Visualization and presentation of hidden archaeological heritage across Central Europe

Christoph LOBINGER
(Archaeological Heritage Office in Saxony, Dresden, Germany)

Keywords: visualization and presentation of hidden archaeological heritage; international cooperating approach

Abstract:
Different approaches and challenges, sharing experiences but reaching the same goal – a better understanding and raised awareness of hidden archaeological heritage and its protection by presenting it via new information and communication technologies like VR/AR. That´s the main background of the new EU-project “VirtualArch – Visualize to Valorize”, running from July 2017 to June 2020. 10 partners from 8 central European countries try to elaborate a transnational strategy. Therefore, 8 selected pilot sites were digitized/visualized and present to stakeholders through guided field tours and information points on spot. The pilot sites are consisting of special heritage sites like prehistoric and medieval mines, roman and medieval harbors as well as cultural landscapes with prehistoric pile dwellings or urban archaeology with huge and complex stratigraphies. This means not only different arch. cultures but also different areas and environments, impacts and audiences. Although the project is still in the beginning, the session seems to be a perfect area to present project and its actors as well as share first experiences with all present professionals and experts.

Relevance for the conference: This new project unites several big players in 3D recording and virtual reconstruction in visualizing and presenting hidden archaeological sites across Central Europe.
Relevance for the session: With different pilot sites in cultures, types and environments the project may be regarded as a best practice of the session topic itself: Multiple ways to visualize Cultural Heritage for the General Public!
Innovation: The strength and importance lies in the transnational cooperation and its heritage protection goal which is focused not only on one heritage type.
References:
• R. M. Reffat/E. M. Nofal, Effective communication with cutlural heritage using virtual technologies. International archives of the photogrammetry, Remote sensing and Spatial Information Sciences 40-5/W2, 2013, 519-524
• J. Unger/L. Jirán/P. Vatrecka, Neue Möglichkeiten zur Rekonstruktion archäologischer Objekte. Fines Transire 25, 2016, 1-9.