The bridge of HMAS Sydney (IV), deployed in the First Gulf War will part of the augmented reality experience that will be published on the AWM website. Source: Australian War Memorial.
Memorial launches innovative partnership with tech giant Leidos, Australian War Memorial, 22 November 2017
The Australian War Memorial today launched a partnership with Leidos Australia which will see a new technology-based approach to telling the stories of Australians at war and on operations through digital engagement with the Memorial’s collection.
The collaborative project, which will extend over a period of three years, will see the creation of a series of 360-degree video experiences based on key Large Technology Objects (LTOs) from the National Collection. This content will be used to create an augmented reality, giving users a never-before-seen perspective on and understanding of these objects.
Memorial Director Dr Brendan Nelson spoke of the need to explore new ways to educate and inspire visitors both during their visit and beyond.
“Online and digital initiatives allow the Memorial to more fully interpret the Australian experience of war, connecting and engaging all Australians with our military history. We are thrilled to be working with Leidos Australia, a leader in their field, to bring these LTOs to life, and to augment the physical objects with their operational histories and the associated oral histories of those who served in them,” said Dr Nelson.
The initial phase will feature objects from right across Australia’s military history over the past century, including a Mark IV tank from the First World War; the Avro Lancaster “G for George” and a Lockheed Hudson bomber from the Second World War; the bridge of HMAS Sydney (IV), deployed in the First Gulf War; and a Bushmaster vehicle that saw action in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each of these impressive signature objects boasts a compelling service history, and the group represents all three arms of the Australian Defence Force.
Leidos Australia’s Managing Director Ms Christine Zeitz said it was a privilege to explore these objects and get a glimpse into their multilayered stories.
“Leidos Australia is a global leader in the integration and application of information technology, engineering, and science. This project allows us to utilise our expertise in a unique way, with niche content and with one of Australia’s most iconic institutions. We are thrilled to have officially launched our partnership today and look forward to expanding the reach of the War Memorial’s LTOs into the digital space,” Ms Zeitz said.
The augmented reality experience will be published on the Memorial’s website, which received almost six million unique visits last year. It will also be actively promoted through the Memorial’s social media channels to hundreds of thousands of followers.
In future, it is intended that the project will be used in the Memorial’s galleries, as well as remotely, enhancing the experience of those who visit, and reaching those who are unable to.
Contact: Holly Pritchard (02) 6243 4575, 0409 600 038, [email protected]
