Augmenting Printed School Atlases with Thematic 3D Maps
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Author / Producer
Date
2020-10-09
Publication Type
Other Conference Item
ETH Bibliography
yes
Citations
Altmetric
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Rights / License
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.
Permanent link
Publication status
published
External links
Book title
Central European Cartographic Conference and 68th German Cartography Congress – EuroCarto 2020
Journal / series
Volume
2
Pages / Article No.
28
Publisher
Copernicus
Event
Central European Cartographic Conference and 68th German Cartography Congress (EuroCarto 2020) (virtual)
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Augmented reality; Atlases; 3D cartography; Thematic maps; Education; Usability
Organisational unit
03466 - Hurni, Lorenz / Hurni, Lorenz