Construction processes using mobile augmented reality: A study case in building engineering degree

Abstract

In this paper we describe the implementation and evaluation of an augmented reality (AR) application, on mobile devices. It's based on optical images recognition from real environment, and it has been particularly intended to be used in educational environments. Some improvements have been implemented compared to existing commercial ones, such as the ability to compare and move different models consecutively with a single marker. The objective was to assess the feasibility of using AR on mobile devices in educational environments. In addition we evaluated academic performance improvement using this technology. Validation was done through a case of study where students were able to see a virtual construction process overlapped to real environments. It was carried out by Building Engineering students of the EPSEB (UPC-Barcelona-Tech). Results obtained by student's PRE and POST test, and by questionnaires responses, demonstrated the application suitability as a new tool to be used in learning processes. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.