by providing immersive and interactive learning experiences. Marker‐based AR—using predefined visual markers (eg, QR codes or images) to trigger content—has been widely used in education with its ease of use and setup. Markerless AR—using spatial recognition capabilities without predefined visual markers—has recently emerged as a new and accessible technology, offering the potential for more dynamic and immersive learning experiences in classroom settings. What this paper adds Past studies have predominantly focused on answering whether marker‐based AR can be effectively used compared with traditional tools (eg, computers); this paper addresses how and when different AR technologies can be used. Findings show that both marker‐based and markerless AR technologies enhance geometric understanding but lead to different engagement patterns in students. Marker‐based AR promotes more focused cognitive tasks, whereas markerless AR encourages more dynamic spatial navigation and interaction with the learning environment. Implications for practice and/or policy Leveraging learning analytics can provide deeper insights into how students engage with digital technologies. Educators should consider the distinct technical affordances of AR technologies when designing their instruction. Implementing a hybrid AR model that leverages both marker‐based and markerless AR can optimize learning outcomes in geometric education.

Professionals in the heritage sector are currently focusing on using new, innovative methods to attract and engage visitors in heritage sites. One of their main strategies in achieving this goal is employing the latest technological applications that allow the visitor’s interaction with the cultural heritage site and content. Augmented reality is one of these latest technological trends utilized in heritage sites to enhance the visitors’ experience. This paper shed light on the role of augmented reality in bringing ruined cultural heritage sites and its history back to life. It specifically, proposes applying augmented reality on Qasr al-Abd or the Palace of the Slave in Jordan to revive its significance. It emphasizes the reasons and advantages of applying AR on Qasr al-Abd and provides a vision for how some AR systems can be utilized for demonstrating its original look and revealing its cultural and archeological uniqueness and beauty.

Over the ages, Egypt has been known for its flourished history with the ability and the power to fascinate mankind. Its great heritage appears in several forms that include monuments, tombs, temples, and documents revealing past events, but until the beginning of the 21st century only a minimum share of the secrets and the mysteries were exposed. Egypt’s monuments are deteriorated and out of the spot and has been left without maintenance and development. Numerous monuments and historical sites are ignored and not even considered as a destination for tourists because of the absence of virtuous marketing and propaganda. The planning and management of cultural heritage buildings through digital 3D models has become a necessity to protect and conserve the existing history. Building Information Modelling BIM is considered a main tool adopted by the Architecture, Engineering and Construction AEC sector for its qualities and capabilities. Due to the complexity of cultural heritage buildings the concept of Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) which concerns the modelling, documentation, and virtualizing the heritage. This research will focus on the use of HBIM technology by implementing augmented reality mobile application to upgrade the quality of branding of historical sites in Egypt. The AR will augment Al-Baron Palace, which is the chosen case study. The methodology adopted is literature review, comparative analysis on international case studies of sites that applied augmented reality, and an experiment followed by a questionnaire answered by users to evaluate the usage of such mobile application. The research will conclude with a framework that will provide guidelines for applying augmented reality technology system in order to enhance and promote Egypt’s heritage.

Despite the growing applications of smart glass Augmented Reality (AR) in heritage, there is not a framework that can serve as a base for designing meaningful and educational immersive heritage experiences. This article proposes such a prototype design framework for AR experiences in heritage sites, drawing on literature that connects affective experiences with learning and practically exploring AR as a non-didactic storytelling medium. Smart glass AR is considered here an important technology milestone for creating affective interactions, one that offers visitors/viewers new ways to experience, embody, and have a physical and social interaction with a localized past and learn about it.

Egypt is among one of the world’s richest countries in the diverse architectural heritage resulting from the various civilizations that have arisen on the land of Egypt. However, the architectural heritage in Egypt suffers from multiple problems represented in the poor handling of the heritage site and the lack of protection for those sites. Which lead to the deterioration of the situation of some sites, and with the technological advances that the world is witnessing today in all spheres of life. Virtual Heritage Technology is emerging as one of the solutions that can be used in heritage sites in Egypt. This is one of the latest and most innovative technologies for the virtual environment, which is emerging as an integral part of it, and it is the reconstruction of historical sites as they were at the beginning of their construction. This depends on re-documentation of architectural buildings and heritage sites in detail through 3D models and holographic drawings. It also depends on many techniques and one of those that are often used in the applications of the virtual heritage are augmented reality technology, which is used to reconstruct archaeological sites in the site, by using tools or devices that support that technology, whether from portable smartphones or through devices that are worn like glasses and contact lenses. The virtual heritage technology offers many advantages to heritage sites, where it is considered historically as a digital documentation process for heritage which ensures that the artistic and historical value of buildings and heritage sites are preserved. It can also be used in the process of restoration of buildings; in addition to economic assistance in further enhancing heritage sites that attracts many tourists and visitors, which gives them the possibility to view the history of archaeological sites interactively; allowing them the sensory and intellectual integration with the site and this contributes to obtain historical information.
 This research will examine the possibility of utilizing the technology of virtual heritage through its application in the heritage sites in Egypt and the cultural and economic impact of the use of such technology on heritage sites. In addition, some virtual design cases will be discussed for heritage sites around the world and a SWOT analysis would be made to exemplify the challenges and discuss how they may be addressed. These examples are then presented to demonstrate how to deal with some of the difficulties, taking into account the arrival of proposals and recommendations that can be used and applied in Egypt.

This study examines the effect of AR technology on destination image and behavior intention. The destination image is dedicated to historic sites which present the value of a country. The behavior intention presents one's future intention to visit the historic site. This study then applies multimedia technology to enhance the destination site and visiting intention. Historic sites provide the cultural monuments and the heritage and value of the country. All countries are committed to protecting the culture. With the development of digital technology, more multimedia effects and interactive learning environments are added to learning methods. One of these multimedia technology, Augmented Reality (AR), is an interactive technology that provides virtual information in the real world. This study designed an App with AR to display the historic and cultural landscape of a temple. The Chenghuang Temple encompasses historic architectural features and religious customs. After the participants experienced the App, a questionnaire survey was conducted to explore their destination image and behavioral intentions. 97 respondents were students at a university. Every participant told their experiences. The content of the App included several videos which presented the historic story and architecture. By increasing the participants' knowledge of the historic sites, the image of this monument and the intention of tourism were assessed. The results of this study show that through the experience of AR interactive situations, participants' images of historic sites and their intentions for future behavior are also enhanced. It is then recommended that the authority use AR or new media technology to promote ancient site culture and increase public awareness. The interest and curiosity of historic sites further enhance the public's awareness and knowledge of historic sites.

Purpose This study aims to examine how an experience enhanced by augmented reality (AR) encourages tourist engagement through the sense of telepresence and flow experience in the heritage tourism context. Design/methodology/approach An in situAR experience was used to empirically examine the multivariate relationships between augmented reality application quality, sense of telepresense, flow experience and tourist engagement. The target sample was international tourists visiting Kaleiçi heritage site of Antalya, Türkiye. Findings The results show that the perceived quality of augmented reality influences the sense of telepresence and flow experience, which strongly determines the tourists’ engagement towards the heritage site. Originality/value Despite the increasing use of augmented reality in heritage sites, scant research exists that investigates how it affects tourist behaviour. Thus, the findings contribute to tourist engagement and heritage tourism literature. Moreover, this research incorporates mediation theory to clarify the dynamic nature of tourist engagement enhanced by interactive technologies.

Abstract. One of the most significant consequences of climate change is the threat to cultural heritage sites. The TRIQUETRA project addresses the critical challenge posed by climate change to cultural heritage sites by applying a comprehensive risk assessment framework. This framework integrates traditional and advanced technologies, including remote sensing and laser-based spectroscopy, to quantify the severity of risks, monitor their progression, and inform effective mitigation strategies. Understanding the potential risks at site level is vital to ensure that appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures are put in place. Recent research underscores the compounded impacts of climate-induced geo-hazards, such as landslides and earthquakes, which threaten the physical integrity of monuments and the socio-economic systems they support. Citizen engagement is also an integral part of the TRIQUETRA project, creating a dynamic web and mobile platform where visitors actively participate in cultural heritage (CH) site monitoring. The TRIQUETRA application enables citizens and cultural heritage site visitors to play a vital role in capturing and uploading site photos, contributing therefore, valuable datasets that complement and enhance the existing 3D models. This process is aided by a backend system that can aid cultural site authorities to better monitor the site by having up to date imagery and reports from visitors. At the same time the TRIQUETRA Citizen Engagement Application creates an interactive and enhanced experience for cultural heritage site visitors through immersive Augmented Reality (AR) experiences. The application provides additional information through an AR experience where user can learn more about critical features at risk, such as areas affected by climate change or structural vulnerabilities, fostering awareness and promoting preservation efforts. The methodology was applied to the Choirokoitia site in Cyprus, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is one of the best-preserved Neolithic sites in the Mediterranean. The Choirokoitia site will examine the potential risk of rockfall, as the topology of the site is vulnerable to movements as a result of extreme climate change as well as of daily/seasonal stressing actions. By integrating advanced technologies and community-driven monitoring, TRIQUETRA ensures a holistic approach to safeguarding cultural heritage. The project creates a replicable framework that enhances risk assessment and promotes active participation in preservation efforts, offering scalable benefits for cultural heritage sites worldwide.