Geomatics Techniques for Cultural Heritage Dissemination in Augmented Reality: Bronzi di Riace Case Study

Vincenzo Barrile,Gabriele Candela,Ernesto Bernardo,Antonino Fotia

doi:10.3390/heritage2030136

Abstract

The Riace Bronzes are two full-size bronzes cast around the 5th century BC, located at the ‘Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Magna Grecia’ in Reggio Calabria; they truly represent significant sculptural masterpieces of Greek art in the world due to their outstanding manufacture. This paper describes the methodology for the achievement of a 3D model of the two sculptures lead by the Geomatics Laboratory of the Department of Civil, Energetic, Environmental and Material Engineering (DICEAM) of the Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria. 3D modeling is based on the use of imaging techniques such as digital photogrammetry and computer vision. The achieved results demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique used in the cultural heritage field for the creation of a digital production and replication through 3D printing. Moreover, when considering renewed interest in the context of international museological studies, augmented reality (AR) innovation represents a new method for amplifying visitor numbers into museums despite concerns over returns on investment. Thus, in order to further valorize and disseminate archaeological heritage, we are developing an app for tourism purposes. The created app allows the user, in real time, to obtain additional information on the object of investigation, even allowing them to view the 3D model in AR.

Highlights

The “Bronzi di Riace” represent one of the greatest moments of sculptural production of all time and the most important archaeological discovery of the last century (Figure 1)
We are experiencing a revaluation of cultural heritage, which is no longer seen as the exclusive domain of specialized scholars but as a resource for the economic development of local communities and regions
3D computer graphics is a branch of computer graphics that processes three

Summary

Introduction

The “Bronzi di Riace” represent one of the greatest moments of sculptural production of all time and the most important archaeological discovery of the last century (Figure 1). Over the last few decades most museums have abandoned their simple container structure, becoming a livelier and richer reality, a communication tool that aims to exploit modern technologies to attract the public [4,5]. For this reason, in a wider project of diffusion and exploitation of the cultural assets present in the city, the Geomatics Laboratory of Reggio Calabria decided to include within its development process a Heritage 2019, 2 multimedia app for tourist and academic purposes, which details the reconstructions of artifacts present in the NHearittaigoe 2n01a8,l2,Ax FrOcRhPeEEoRloREgViIEcWMuseum of Reggio Calabria MArRC.

Processing

Printing Phase

Integration of 3D Models in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Conclusions