Seoul launches AR app for fine dust

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Tue, April 24, 2018 | 03:59

Seoul & provinces

Seoul launches AR app for fine dust

Posted : 2018-04-13 18:12

Updated : 2018-04-15 22:12

The camera application 'Dustsee' presents virtual 'images' of fine dust through three different filters that deploy 'augmented reality technology.' The application offers the real-time status of fine dust based on the location of users. / Courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government

By Jung Da-min

The Seoul city government has introduced an "augmented reality" camera application for mobile phones, for users to see a visual representation of the unseen fine dust in the air.

Using the app named "DustSee," users can "see" fine dust both outdoors and indoors. The camera application offers three different filters to present a visual representation of the micro-particles.

The application also offers real-time status of the fine dust based on the locations of users.

Users can get overall information of the fine dust status, such as concentration, and wind direction and speed. They can also share the pictures through social media platforms.

The program also recommends what kind of masks to wear based on the different levels of dust.

According to a 2017 survey conducted by Gallup Korea, only 37 percent of people wear masks when the level of fine dust is "bad" while 57 percent continue to do outdoor activities.

"The application also helps to educate children to wear masks by showing them amusing images," said Kim Hyo-dong, an official of the city government.

The fine dust level in the capital has been worsening in recent years and reached the worst ever late last month.

Various weather information apps have become popular among smartphone users amid the worsening air quality.

"DustSee is different from other applications in that it offers visualization through the real-time photos and videos," Kim said.

The application can be downloaded for free through Google Play Store.

damin.jung@ktimes.com