Projects

Campus ARt - Interactive AR Experience

Augmented Reality
Next.js
TypeScript
Web Development
Geolocation

An interactive web application combining geolocation, augmented reality, and shared canvas to create virtual art hotspots across the UIC campus.

Augmented reality campus map with virtual art hotspots

You can explore the Campus ARt project at the following link: Campus ARt Application.

Project Overview

Campus ARt is a web application that transforms the UIC campus into an interactive augmented reality art gallery. Users can discover virtual art hotspots around campus, and when physically nearby, activate their camera to enter an AR space where anything that was placed by other users will appear. They can also contribute by either placing a 3D object or drawn on a canvas that will visible to all visitors.

Core Features

Geolocation Services

  • Real-time position tracking relative to designated hotspots
  • Proximity-based AR view unlocking
  • Dynamic hotspot detection and nearby location queries

Collaborative Canvas

  • Shared drawing space where users can sketch, draw, or leave notes
  • Persistent artwork visible to all hotspot visitors
  • Multi-user contributions creating evolving community art

Augmented Reality Integration

  • MindAR integration for camera-based AR overlay
  • Real-world environment blending with virtual canvas
  • Far-distance detection optimization for improved AR stability
  • Multi-marker system supporting multiple artworks and objects per hotspot

Dynamic Hotspot System

  • Weekly hotspot refresh cycle
  • User-generated hotspot creation
  • Location-based hotspot availability
  • 3D object placement and artwork type selection

Technical Architecture

Frontend Stack

  • Next.js (App Router) with TypeScript
  • React components for AR and UI
  • Tailwind CSS for styling
  • Responsive design for mobile-first experience

Backend & Database

  • Next.js API Routes for server-side logic
  • Drizzle ORM with dual-environment database:
    • SQLite for local development
    • Turso for production deployment

Storage Architecture

  • Dual-environment storage abstraction:
    • Local filesystem for development
    • Vercel Blob for production
  • Automatic environment detection and switching

Beyond CRUD

This project transcends standard CRUD applications through:

  • Real-time Geolocation Processing: Dynamic position tracking and proximity detection
  • Augmented Reality Rendering: Complex AR overlays blending physical and virtual spaces

Security Considerations

Location Spoofing Prevention

  • GPS integrity checks
  • Server-side location verification

Privacy Protection

  • Secure camera and location data handling
  • Google SSO integration for authentication
  • Minimal data retention policies
  • HTTPS-only communication