RecorDIM of Iran's Cultural Heritage Using an Online Virtual Museum, Considering the Coronavirus Pandemic

Abstract

The virtual visits to cultural heritage sites have significantly increased due to the Coronavirus pandemic and related restrictions on face-to-face visits to historical cultural sites. Many people visit these sites to get acquainted with the culture of the past, researchers to access original and primary documents, and experts to manage information and adopt decision-making policies. In Iran, there is no virtual museum with the capability of displaying its cultural heritage. Thus, the present study aims to present how an online virtual museum can be created in a simple and low-cost way to integrate tangible and intangible cultural heritage documents. This virtual museum integrates the virtual tours of historical monuments, 3D models of museum objects, images, and videos introducing cultural heritage objects. Moreover, with all types of data stored on it, the museum can be useful for the public, researchers, and experts in various fields, improving cultural heritage conservation. Finally, a more comprehensive approach is proposed to digitally integrate cultural heritage documents. This approach can be applied to other countries with common concerns.