Augmented Reality Used in Cultural Heritage: a Systematic Review

Abstract

With the development of Augmented Reality (AR) technology, the products developed in this field have become widespread. Today, AR technologies, which are used in many fields such as education, health, and tourism, are also widely used in architecture. It is aimed to research the studies on the use of AR technology for the conservation of architecture and cultural heritage, to reach academic publications and to obtain information about the subject. Cultural heritage sites are the common heritage of humanity in terms of historical, aesthetic, and artistic values. This heritage is being damaged by the developing city and vandalism and is even in danger of extinction. It is impossible to protect cultural heritage and transfer it to future generations with current technologies and conservation methods. AR technology can help preserve cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations. This study identifies relevant research in AR, architecture, and cultural heritage. It aims to evaluate technology’s development process from the past to the present. In the study, the articles in the field of AR are listed in two different databases (ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore). In which these research were carried out, the place and importance of architecture in these areas were analyzed. Since the study proceeded in a systematic order, the subject was narrowed, and 14 articles in the cultural heritage field were examined in detail. Applications and equipment used in academic studies on cultural heritage are added as a table. Our opinions on using applications and equipment developed for AR to protect cultural heritage are presented in the conclusion section.