Abstract
Recent advances in data acquisition techniques and modeling tools lead towards a large availability of digital 3D models. Cultural Heritage domain, and particularly Architecture and Archaeology Heritage (AAH) significantly benefits from the introduction of digital 3D modeling, which represents a means of communication and dissemination. An underlying research challenge is represented by the portability of complex artifact, making them suitable for a large set of devices (e.g. mobile devices). The aim of this chapter is to outline best practices for the correct visualization of the 3D reconstructions of architectural and cultural heritage, especially for Mobile Augmented Reality and Holographic applications. A complete methodology is presented, ranging from data acquisition, simplification and visualization, underlining the importance of fostering architectural values in a compelling way. Authors also provide state of art challenges, limitations and opportunities, arguing the dissertation through a set of ad-hoc applications developed for different case studies.
TopBackground
Nowadays, digitization of CH is mandatory in several approaches spreading from humanities to ICT: digital as cultural heritage is an axiom gathering from EU commission policies.
Digitization and online accessibility of cultural contents shake up traditional models, transform value chains and call for new approaches to our cultural and artistic heritage. Digitization, accessibility and interoperability enable information sharing and responsibility synergies, aiming conservation, cultural identity and awareness (EU Commission, 2014). In past digitization projects, the authors have deployed an approach that addresses the challenge to draw out the long term and sustainability value of cultural heritage, aiming to develop a more integrated approach to its preservation and valorization.
In understanding the past & co-creating the future, an immense potential in Europe relates to the continent’s rich cultural heritage and its several opportunities arise from. In contemporary societies, citizens and diverse communities claim an active role in defining, reinterpreting and managing culture and cultural heritage (EU Commission, 2015). To understand and promote processes of co-creation in this domain, trans disciplinary research has been carried out by our research group for providing a comprehensive framework for the risk assessment, preservation and participatory management of cultural resources, based on societal understanding of cultural identity, geo-referred metric contents and cloud computing (Clini, Quattrini, Frontoni, & Nespeca, 2015).
Key Terms in this Chapter
AAH: The acronym for Architectural and Archaeological Heritage used in the chapter suggesting that this kind of heritage needs similar approaches in digitization, conservation and dissemination/exploitation of data.
Europeana: The Europeana platform is the web service which provides remote access to all the european collections, allowing to build applications, websites and mash-ups that include a customised view of Europeana Metadata and Content.
MAR: The acronym for Mobile Augmented Reality describing theapplication that provide this augmented reality services without constraining the individual’s whereabouts to a specially equipped area, using a mobile device.
CyberARchaeology: The definition of Cyberarchaeology, as cybernetics of archaeology, refers to all the interconnective relationships which the datum produces, the code of transmission, and its transmittability. Introducing the capital letters (AR) in this word, the concept of digital portability of archaeological values is extended to mobile application. This allows to shift from the virtual environment to real one and to superimpose layer.
LOD-LAM: An acronym for Linked Open Data for Libraries, Archives and Museums, this is an umbrella term for the community and active projects in this area.
Virtual Anastylosis: Makes a 3D model which reproduces a hypothetical copy of the original model, assembling surveyed fragments, present in the excavation site, with elements philologically reconstructed on the basis of historical knowledge and documentation.
LoD: The acronym for Level of detail, used in description of visual consistency and affordability of 3D models. The concept is widespread and available in various disciplines from computer graphics and cartography, from architectural representation to electrical circuit design.