Members of Eastleigh’s Tec Hub have been commissioned to create an interactive map of Hampshire, which can be worn and provides users with historical context surrounding the battle of Agincourt.
The interactive wearable map is being created by Marcus Pullen of Blue Donut Studios, and David Overton of SplashMaps as part of Eastleigh Borough Council Culture Unit’s Road To Agincourt project in association with the national Agincourt 600 charity.
Tec Hub launched in April 2014 as part of Eastleigh Borough Council’s growing portfolio of creative clusters that includes The Point, the West Wing and The Sorting Office.
The interactive wearable map will feature an augmented reality trail that will provide information at specific points in Hampshire that hold particular relevance to the battle of Agincourt, such as where Henry V discovered a plot to overthrow him (Portchester Castle), places he stayed during the build up to the invasion of France (Bishops Waltham, Titchfield, Winchester and Southampton), and the main harbour where he kept his flagship Grace Dieu (Hamble).
Using the latest technology, areas on the map will literally “come to life” with a click of a button from a smartphone. Historical points will transform into animations before the wearer’s eyes, and tales from another age will be revealed by characters from the past.
From Medieval ship building in Hamble to The Southampton Plot, the interactive map examines life and experiences at the time of Henry V and the legacy that remains in the region some 600 years later.
The map itself is based on the John Speed’s Map of Hampshire, and is printed on an all-weather fabric developed by SplashMaps. The fabric is durable and can be easily washed and worn.
Marcus Pullen is responsible for the design of the map, as well as implementing the technology which will bring the augmented reality trail to life.
The technology works via an app which can be downloaded onto any smartphone or tablet, and then when the user scans at a location which is featured on the map, a beacon will send videos and other interactive content to the user’s device.
Marcus Pullen of Blue Donut Studios believes that integrating the augmented reality trail with a physically durable map is a winning formula:
“The interactive map is a brilliant idea; nobody has done an augmented reality trail like this.
“The SplashMaps themselves are really good, and they have a lot of practical value, you can lay them on coffee tables, car bonnets, anywhere.
“The interactive features give you plenty of historical context when you’re out and about.”
David Overton, Managing Director of SplashMaps, said:
“The project has provided the ideal opportunity for us to consider how you attach data and information to a physical map, and it’s helped us with our product development.
“Working on the project has been a lot of fun. We took the map to Bear Grylls’ survival race to test it out and ended up teaching them all about Agincourt, which was great.
“It gave us a great opportunity to interact with different people in an exciting way.”
For more information on Agincourt 600 and Road to Agincourt, visit:
- Road to Agincourt, The 600th Anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt
- Agincourt 600, Commemorating 600 years since the Battle of Agincourt
About Road to Agincourt
Road To Agincourt is a two year project marking the 600th commemorations of the battle of Agincourt.
The programme, which is funded by the Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund, will explore and offer new interpretation of those events of 1415.
Year One will focus on the ‘Road to Agincourt’ and includes three new productions inspired by those historical events; these productions will be supported by a travelling exhibition, guided walks, talks and events which will set these production in their local context.
The programme will also partner with a variety of local organisations to host a series of bespoke events and activities that will recognise and commemorate the important role of the Hampshire region in King Henry V’s journey to battle.
About Agincourt 600
Agincourt 600 is a registered charity which was founded by Sir Anthony Baldry MP, Professor Anne Curry, Wesley Paul, Dr Sinclair Rogers JP, Ketton House and Robin Tutty and mostly funded by £1 million which was set aside by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the March 2015 budget to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the battle of Agincourt.
The charity aims for the advancement of the arts, culture and heritage of the UK, through organising public events to explore the battle in its context and draw attention to its iconic place in British history.
The project also aims to promote, sustain and increase individual and collective knowledge and understanding of the battle of Agincourt and the Hundred Years’ War, as well as supporting the advancement of amateur archery and fencing courses for the disabled, by contributing towards costs and helping to develop the capabilities of those involved.
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