Cristina CORSI
(University of Cassino, Cassino, Italy)
Keywords: Archaeological site management plan; 3D digital visualisation; archaeological townscapes; urban heritage
Abstract:
The fascinating technological developments and methodological improvements that characterised in recent years archaeological diagnostics and survey of complex sites fulfilled the objectives of European legislation and recommendations for preservation of archaeological heritage and cultural landscapes. At the same time, these innovative approaches disclosed new challenges for the management and valorisation of a particular category of archaeological sites, where most of the archaeological features are buried and currently ‘invisible’ to visitors. Therefore, scientific acquisitions need to be made available to the public in an appealing way and should fulfil expectations of local communities by way of the sound application of innovative methodologies.
To illustrate such new approaches we will present the experience achieved in the framework of the EU funded project ‘Radio-Past’, in respect of the valorisation of archaeological sites and the interactions with local governments and stakeholders. The selected case-study is about facing the challenges of promoting cultural tourism in very remote areas, integrating well preserved landscapes with the extraordinary results achieved thanks to non-destructive fieldwork. This goal was reached via the elaboration of a targeted management plan for an archaeological park. The plan framed all aspects and identified all actors that would ensure the scientific management and preservation of the site, with the aim of understanding which position the heritage site has in the social landscape and of exploiting its potential for educational and touristic purposes.
To disseminate knowledge and to involve local inhabitants, we developed multimedia systems to virtually “guide” visitors through the urban environment, perfectly preserved yet invisible beneath the soil. 3D reconstructions and real-time virtual tours of the Roman town also lead the non-specialist public through all stages of the research process, from methodological aspects to technicalities of data capture, from data processing and interpretation to visualisation and contextualisation.