New Lubbock Lake Landmark App Features Augmented Reality, Trail Guides

In November of 2018, the Lubbock Lake Landmark released an initial version of its new mobile app. This app allows the public to engage with the Landmark in new and exciting ways. It features augmented reality (AR) components for visitors to experience throughout the Landmark’s temporary exhibit From Enormous to Tiny: Ice Age Animals of the Southern High Plains. AR is a way to enhance or alter the real environment with additional, digital information. For example, rather than static maps, the exhibit panels come alive through the app’s AR to allow visitors to see glaciers move over time. Animals are highlighted in the exhibit’s large mural as the visitor categorizes certain animals as extinct, extant, or extirpated with an AR feature in the app. Additionally, the app lets users listen to extra audio content related to the temporary exhibit. For those individuals who cannot visit in person, a Landmark in your Livingroom section of the app allows them to view archaeological artifacts in their own home by projecting 3D models of artifacts in AR. The 3D models can be projected onto a flat, horizontal surface, and the visitor can manipulate the size and orientation of the model. For visitors interested in the Landmark’s outdoor trails, the app provides an interactive map and plant and wildlife guides. If location services are enabled, the visitor can use their GPS in conjunction with the app’s interactive map to navigate from the Interpretive Center to the Wildflower Trail, Nature Trail, or Archaeology Trail. While on the trails, the visitor can use the app’s plant and wildlife guides to identify and learn about various local, native flora and fauna.

The Landmark received a grant from the E. Jay Matsler Trust for Historic Preservation of the Community Foundation of West Texas that has enabled the Landmark to offer 10 iPads for checkout at the Interpretive Center. All visitors are invited to check out an iPad free of charge to interact with the Landmark’s digital content. In addition, headphones, headphone splitters, and assistive listening devices are available for Landmark visitors to use. All items are offered free of charge on a first come, first serve basis and may be checked out independently of the iPads.