Sightseeing Navigation System from Normal Times to Disaster Outbreak Times within Urban Tourist Areas in Japan

Abstract

In tourist areas, it is necessary to prepare a method that supports tourists’ activities by providing information concerning disaster support facilities during normal times, in addition to sightseeing spots and tourism-related facilities, because there is a risk of confusion during disasters, as tourists are not aware of the locations of disaster support facilities. The present study aims to develop a navigation system that supports the activities of users during both normal times and disasters by integrating augmented reality (AR) and web geographic information systems (Web-GISs), as well as by using pictograms. The system can not only effectively provide users with information concerning sightseeing spots and tourism-related facilities but also information concerning disaster support facilities. The system was operated over a period of 6 weeks in Chofu City, Tokyo Metropolis, Japan. Based on the results of a questionnaire survey for 60 users, the system was highly evaluated for its originality in terms of displays and functions using pictograms, navigation using AR, and obtaining information during disasters. Additionally, based on the results of access log analysis, the system was continuously utilized by users during the operation period. Therefore, by continuously operating the system, it can be expected that users will further utilize each function of the system.

SEOUL AR: Designing a Mobile AR Tour Application for Seoul Sky Observatory in South Korea

“…There are also examples of the use of AR for navigation. A mobile navigation app that supports the activities of users during both normal times and disasters was developed by integrating augmented reality and web geographic information systems using landmark icons and pictograms as AR markers [21]. Additionally, a mobile app called Augmented Reality Tourism System (ARTS) uses 3D scans converted from a point cloud to a portable interaction size to display interactions between cultural heritage, tourism, and pedagogy [22].…”

An Indoor Navigation Support for the Student Halls of Residence using Augmented Reality: A Design Perspective

“…AR in navigation has helped people by giving them a reference or direction in wayfinding, which has changed how people explore a new place. Currently, AR navigation applications are widely performed outdoors, such as for test car navigations (Uchida et al, 2017), pedestrian wayfinding (Dong et al, 2021;Tran & Parker, 2020), and sightseeing navigations (Kato & Yamamoto, 2020;Sasaki & Yamamoto, 2021). Nevertheless, indoor navigation has also gained plausible attention in research as well as in technology adoption.…”