Integrating Augmented Reality into GIS Maps to Enhance Conservation Education

Student Researcher (20220

David Fan, Major: Data Science

Student Researcher(2022)

Daniel Han, Major: Computer Science

Student Researcher (2022)

Isabel Lu

Student Researcher (2022)

Kelly Wang, Major: Computer Science, Major: Art and Art History

Faculty Mentors

Dr. Robert Rose and Dr. Sapana Lohani

Project Description

Augmented Reality (AR) has the unique ability to help us connect to and see nature from a new perspective. A leader in creating innovative mapping and spatial analytics software, ESRI is exploring opportunities to integrate AR into its mapping software to allow users to explore spatial relationships in new ways. Part of a pilot project with ESRI, a team of William & Mary students are exploring opportunities for ESRI to create interactive experiences through the integration of real-world and computer generated content to inspire users to explore their connection to nature in a new way.

Utilizing the William & Mary campus as a demonstration site, the students are developing AR tours of the flora of campus that will engage users in an immersive experience with nature. UrbanConserve is an AR mini-app prototyping project in partnership with Esri, designed for students to explore how augmented reality can help motivate locals or students develop more understanding and empathy for their environment. Students are exploring how digital signage, points of interests, even digital objects like “virtual graffiti” might be useful for encouraging ways that other students can learn more about and care for their surrounding urban ecosystems. With this project, students are consulting with ESRI researchers and designers to develop a “mini-app” that others can use to participate collectively as a community in local urban conservation efforts.

Project ID - Format

22-001-22 - Conservation GIS Lab

22-001-23 - Conservation GIS Lab