There are many different use cases for virtual reality technology all over the world. In the archaeological industry, for example, VR can be sued to let experts explore dig sites which would otherwise be inaccessible. It is a very interesting option to explore, although it will require a lot of work to pull off successfully. At the same time, if there is one type of technology capable of pulling something like this off, it would be virtual reality.
VR and Archaeology Make a Good Combination
There are many different reasons as to why archeological dig sites would be inaccessible. Mother Nature can certainly make things very difficult in this regard. Or perhaps the dig site resides on private property, which means one needs special permission to access the location. Moreover, the remains themselves are always pretty fragile and need to be handled with care. Especially in war-torn regions, such as Iraq or Syria, archeological dig sites can’t be preserved in a proper manner without moving everything to a different location.
Furthermore, archeological dig sites can be of great importance to the local population as well Indian tribes, for example, may not like anyone snooping around on their turf, even if it is for historical reasons. Making these venues more accessible to the right experts is a big challenge in this regard, and virtual reality appears to be the go-to solution in this regard. This is all made possible thanks to a team of researchers at the University of Central Lancashire.
More specifically, the team has created a VR model of a few different archaeological dig sites around the world. This is achieved by taking images with a digital camera and scanning the site with a laser. Additionally, photogrammetry also plays a big role in this process, as it allows for better capture techniques. Based on all of this information, a VR prototype has been created. It is only the first step toward revolutionizing archaeology as a whole, but it is a very important test, to say the least.
It is an innovative step toward ensuring dig sites can be accessed while not disturbing the local populace or putting researchers at risk. This method provides access to remote sites and users will be given access to an “enhanced reality” version of the location. It is evident this technology was never designed with consumers in mind, nor does it need to be. It will be interesting to see what the future holds in this regard, as it is a very exciting development.
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