Orbital Travel is currently developing an Augmented Reality (AR) Travel App, 'Enchanted History', which has the potential to be used for all ancient archaeological sites around the world to enhance the visitor experience.

Augmented Reality is overlaying digital content into the real world through use of a smart device, be that a mobile phone, tablet or even desktop computer with a webcam. Currently the biggest use for AR is in video games that engage the audience in ways never before experienced but these market sectors are now changing and expanding as more companies invest in AR for their businesses.

Within the world of travel it has the potential for three main uses:

• Visual displays and audio guidance for guided tours
• Images of historical recreations integrated with the current environment
• Displaying information about a tourist attraction

One of the main possibilities for visitors to Egypt is to experience the recreation of ancient Temples, Tombs and Monuments in a 3D appearance and in full colour. The App would allow users the ability to see virtual reconstructions of the sites whilst in situ as well as a more detailed view of the reliefs and hieroglyphics on walls and columns.  

Another potential use would be the ability for a user to browse a catalogue of ancient or destroyed historic artefacts that have been recreated in 3D. The user would select the item they wish to see which would then be loaded as a 3D model. This could then be downloaded from the website and printed at home.

The main two types of AR App are SDK apps and Cloud apps, the main difference being the actual size of the app. A Cloud app will download the assets for the app as and when needed meaning that the initial app is a lot smaller in size as it only contains the base app and none of the content. SDK apps are ideal for when a connection cannot be guaranteed or a good WiFi signal cannot be kept. SDK apps are compiled with all of the needed assets loaded into the app itself and this lends itself well to pre-travel arrangements.

John McCallum, Orbital Travel's Managing Director commented: “This is an incredibly exciting project and one which we are looking at developing initially for our clients going on a Nile cruise. The possibility to reconstruct the experience of seeing Ancient Egypt's astounding temples and monuments in all their original glory whilst in situ is unique. This app also has the potential for multiple uses for all ancient sites around the world from reconstructing the Parthenon in Athens to Stonehenge in the UK. The app we are currently working on for Egypt will be available to download from the App store and we are looking to expand development into other global sites”.

Orbital Travel is actively seeking investors to further develop its 'Enchanted History' app. For further information please contact John McCallum on 01763 274174, john@orbitaltravel.co.uk

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Image and video attachments: Image 1: cube with trigger function; Image 2: Brochure with trigger function; Video 1: 3D image from cube; Video 2: Video presentation from brochure - History Channel Network. 

About Orbital Travel:

Orbital Travel is an independent Tour Operator and has been operating since 2003. They are river and coastal cruise specialists offering 5* river cruises on the Nile, 4* cruises on some of the most scenic rivers in Europe, cruises along the Dalmatian coast in Croatia and Indian Ocean island hopping cruises.

www.orbitaltravel.co.uk