Augmented Reality app on track for Highlands

GCU is helping to develop an Augmented Reality app aimed at encouraging more people to explore the Highlands. 

The Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism is working with ScotRail and software developers Whereverly to offer train passengers tips as they travel on the Highland Mainline. 

The project, backed by research agency Innovate UK, will result in rail travellers being able to access live information and entertainment options via an AR app on their phones as they travel on the 118-mile stretch of line, which runs from Perth to Inverness. 

The app aims to encourage new customers to embrace rail travel and encourage more leisure travellers to use the route.

Passengers will be able to follow their journey via a 3D map which highlights and provides information on the sights from the carriage. Dr Giancarlo Fedeli, research associate at the Moffat Centre, will lead investigative work this summer to gauge how rail users feel about travelling by train in the wake of the pandemic and how technology can be successfully integrated at the different stages of rail travel. 

Dr Fedeli said: “It’s a really exciting project and is a chance to play a part in the recovery of the travel and tourism industry.” 

Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation and provides funding to help businesses develop and realise the potential of new ideas.​