The Hillcrest Mines Tourism Machine App is the first in a series of eco-tourism apps designed to be used with augmented-reality glasses. With this type of app it is possible to walk-through the ruins of the site and see the reconstructed structures including the rail layout and a Shortline steam locomotive.
The Hillcrest Mine ruins are the site of Canada's worst coal mining disaster. The accident had a profound effect on the village of Hillcrest Mines and the province of Alberta in 1914. A total of 189 workers died, half of the total workforce. (This is also where this writer's Grandfather worked). There were many photographs taken that would not normally exist for such a site. This has enabled the reconstruction of a low-polygon model necessary for mobile head-mount displays. In many ways it is more difficult to create a historically informed model than it is to build a new one, but otherwise this kind of model is similar to those used for architectural walk-throughs.
The video demonstration for this app shows two modes of display, one for each repeat in the soundtrack. The first mode displays the model similar to photographs of the period except it has a foggy blue background. The second mode (which is labeled AR Mode) has the backgrounds and areas underneath railroad tracks rendered in the color black for the Epson Moverio glasses that display the viewer's background in place of that color. For example, if one is standing at the original site, the railroad tracks will overlay the current terrain. If one is standing in an office, the railroad tracks will overlay the floor.
Virtual position markers and their coordinates are positioned along the ground of the site and can easily be found using the GPS. In this way there is no need for expensive or invasive signage. All this supports a form of environmentally sensitive tourism. The site is on private property. Those planning to use this app in the field can arrange a tour with a local guide (such as treadsoftlycanada.com) who is familiar with the site.
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