Accessing Map Information Using NFC-Based User Interfaces for In-Situ Learning Environments

Maps have been used by teachers for centuries to manipulate information related to geographical locations. This paper presents a novel way to interact with maps through the combination of mobile devices and the Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This proposal provides teachers and students with the ability to retrieve and store information related to geographical locations defined in a traditional paper map. Consequently, the information that is exchanged among teachers and learners is contextually enriched with a reference to a geographical location in a physical map. This interaction mechanism is an interesting way to encourage in-situ learning scenarios, such as teaching Geography lessons in museums, art galleries, historic buildings or outdoor scenarios, etc. Thus, this article describes an application that employs a NFC-based interaction mechanism to browse geographical information in physical maps. It also presents the hardware and software infrastructure required support this application. Finally, it analyzes the result of a preliminary usability evaluation of the application.