A mobile application with augmented reality in exploring the natural environment of Hong Kong

This paper introduces a mobile educational application using Augmented Reality (AR) called N-Trail for primary students to explore the natural environment of Hong Kong. Students studying in the primary schools in Hong Kong do not have many chances to go for a field trip in the nature parks. It will be beneficial for the students to learn outside of the classroom and explore the beauty of the nature. With the use of N-Trail, primary students can explore the Hong Kong natural environment effectively. N-Trail can provide the nearby flowering plants with the Global Positioning System (GPS) function. Students can take pictures for recognition of different flowering species. The augmented reality model in N-Trail can simulate the growth of the flowering plants. Students can learn more about the flower and insect species found in Hong Kong. User evaluation revealed that N-Trail is a useful and effective tool for primary students to explore the natural environment in Hong Kong.