Introducing Bisita: Historic Guam Mobile App – Explore Hagåtña in 1890 in Augmented Reality
The University of Guam has launched a groundbreaking new mobile app that allows users to step back in time and explore the historic city of Hagåtña as it appeared in 1890. The Bisita: Historic Guam app, developed by Dr. Carlos Madrid and his team at the Micronesian Area Research Center, uses augmented reality technology to superimpose images of the city’s iconic landmarks over present-day Guam.
Users can virtually tour Hagåtña, visiting sites such as the Tollai Åcho’ (San Antonio Bridge), the Plaza de España, the Church of the Dulce Nombre de Maria, and Fort Santa Agueda in Apugan. The app also features detailed reconstructions of the Government Palace, allowing users to explore its rooms and furnishings as they were over a century ago.
Dr. Madrid and his team spent years researching and analyzing historical maps, photographs, and records to create an accurate depiction of Hagåtña in the 1890s. The app includes sound effects, voiceovers in English and Spanish, and a timeline of Guam’s history to enhance the user experience.
In addition to its educational value, the Bisita: Historic Guam app has the potential to be used in film production and video games, showcasing Guam’s rich heritage to a global audience. UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez praised the app as a testament to the university’s commitment to educational innovation and cultural preservation.
The Bisita: Historic Guam app is available for free on the Google Play Store for Android and the App Store for iOS devices. Users can also download the app using the QR codes provided. For more information and feedback, contact bisita@triton.uog.edu. Take a virtual journey through Guam’s past with the Bisita: Historic Guam app today!