Space Pace: Method for Creating Augmented Reality Tours Based on 360 Videos

Abstract

In this paper, guidelines are presented for creating videobased guided tours that employ 360°video content and produce the feeling of augmented reality. The benefit of the approach presented in this paper is that it does not rely on heavy technological requirements but can be implemented by anyone with a consumer level camera capable of making 360°video recordings, in a variety of locations with low cost and modest technological prowess. Principle application areas are for example museum and city tours, wayfinding applications and crafted narrative experiences. The guidelines were derived via a pilot implementation of the tour experience, which was initially ideated using workshop methods. The evaluation of the pilot showed that the approach is promising as a new way to experience locations, and provides us with guidelines that can be classified as essential, recommended and needing consideration for developing and applied such technology. Our guidelines describe and specify a novel method of creating 360°video recordings using low-cost and readily available hardware. The method can be employed by a wide variety of actors to create services administering AR-like experiences in a cost and time effective manner. Keywords: Augmented reality • 360°video • Mobile augmented reality • Guidelines • Design • Guided tour • Location-based services • Wayfinding • Navigational aids • Spatial cognition