Geomatics Techniques for Submerged Heritage: a Mobile App for Tourism

Abstract

The tourism sector is one of the major industries in Italy that has a high impact on local communities in terms of employment and economy. To show the results of a research project highlighting the use of new technology in the tourism sector, the Geomatics Laboratory of the Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria has developed a mobile application for tourism. The case study is "Calarcheo Park", a nonaccessible underwater archaeological park located in Reggio Calabria, near the remains of the old walls of the ancient city of Reggio Calabria (Reghion, dating back to about the VIII B.C.). The main aim of this paper is to describe the process to relive and re-propose the experience of a real immersion through a journey in virtual reality. Particular attention was given to the research part concerning the simplification processes of the models inserted within an app for tourism sector. The concept app includes scenarios (seabed) and objects (Castle and artefact) obtained from three-dimensional models realized through photogrammetric techniques, therefore "heavy" models in terms of space necessary to store them, recall them and possibly process them. Considering the visualization purpose, and the metric precision needed, the 3d models were reconstructed using a rapid method. To minimize the difficulties during the direct underwater survey carried out by a human operator (e.g. limited time available during the survey, accentuated inaccuracy due to human errors), the operations were carried out using an experimental ROV (Remote Operated Vehicles), widely used to explore underwater environments, equipped with cameras to perform photogrammetric acquisition in a single dive. To enhance the results and quality of the 3d model, a procedure to improve the image quality, and optimizing the processing is also described. This work therefore illustrates the possibilities of using 3D models created by geomatics techniques within virtual environments for apps for tourism purposes

Integration of Laser Scanner, Ground-Penetrating Radar, 3D Models and Mixed Reality for Artistic, Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Dissemination

“…In fact, the use of advanced techniques allows us to obtain digital models of structures of historical and artistic interest that are scattered throughout the country [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. The models [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] can be implemented within augmented or virtual reality apps so that users can enjoy these works in a much more immersive way [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. The use of mixed reality in the field of cultural heritage is now widespread.…”

From 3d Survey to Digital Reality of a Complex Architecture: A Digital Workflow for Cultural Heritage Promotion

“…Virtual Tours (VT) of complex architecture and museums present an opportunity to facilitate access to and exploration of art and culture, overcoming geographical, architectural, cultural and economic barriers (Barrile et al, 2020, Germak et al, 2021, Lerario et al, 2020. Advanced imaging and virtualization technologies allow visitors to explore architecture, artworks, and information online using mobile phones, tablets, and PCs, or multiple devices such as Virtual Reality (VR) viewers and web-based Augmented Reality (AR) platforms (Banfi et al, 2021).…”

Documentation and Virtualisation of Vernacular Cultural Heritage: The Case of Underground Wine Cellars in Atauta (Soria)

“…Conejo [42], López-Cuervo [43], and Herrero [44] carried out research at the same site using the geomatic tools and techniques that contributed to the foundation of the current study. The digital models obtained can be accessed on the web platform and offer a high degree of immersion in a context of mixed reality, which is becoming increasingly widespread in the context of preserving cultural heritage [45][46][47][48]. The results obtained allow for a virtual and metric exploration of the BIC: one that is based on its geospatial attributes [49][50][51][52].…”

“…In this project, we have chosen to use a type of virtual private server (VPS) managed by the Madrid Supercomputing and Visualisation Centre (CESVIMA) in the UPM, which-among its other computer resources-has the third version of the supercomputer Magerit. The advantage of VPS is that they allow the information to be managed within a specific group and can limit the access of certain users to the reserved content [48,49].…”