A Mobile Application for Virtual Heritage and Ugc Public Sharing

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Heritage documentation and representation is now a growing concern in the contemporary world, with unprecedentedly rapid technological development that pushes the frontier further every day. This ever growing means benefits both professionals and the general public, and the two can now be connected by this virtual bridge that channels heritage information from one end of the spectrum to the other, thus facilitating a dialogue never considered before. 4D virtual heritage with visualized tempo-spatial information can be easily shared across the continents and the story of heritage is told by a simple move of the thumb. Mobile LBS (Location-Based Service) enhances visitors' on-site experience and is readily available on the popular iOS platform. UGC (User Generated Content) on the internet provides interaction among users and managers, and brings the heritage site and the public into a live conversation. Although the above technological exploration is promising in itself, the question still remains as how it may be best implemented. The Re-yuangmingyuan program for the reconstruction and representation of an imperial garden in Beijing has made several attempts that deserve discussion, and contributes to heritage documentation and conservation in general.

Presenting the invisible and unfathomable

“…The combination of the real and the virtual worlds, easily accessible through the telephone's display, enables leaving the PC monitor behind, and presents a unique opportunity to enjoy the knowledge retrievable at archaeological sites directly in the field (fig. 8; Gongli -Jin -Huilian 2013;Noh -Sunar -Pan 2009;Stuart 2012).…”

Acquirement and Interpretation of Public Documentation of Cultural Heritage – WeChat & Post-disaster Rebuilding of Shangri-La Ancient City

“…Considering the popularity of cultural tourism and availability of digital devices and mobile internet, public contribution, combined with an increasing interest in heritage conservation, is playing a vital role in contemporary heritage conservation. Smart phones are proved to be effective for youth participation in heritage conservation (Poong Y.S., 2013), mobile tablets can be useful in representing perished heritage to the public (Gongli, L., 2013), and cultural heritage can be reconstructed from open access photographs (Marinos I., 2013). Such studies are brings new possibilities for cultural heritage.…”