Back to Reality: augmented reality from field survey to tourist guide

Current approaches to Virtual Archaeology concentrate on presenting information at a static location, often one that is remote from the objects and environments described. This paper examines what the future holds for the mobile user. When the researcher leaves their desktop computer behind or the tourist leaves the museum, how can evolving technologies help them to understand, interpret and interact with their environment? The paper outlines current developments in location and context aware systems and looks forward to the possibilities of systems variously described as ubiquitous or pervasive computing environments. Together, these technologies allow an Augmented Reality approach in which the user can view relevant information as they move about the real world.