Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
gamut of distributed information resources and is not solely confined to adding
context specific information overlays to a specific location in a 'camera-view'
interface.
AR in its current popular implementation, working on mobile devices through
platforms such as Layar, Junaio and Wikitude
2
and through SDKs for Android
and IOS mobile devices such as that offered by String,
3
is a more prosaic affair.
Designed as a device led experience it offers a limited set of procedures involving
the over-layering of dynamic, context specific data over live 'camera-view' of
physical space. Typically this information is served from geo-tagged databases,
both static and realtime, supplying information such as proximity of train stations,
cinemas, nearby tweets and so forth. More recent developments include a move
toward augmenting print content with the display of 3D models and the ability to
trigger actions, such as playing an advertising video, leading a push to monetise the
technology through AR advertiser tie-ins.
It is important however to look beyond the limited nature of many of the
applications currently available for the range of AR browsers to attend to the
affordances of these platforms. I draw attention in particular to the ability to
import and situate geo-tagged databases which can attach contextual information
to any site. This offers an unprecedented opportunity for the artistic and political
activation of sites with large scale data-led critiques, particularly in conjunction with
physical intervention. Despite the constrained nature of the engagement possible
with available AR browsers they point to a growing convergence of a burgeoning
world of open and accessible data, much of it geo-tagged or available for geo-
tagging, with the ability to generate overlays which attach to specific sites in
real space. As an emergent technology, the application of AR is still uncertain
and open to re-imagining and negotiation. Locative Media pioneer Ben Russell
identified a similar openness in earlier locative technologies which he saw as seeking
“grassroots and consumer level interpretation of what these devices are” (
2003
),
in these emergent AR systems there is this sense of a technology seeking usages
which are meaningful to the broadest constituency, seeking to expand rather than
constrain these technologies as they begin to enter mainstream usage. This presents
an opportunity to artists and activists to shape these technologies, establishing them
as tools for location based annotation and critique and expanding the range of
applications and understandings for these technologies as they progress from new
to mature technologies.
This opportunity coalesces around two factors. The first is Open Data; the
European Commission (
2011
) estimates that open data could result in an additional
A
C40 billion in economic activity per annum in the EU while McKinsey management
consultants estimate this increase to be worth $3 trillion globally (
2013
). In addition
to the growth in economic activity from its enabling of innovation, the smart
economy and increased Government efficiency it is also seen as integral to the
2
See layar.com, junaio.com and wikitude.com
3
See poweredbystring.com/product
