[AR]chaeology of El Presidio de San Francisco: Augmented Reality as a Public Interpretation Tool

Summary

Archaeologists have often eschewed technology as too expensive or superfluous for public outreach efforts. How can we as professionals overcome these long-held ideas and start to bring our projects into the digital age? This paper attempts to answer this question by examining how affordable cutting-edge technology can enhance public interpretation of archaeological resources. Augmented reality and 3D modeling were used in conjunction to visualize long-gone historical structures within the modern landscape of the Presidio National Park in San Francisco. A partnership between graduate students at Sonoma State and Presidio  archeologists produced a phone application that park visitors and staff employ to explore the archaeology, architecture, and history of the Spanish fort buried beneath their feet. This project demonstrates how new technologies can be integrated into site interpretation on a small, economical scale. As technology advances, new paths of interpretation and engagement will emerge to connect the public with the past.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• The Intersection of Technology and Public Archaeology   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2018

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 671