Use of Augmented Reality for Visualizing Ambient Conditions while Sailing

Introduction
Navigating a sailing boat successfully requires a deep understanding of the surrounding environment. Common sailing instruments, which display information numerically or in 2D graphs, often require considerable experience and spatial imagination for interpretation.
This thesis explores the potential of Augmented Reality in enhancing the visualization of ambient conditions, offering a more intuitive and informative approach to sailing navigation.

Goal
The primary goal of this thesis is to evaluate the practicality and effectiveness of integrating Augmented Reality into sailing. Employing a human-centered approach, it aims to develop and validate scenarios where Augmented Reality can enhance the sailing experience, focusing on both usability and technological feasibility.

Method
This research commenced with an extensive literature review to assess the current state of Augmented Reality applications in sailing and related domains. This was complemented by conducting five targeted interviews with a diverse group of sailors, ranging from novices to experts, to gather insights into their specific needs and preferences when sailing. This dual approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of Augmented Reality in sailing.

Results
The analysis yielded a series of detailed personas and Augmented Reality application scenarios. These personas represent a spectrum of user needs and preferences in the sailing community. For the most promising scenario, a hardware component architecture was designed, laying the groundwork for future practical implementation. These results collectively provide a nuanced understanding of how Augmented Reality can be tailored to enhance the sailing experience.

Recommendations
The thesis concludes that Augmented Reality holds significant promise for enriching the sailing experience by offering enhanced perception and understanding of ambient conditions. However, the current state of AR technology, particularly in terms of maritime durability and waterproofing, poses a challenge. Consequently, it is recommended to monitor ongoing technological advancements in Augmented Reality. In the meantime, exploring interim solutions or adaptations that can bridge the gap until Augmented Reality technology matures for maritime conditions would be beneficial for the sailing community.