Dig@IT: Virtual Reality in Archaeology

Description

A virtual reality system to recreate the archaeological experience using data and 3D models from the neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, in Anatolia, Turkey.

Project Team

• Emmanuel Shiferaw,ECE/CS, Duke University


• Cheng Ma , ME/CS, Duke University


• Regis Kopper, DiVE, Duke University


• Maurizio Forte, AAHVS, Duke University


• Nicola Lercari,  World Heritage, UC Merced

Project Objectives

• Develop archaeological VRapp containing models of real site.


• Allow manipulation of artifacts/”digging” within system.

Description

• Can view information from existing archaeological database contextually, in 3D space, for objects documented by field archaeologists.


• Allows for measurement, analysis of artifacts and land on-site.


• Built for Oculus and DiVE.


• For DiVE, companion apps built for Google Glass and iPad, which dynamically display information from Catalhoyuk site database relating to feature being examined.

Workflow

• Digital Archaeologists capture 3D models of dig site and landscape through image-based modeling (photogrammetry), laser scanning, LIDAR, etc.


• 3D models of site, artifacts, are imported into Unity3D game engine, where:
  
  
  
  • Interactions and display are built to allow analysis and discovery within the application.
  
  
  • Application is built with Oculus Rift as head mounted-display, and Razer Hydra tracked wands as input devices.