3D Data Mapping with Augmented Reality

This paper discusses two experimental Augmented Reality (AR) projects conducted by collaboration between the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the Levine Museum of the New South in the City of Charlotte, USA between 2018 and 2021. These projects employ 2D mapping, 3D procedural modeling, and marker-based mobile AR techniques for data visualization focused on social and economic issues in Charlotte on a neighborhood scale. AR offers an interactive method to expand visualization capabilities in GIS. These projects show that mobile AR applications can support local community events that are aimed at expanding overall public participation with a goal of increasing awareness of neighborhood changes over time through 3D data visualization. Surveys from the demonstration events show that a majority of event participants learned new information about the demographic and economic changes over the past two decades in their communities through the AR experiences with 3D data mapping.