Bayfield Historical Society Augmented Reality App and WebMap

History is in the future, thanks to University of Waterloo graduate and developer Ben Woodward who has created an Augmented Reality App in conjunction with the Bayfield Historical Society and University of Waterloo. 

History buffs and local explorers are invited to take a tour through the history of downtown Bayfield through this innovative new technology. Find one of the posters around Bayfield that provide the QR code, open your smartphone’s camera app to scan the QR code and follow the link to jump back in time. Aim your smartphone at a building and be immersed in its history, including a historical description, architectural information, photographs and postcards from the Historical Society’s collection dating back to the 1850’s.

Ben has previously developed the Bayfield Historical Society WebMap, which allows you to explore the history of various Bayfield locations through your computer browser. The Augmented Reality app allows you to explore beautiful downtown Bayfield in person, in the present and in the past. 

The app does not gather any user data from you or your device, but users are encouraged to take a volunteer survey after exploring and enjoying the app. The Bayfield Historical Society is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization dedicated to recording and preserving the rich historical legacy of the community for future generations. This new app is an exciting way to make local history accessible with current and new technology. 

Look for the posters along main street in Bayfield to enjoy the Augmented Reality Map, visit bayfieldhistoricalwebmap.ca to experience the online WebMap, or visit one of Ben’s other exciting platforms: The Local History Atlas, an innovative digital platform that allows you to explore historical maps, postcards, photograph, video, audio, architectural heritage information, plaques, and events posted by museums, archives, historical societies, content creators, and private individuals, available at atlas.digitalhistory.ca.