3D MODELING AND VIRTUAL APPLICATIONS FOR THE VALORIZATION OF HISTORICAL HERITAGE

Abstract

[EN] A large amount of 3D digital models, acquired with reality-based techniques or modelled with CAAD methods, are today part of archaeological studies. This new form of heritage documentation has deeply changed the traditional way of representing, studying and visualizing the remains of the past. At the same time, 3D digital documentation is rarely shared and easily accessible, so as the historical iconographic sources, text documents and other information used forinterpreting remains and for validating 3D reconstructions. This paper describes the first results of an interdisciplinary project of 3D documentation and valorization of historical heritage, carried out in the archaeological site of Pausilypon (Naples, Italy). The final aim is to realize an integrated virtual tour of the site, developed in Unity 3D, based on 3D surveying products. This tour proposes a new way of presenting and visualizing results of archaeological studies and 3D documentation, collecting and overlapping different types of data in a unique and interactive virtual environment. Besides 360° equi-rectangular panoramic image and 3D models, heterogeneous material will help users to understand the interpretative process followed for the hypothetical CAAD reconstruction. These results will be mainly shared via web, for a larger dissemination of the work and for supporting future research on the site. In addition, for promoting the knowledge of the archaeological remains, a simplified and immersive tour will be developed for Virtual Reality devices.