BUILDING A VIRTUAL TIME MACHINE FOR THE ANCIENT RUINS OF JIAOHE

Abstract

[EN] The goal of this work in progress is the virtual 3D reconstruction of one of the temples of the Ancient Ruins of Jiaohe (China). This site, considered as one of the key locations on the Silk Road, is slowly deteriorating due to erosion and human activity. One of its buildings, the Northwest Small Temple, was partially reconstructed as part of the Master plan for preservation and restoration as proposed by the UNESCO/Japan Trust Fund. Furthermore, a replica of the temple was built at the site entrance. The UNESCO master plan serves as the starting point for the 3D reconstruction, which is performed in three phases. The first phase comprises an initial 3D reconstruction of the temple based on floor plans and sections, and the placement of this reconstruction in a low-resolution 3D model of Jiaohe. The second phase consists of a field campaign at the site, in order to acquire the necessary data to complement the initial reconstruction: a high-resolution 3D model of the current state of the Northwest Small Temple, 3D models of the statues inside the replica of the temple and imagery of the murals inside the replica. After combining the data from phase one and two, a 3D model of the Northwest Small Temple, completed with textures and statues inside, will be placed on a 3D model of its surroundings. This final 3D model will then be made available to a broad audience as a virtual time machine, allowing the visitors to both experience the site as it is today, as the way it used to be at the peak of the site’s civilisation.