Augmented reality Application based Navigating the A Famosa Fortress Site

Our proposal focuses on an augmented reality (AR) mobile application that will assist in navigating the old fortress site, A Famosa in Melaka, Malaysia. During the past few decades, the fortress was greatly damaged. The only remnant is a gate known as Porta de Santiago. In 2011, a 3D model of the fortress is developed, and no efforts were taken to promote this 3D model for other purposes. Due to the fact that it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and found that the model is significant and provides visitors with an assisted tour guide. The current approach to promote this historical site is not very engaging. It lacks interactivity. For this proposal, an advantage of the advancement in augmented reality technology is based on affordable computer graphics hardware, and the availability of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. This application incorporates the history of the fortress, architectural information, cultural values, alongside audio and 3D elements. The aim of this proposal is to allow the visitors to obtain real time information, virtually explore, and access historical facts prior to their visit or whilst on location. This research theoretically demonstrates how existing, available technology, combined with factual data are gathered to disseminate knowledge to the public. Finally, our proof of concept demonstrates the ability to navigate the reconstructed 3D model of the fortress, understanding the background history and promote its features; architectural information and cultural values. The following is a summary of stages adopted to create the application followed by suggestions from our own experience. From the study, one can say that AR is an effective method to promote cultural heritage in more interesting and engaging approach. In general, the experience provided a new method to promote a favorable and renewed image of the monument.