R. Shumaker (Ed.): VAMR/HCII 2013, Part II, LNCS 8022, pp. 188–197, 2013.
© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013
Architectural Geo-E-Learning
Geolocated Teaching in Urban Environments
with Mobile Devices: A Case Study and Work in Progress
Ernest Redondo
1
, Albert Sánchez Riera
1
, David Fonseca
2
, and Alberto Peredo
3
1
Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña-Barcelona Tech. Barcelona, Spain
{ernesto.redondo,albert.sanchez.riera}@upc.edu
2
Architecture School - La Salle, Universitat Ramon Llull. Barcelona, Spain
fonsi@salle.url.edu
3
CUAAD, Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
oderep@gmail.com
Abstract. This work addresses the implementation of a mobile Augmented
Reality (AR) browser on educational environments. We seek to analyze new
educational tools and methodologies, non-traditional, to improve students’
academic performance, commitment and motivation. The basis of our claim lies
in the skills improvement that students can achieve thanks to their innate
affinity to digital media features of new Smartphones. We worked under the
Layar platform for mobile devices to create virtual information channels
through a database associated to 3D virtual models and any other type of media
content. The teaching experience was carried out with Master Architecture
students, and developed in two subjects focused on the use of ICT and Urban
Design. We call it Geo-elearning because of the use of new eLearning strategies
and methodologies that incorporate geolocation, allowing receiving, sharing,
and evaluate own-generated student’s proposals, on site.
Keywords: Augmented reality, E-Learning, Geo-Elearning, Urban Planning,
Educational research.
1 Introduction
Augmented Reality (AR) technology is based on overlapping virtual information in
real space. A framework where technology could be potentially more interesting is the
representation and management of the territory, because real scenes could be "com-
pleted" with virtual information, which would facilitate a greater awareness and better
understanding of the environment. In the field of architecture, for instance, AR allows
new buildings proposals visualization, and their impact assessment, on its planned
site. To do that, a Geographic Information System (GIS) is needed to provide and
manage and filter public queries with different levels of accurate and upgradeable
information. In short, we need to link a 3D model to a database which contains all
the necessary information associated with it. This process has been the first target of
this work.