Collaborative use of mobile augmented reality with paper maps

The popularity of augmented reality (AR) applications on mobile devices is increasing, but there is as yet little research on use in real settings. We review data from two pioneering field trials where MapLens, a magic lens that augments paper-based city maps, was used in small-group collaborative tasks. The first study compared MapLens to a digital version akin to Google Maps, the second looked at using one shared mobile device versus using multiple devices. The studies find place-making and use of artefacts to communicate and establish common ground as predominant modes of interaction in AR-mediated collaboration with users working on tasks together despite not needing to. © 2011 Elsevier Science. All rights reserved