Mobile Presentation of the War History of the City of Niš

Abstract

Contemporary visitors of a historical and tourist site expect access to quick information about different subjects according to their interests. Unfortunately, billboards and plates near monuments usually do not provide enough information that can satisfy the visitors’ needs. However, mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones with appropriate software solutions can help visitors get the information in an appropriate manner. In this paper, we present two ways of providing information such as a web application with the usage of QR codes, and a purposely developed application for mobile devices implemented by using augmented reality technologies. We compare both these solutions and discuss their advantages and possible drawbacks. The application of these two approaches of using information technologies in representing national historical heritage are illustrated by concrete examples of their implementation in the city of Niš. By using these applications, visitors are informed about the war history of Niš, a city that was occupied many times and by many conquerors in its millennia-long history.