Augmenting Phenomenology: Using Augmented Reality to Aid Archaeological Phenomenology in the Landscape

Abstract

Explorations of perception using GIS have traditionally been based on vision, and analysis confined to the computer laboratory. In contrast, phenomenological analyses of archaeological landscapes are normally carried out within the particular landscape itself; and computer analysis away from the landscape in question is often seen as anathema to such attempts. This paper presents initial research that aims to bridge this gap by using Augmented Reality (AR). AR gives us the opportunity to merge the real world with virtual elements, including 3D models, soundscapes and social media. In this way, aspects of GIS analysis that would usually keep us chained to the desk can be experienced directly in the field at the time of investigation.

Cultural Heritage 3D Modelling and visualisation within an Augmented Reality Environment, based on Geographic Information Technologies and mobile platforms

“…Whereas the cultural heritage community previously used static 2D forms of documentation (plans, sections, elevations, reconstructions) created on paper and published, it is now increasingly using 3D interactive digital tools, adding also the time dimension (4D). The transformation of the expression and publication of heritage representations may disclose that virtual heritage spread rapidly through a large, wellestablished field, which has generally embraced the new technologies in recognition of their obvious superiority to what they have replaced (Eve, 2012) The technical-scientific advances of measuring the physical world and computer modelling capabilities, have led to the creation of an increasing number of high quality 3D models of existing cultural heritage objects and environments. These are often supplemented by additional metadata information, as well as synthetic reconstructions of missing data.…”

“…Nevertheless, on a daily basis new forms of DR are becoming available, consisting basically of 3D models (reconstitutions) used to explore the present, past or future experiences, or approach research questions. (Eve, 2012) There are several methods to combine GIS and Virtual Reality (VR)/Mixed Reality (MR), even if it is still difficult to achieve full integration, considering technical limitations, which restrict the distribution and display of 3D representations on personal computers and mobile tools. However, hardware developments (especially graphic capabilities, related with rendering 3D models) along with the broadband networks, have created the conditions towards making it possible to advance in the field of 3D GIS and the consequential production of DR within VE/MR systems over the Internet, including portable devices (adapted from Zhang, 2004 3D visualisation requires appropriate resources to visualise 3D spatial analysis as tools to effortlessly explore and navigate through large models in real time (Zlatanova et al, 2002 in Milosavljevic andMostafavi, 2010).…”

“…By modelling a number of different variables, we can test and change them to explore different hypothetical situations. This is, of course, impossible in the real world, as circumstances on site are unpredictable and constantly changing (Eve, 2012).…”

On Pose Estimation in Room-Scaled Environments

“…• support in everyday professions such as archaeology [29,105], engineering, architecture and construction [66,79,98,132], and medicin and rehabilitation [61,65,92];…”

An Experiment in Using Visual Attention Metrics to Think About Experience and Design Choices in Past Places

“…Where is your attention drawn when you walk through a doorway, absent any prior knowledge or cultural constraints? The subject has been treated by numerous scholars, and we may cite Llobera, Lock, Paliou, Eve, Hamilakis, Chrysanthi and Ashley (e.g., Chrysanthi, MurrietaFlores and Papadopoulos 2012; Hamilakis, Pluciennik and Tarlo w 2002; Llobera 2007; Llobera 2011, Llobera 2012, Lock 2003; Lock et al 2014; Paliou 2011; Paliou 2013; Eve 2012; Eve 2014; Ashley 2012, to name only a few of those whose work has been broadly influential.…”