Developing outdoor augmented reality for architecture representation in educational activities

This work examines an application of Augmented Reality (AR) for architectural education and fire prevention training for Korean Traditional Buildings. In February 2008, the Namdaemun Gate (Korean National Treasure No 1) burned down, despite efforts of many firemen, as the main difficulty was getting fire under control without any structural knowledge of wooden buildings. Hence, in state of the art of digital technology, an application of virtual information to traditional buildings is needed, and AR is already being considered as new design approach for architecture. In this example, outdoor AR is another practical application that takes advantages of Wearable Computer devices to superimpose virtual graphics of traditional buildings in real outdoor scenes. Plus, outdoor AR also allows user to move freely around and through inside virtual building, thereby offering intuitive training opportunities for architects, archaeologist, firemen, etc. For study case, the prototype AR system demonstrates its ability to assist firemen in their mission.