3D Map Experience for Youth with Virtual/Augmented Reality Applications

Abstract

Human beings have started using maps since prehistoric times. The first men has made maps to the cave walls but nowadays the maps are being used with virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) applications. With the use of 3D VR/AR applications, traditional map education can be given to the youth explicitly. With this technology, students can learn the maps enthusiastically and develop their spatial abilities. In this study, a 3D model of the Harran University Osmanbey Campus was created and prepared for the use of VR/AR applications. This model was then transferred to the Unity Game Engine Software for augmented reality applications that students can see on tablets and smartphones. The resulting application was presented in a science festival where students experienced these technologies. It has been observed that students approached more enthusiastically to these technologies as a learning material because of the interactive nature of these technologies.

Keywords

• Virtual Reality
• Augmented Reality
• 3D City Modeling
• Map Education

Arttırılmış/Sanal Gerçeklik Uygulamalarıyla Gençlere Yönelik 3B Harita Deneyimi

Abstract

İnsanlar tarafından tarih öncesinden mağara duvarlarına çizilen haritalar günümüzde sanal/arttırılmış gerçeklik (VR/AR) uygulamalarıyla yapılarak kullanılmaktadırlar. Haritaların üretimi ve kullanılmasında bu yeni teknolojilerin kullanılmasıyla okullardaki harita eğitimi de değişime uğramıştır. Harita eğitiminde 3 boyutlu dünyanın 2 boyutlu klasik kağıt veya duvar haritalarından nispeten zor olan öğretimi, VR/AR uygulamaları kullanarak kolaylaştırmak gençlerde mekansal algıyı erken yaşlarda güçlendirmektedir. Bu çalışmada Harran Üniversitesi Osmanbey Kampüsü'nün 3 boyutlu bir modeli oluşturulmuş ve VR/AR uygulamalarında kullanmak üzere hazırlanmıştır. Ardında bu model Unity oyun motoru yazılımı kullanılarak öğrencilerin kullanımı için arttırılmış gerçeklik uygulaması şeklinde tablet ve akıllı telefonlara aktarılmıştır. Ortaya çıkan bu uygulama, bu tür teknolojilerin farklı yaş gruplarından öğrencilerin deneyimleyebildiği bir bilim festivalinde kullanıcılara sunulmuştur. Öğrencilerin, bu teknolojilerin etkileşimli ve eğlenmeye yönelik doğası nedeniyle bir öğrenme materyali olarak daha hevesle yaklaştıkları gözlenmiştir.

Keywords

• Sanal Gerçeklik
• Arttırılmış Gerçeklik
• 3B Şehir Modelleme
• Harita Eğitimi

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