Abstract

In tourist areas, it is necessary to prepare a method that supports tourists’ activities by providing information concerning disaster support facilities during normal times, in addition to sightseeing spots and tourism-related facilities, because there is a risk of confusion during disasters, as tourists are not aware of the locations of disaster support facilities. The present study aims to develop a navigation system that supports the activities of users during both normal times and disasters by integrating augmented reality (AR) and web geographic information systems (Web-GISs), as well as by using pictograms. The system can not only effectively provide users with information concerning sightseeing spots and tourism-related facilities but also information concerning disaster support facilities. The system was operated over a period of 6 weeks in Chofu City, Tokyo Metropolis, Japan. Based on the results of a questionnaire survey for 60 users, the system was highly evaluated for its originality in terms of displays and functions using pictograms, navigation using AR, and obtaining information during disasters. Additionally, based on the results of access log analysis, the system was continuously utilized by users during the operation period. Therefore, by continuously operating the system, it can be expected that users will further utilize each function of the system.

Highlights

  • In the advanced information and communications society of recent years, the spread of mobile information terminals such as smartphones and tablet PCs has enabled anyone to access the Internet and send and obtain information

  • There is a risk of confusion during disasters, as tourists are not aware of the locations of disaster support facilities, such as evacuation sites and shelters in the tourist areas

  • Based on the social and academic background mentioned above, the present study aims to develop a navigation system that supports the activities of users during both normal times and disasters by integrating augmented reality (AR) and web geographic information systems (WebGIS), as well as by using pictograms

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Summary

Introduction

In the advanced information and communications society of recent years, the spread of mobile information terminals such as smartphones and tablet PCs has enabled anyone to access the Internet and send and obtain information. It is inconvenient to obtain information concerning sightseeing spots and other locations that users want to visit, as this requires time and effort to do so from a significant amount of information. For this reason, a method to efficiently and appropriately present tourists with sightseeing information is necessary. As the system enables users to obtain information concerning sightseeing spots and tourism-related facilities as well as disaster support facilities at any time, users can grasp the locations where they can evacuate to or receive support in advance. Even in the unlikely event of a disaster while sightseeing, users can use the system to ensure their own safety

Related Work
System Characteristics
System Usability
Target Devices and Operating Environment
Application
Location-Based AR
Web-GIS
Search Function of Spots and Facilities
Navigation Function Using AR
Layer Modification Function on the Digital Maps of Web-GIS
Display Function of Sightseeing Spots and Tourism-Related Facilities Using AR
Update of the Distance Information and Location Information Using a GPS
Height Modification of the Images of Sightseeing Spots and Tourism-Related
Data Management in PostgreSQL
Data and Folder Management in Android Studio
Interface
Selection of the Target Operation Area
Operation Overview
Operation Results
Overview of the Questionnaire Survey
Evaluation Concerning the Compatibility with the Method to Obtain Information
Evaluation Concerning the Originality of the System
Evaluation Concerning the Usefulness of the Overall System
Evaluation Based on the Access Log Analysis
Identification of Improvement Plans
Conclusions
Full Text
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