Abstract
In the last few years, the need to share on the Web the knowledge of Cultural Heritage (CH) through navigable 3D models has increased. This need requires the availability of Web-based virtual reality systems and 3D WEBGIS. In order to make the information available to all stakeholders, these instruments should be powerful and at the same time very user-friendly. However, research and experiments carried out so far show that a standardized methodology doesn’t exist. All this is due both to complexity and dimensions of geometric models to be published, on the one hand, and to excessive costs of hardware and software tools, on the other. In light of this background, the paper describes a methodological approach for creating 3D models of CH, freely exportable on the Web, based on HTML5 and free and open source software. HTML5, supporting the WebGL standard, allows the exploration of 3D spatial models using most used Web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer. The methodological workflow here described has been tested for the construction of a multimedia geo-spatial platform developed for three-dimensional exploration and documentation of the ancient theatres of Segesta and of Carthage, and the surrounding landscapes. The experimental application has allowed us to explore the potential and limitations of sharing on the Web of 3D CH models based on WebGL standard. Sharing capabilities could be extended defining suitable geospatial Web-services based on capabilities of HTML5 and WebGL technology.
Highlights
The definition of detailed 3D models and the development of Web-based virtual reality systems represent a significant value added for protection and promotion of Cultural Heritage (CH)
The experimentation here presented has allowed (I) to produce and test an environment for networking CH geospatial information that can be shared without use of additional plug-ins or applets, and in toto based on free and open source solutions; (II) to share, view and browse interactively ancient theatre 3D models; (III) to realize ancient theatres 3D models contextualized in their environment and surrounding landscape; (IV) to handle fully 3D multi-resolution datasets; (V) to start reflections about the right balance between Level of Detail (LoD) of the model and speed access to geospatial 3D information
Unlike the systems based on oblique photogrammetry, the system illustrated employs a full 3D models that can allow the distinction of individual parts of each model to connect to the semantic information so to realize a full 3D Geospatial Information System
Summary
The definition of detailed 3D models and the development of Web-based virtual reality systems represent a significant value added for protection and promotion of Cultural Heritage (CH) In this context, recent advances within Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector have allowed the development of new methods and technologies for sharing and browsing via the Web of 3D models of CH (Guarnieri et al, 2010; Gruen, 2013; Herrmann and Pastorelli, 2014). Principal aim is to provide users of a new exploration experience of 3D multimedia model of CH In this perspective, the Web represents the ideal mean for accessing information, managing documentation and dissemination of CH values (Di Benedetto et al, 2014).
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