Audio Augmented Reality for Cultural Heritage Outdoors

Abstract

Audio Augmented Reality (AAR) is a novel area of AR representing the augmentation of reality with auditory input. The way auditory input is combined with 3D superimposed information in AAR is challenging, especially in noisy and busy environments outdoors. This paper presents a novel, work-in-progress, mobile AAR experience that is deployed in a city environment while walking past seven archaeological excavation sites in the city of Chania, Crete, Greece. The proposed AAR experience embeds 3D graphics and audio related to the cultural content while a visitor walks around the city, offering a non-linear narrative. Visual and audio digital elements are accurately geo-located while a personalized AAR SoundScape Generator boosts audience creativity. AAR design is optimized for outdoor use.