Memorable smart tourism : An augmented reality approach to enhance user experience

Project Title

Memorable smart tourism : An augmented reality approach to enhance user experience

Project Area of Specialization Augmented and Virtual RealityProject Summary

Augmented reality (AR) in tourism is an emerging area of study because of its ability to revolutionize the tourism industry. Unlike virtual reality, augmented reality allows users to interact with the real environment and hence it has great potential to enhance users’ memorable experiences.  In this context, we propose the development of an AR-based mobile application for smartphones that can enhance tourists’ experience by allowing them to find attractions, view 3D models of attractions, and create in-app/cloud-based visual memories.

Project Objectives

The objective of this project is to develop an AR-based mobile application for Android phones using Google AR core.  The application will allow users to navigate in cities in real-time, find nearby attractions, view 3D models of structures, and create visual memories by augmenting real environments using the proposed app. The visual memories can be shared publically with the general audience or privately with a closed group.  The app will also allow users to share their visual memories on famous social networks and AV sharing platforms e.g., Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.  The target audience of the application is local and international tourists and the application has the potential to increase tourism in the country.

Project Implementation Method

The mobile application will be implemented as a client-server application. The user's device will act as a client whereas an online server (or a cloud-based server) will act as a server. A map (Google map, Openstreet, etc.) will be used to find routes and navigate. The client will share the location information collected through GPS as well as visual cues of the attraction (when nearby to the attraction). The client data will be submitted to the server, which will respond in terms of calculating routes, and retrieving 3D models of nearby attractions so that to map on the app can be augmented in real-time. The client can also create visual memories of an attraction which will be stored over the server. The client's map will be augmented with old memories as well.

Benefits of the Project

The proposed application is targeting local and international tourists and it has the potential to improve the soft image of the country as well as increase the number of tourists in the country. The targeted UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) are Decent Work and Economic Growth, No Poverty, sustainable cities and communities, and Industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The final deliverable of the project will be an AR-based navigation app for Android phones. Initially, the app will be available free of cost to the end users.  The possibility of publishing the findings in a conference/journal will also be considered. 

Final Deliverable of the Project Software SystemCore Industry OthersOther IndustriesCore Technology Augmented & Virtual RealityOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals No Poverty, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	80000
AR core supported smart phone	Equipment	1	35000	35000
AWS/MS Azure cloud services	Equipment	1	25000	25000
4G/cable internet	Equipment	1	10000	10000
Misc. costs	Miscellaneous	1	10000	10000