The Potential Application of Augmented Reality (AR) for Conserving the British Pillbox in Kelantan

Abstract

The British pillbox in Kelantan has become an attraction for tourists. The pillbox used to be the defender for the British in Malaysia, considering an attack on the Japanese who come from various angles. The pillbox still exists around the residential area. The passage of time has made the pillbox suffer various damages and deteriorations. This pillbox cannot be conserved physically. There are structural differences such as the number of blocks, size, and height of these monuments which may have certain functions and reasons too. This research aims at two locations of pillbox which is located on Pantai Chap, Bachok and Pulau Kundur, Kota Bharu. This research aims to identify the potential of Augmented Reality for conserving the British pillbox in Kelantan. It is also to determine the appropriate Augmented Reality to use in conserving the British pillbox in Kelantan. Detailed research was carried out to obtain evidence such as photographs, structural details, and pillbox location. The data has been applied to Unite AR, one of Augmented Reality (AR) applications to conserve this British pillboxes’ heritage monument. Through this research, the AR was created to expose the real structures of two British pillboxes located in Kg. Pantai Chap and Kg. Pulau Kundur. This research intended to extend the uses of Augmented Reality (AR) in conservation since many museums use this technology to conserve artifacts and monuments and attract people to exhibitions. By using this conservation method, the monuments will remain and new generations will appreciate more about history.