Using Augmented Reality to Replace Missing Historical Landmarks

Test data indicates a need for increasing the variety of teaching strategies in our classrooms. Current methods, while often efficient, may neglect other powerful strategies. When historical sites are damaged or lost, there may be adequate records, such as photographs or other information, that allows for the creation of reasonably accurate models. Using existing technology, these digital models would be geotagged to their original location and orientation as closely as possible. When a site visitor utilizes the software to view the site through a smart phone or pad, the missing item from the site will be displayed, in place, for viewing. My proposal is to identify at least five sites in the region that have enough historical information available to recreate augmented reality models for future geotagging. In addition, as a proof of concept, at least one augmented model from the list will be created and geotagged. Finally, again with existing technology the model could be uploaded to Google Earth and show up in search results as a 3D model. A possible example of one such model could be the recreation of the cabin of Randolph McCoy that was burned during the Hatfield McCoy feud in 1888. When a visitor to the site utilizes a smart phone with the software running, a model of the destroyed cabin would appear on the ground in the display of the device. The user could walk around the site and observe the cabin from all sides. This application of existing technology has many implications for historical preservation and even the possible re-creation of historical events. Imagine not only being able to view the cabin but the gunfight that led up to the burning of the cabin from any direction!