%0 Journal Article
%A Verstraete, Emma L.
%A Kuo, Sharon
%A Adams, Natasha
%A Zachwieja, Alexandra J.
%+ Lise Meitner Group Technological Primates, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Max Planck Society
%T Embodying the impact of climate change for decision makers using augmented reality (AR): A case study of climate-threatened cultural heritage sites in Western Alaska : 
%G eng
%U https://hdl.handle.net/21.11116/0000-0011-91F0-9
%R 10.1016/j.envsci.2025.104178
%7 2025-07-30
%D 2025
%* Review method: peer-reviewed
%X Three-dimensional (3-D) scans and augmented reality (AR) are common tools that can place the user into a landscape threatened by climate change. Combining the ability to rapidly preserve at-risk location data and entice the public, LiDAR and photogrammetric methods have quickly gained popularity; however, industry quality 3-D scanning methods are often costly and time-consuming. Recently, Apple has added commercial-grade LiDAR scanning to many of their mobile devices, giving researchers an opportunity to use a low cost and low expertise method to produce 3-D scans of environmentally at-risk sites that can easily engage with the public, decision makers, and government representatives on mobile devices. Here, we argue the usefulness of collecting LiDAR data of environmentally-threatened localities as a way of allowing decision makers to embody the true impact of climate change on any given conservation case using AR while also providing researcher data for time-series comparison with minimal spatial error (<2 cm). We discuss cases showcasing the use of an iPad Pro 12 to take 3-D scans of at-risk cultural heritage sites on the western coast of Alaska using a free app (Scaniverse) that can be employed in a model hosting platform (SketchFab). We show how AR scans can both be used to create accurate time-series data and be incorporated to provide an immersive and accessible experience. Embodying the impacts of climate change on an environmentally at-risk site may increase attachment for the public, including climate adaptation funding and policy decision makers, by establishing a connection to “Place”. © 2025 The Authors
%K 3-D scanning; Augmented reality; Climate change; Embodiment; Outreach; Policy applications
%J Environmental Science and Policy
%V 171
%] 104178
%I Elsevier
%C Exeter, Devon, UK
%@ 1462-9011