HERITAGE sites in Swindon will benefit from a new augmented reality app due to launch this year.

The Carto Group, a 3D geo-spacial company based in the Workshed, are developing the mobile app to help visitors learn more about the various historic sites dotted around town.

The app has digitised tourist information pamphlets produced by the Mechanics Institution Trust and Swindon Civic Voice, listed buildings, and blue plaques.

These are tagged to geo-located data points that are accessible through the application with their associated information about points of interest.

Shaun Landy, gaming technical developer at the start-up, said: "Swindon has a long railway heritage that is not communicated and exposed enough using the technology devices that nearly all of us own, like the smartphone.

"Although our Heritage AR walking tour app is still under development, the people and organisations we have shown it too, like Swindon Borough Council, have all been extremely enthused by it. We see this as just the start of this type of communication technology for the town and we look forward to releasing the app

“Moving our company to this part of Swindon has opened up our eyes to the historic culture that is available to residents and visitors of the town."

The app will be released to the public later in 2019.

The firm is also set to launch LandHawk, an augmented reality app which helps the public and council find out about planning of land and property in the town.