Applying Web Augmented Reality to Unexplosive Ordnance Risk Education

Abstract

Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) are considered a global concern and a persistent hazard due to their capability to endanger civilians and the place where they are located, and the probability of remaining active explosives even after decades of ending a conflict. Hence, risk education is crucial for providing individuals with life-saving knowledge on recognizing, avoiding, and reporting UXO threats. The main objective of this study is to develop a web augmented reality (AR) application to investigate the effect of WAR on non-explosive ordnance risk education. Firstly, UXO 3D models are edited and constructed using the Blender 3D computer graphics software. Secondly, the proposed web AR application is developed using MindAR JavaScript-based library. Finally, the web application QR code and UXO Hiro codes are printed on infographics and brochures to be distributed to secondary school students aged 12 to 18 at six public and private schools in Tikrit City, Salah al-Din governorate, Iraq. Survey questions are validated and distributed to be collected from 137 respondents. The present study shows that the proposed web AR application increased respondents’ information in identifying UXO by 54.7%. Approximately 70% of respondents use the Internet for more than 3 h daily. Institutions should use new risk education methods in line with the tremendous technological growth and invest students’ knowledge and time in this field. Better risk education teaching methods can save lives.