Augmented Reality (AR) is based on the superimposition of synthetic images on natural images. Using a Head Mounted display (HMD), the user of an AR system can visualize the exterior world with additional virtual information that is generated in real time and in a contextual way. This project aims to overcome some of the more common problems related with AR: the registration of synthetic over real images; and the definition of position.
The main objectives are:
- Establish the most appropriate configuration for augmenting urban and natural environments from an environmental management perspective;
- Develop new image registration methods using control points. These control points are built as part of an augmented reality (AR) infrastructure;
- Develop the AR infrastructure that will facilitate the visualisation of the evolution of the urban, natural and built environment; the local visualisation of the underground utilities; and the visualisation and auralization of quality values for natural and artificial water bodies.
The system was applied to a stretch of Parque da Nações, bordering the Tagus Estuary.