Using Different Ways of 3D Reconstruction of Historical Cities for Gaming Purposes: The Case Study of Nafplio

Kargas Kargas,Varoutas Varoutas,Loumos Loumos

doi:10.3390/heritage2030110

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) technologies offer a unique opportunity in “3D reconstruction” of cultural monuments and historical cities that do not longer exist or have been modified (partially or totally). Even though technological capabilities are growing fast, emphasis is mainly given on developing virtual museums and exhibitions, while archaeological places and excavations are following. The present paper presents two distinct approaches for 3D reconstruction of the historical city of Nafplio (Greece), by developing 3D models for buildings and monuments the way they used to be in the 19th century. The authors have used their professional and academic experience deriving from their participation in a European Commission co-funded project in the framework of the Partnership Agreement 2007–2013, which was implemented by the “V. Papantoniou” Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation (the project’s beneficiary) in Nafplio. The authors aim (a) to present the importance of reconstructing past cities and (b) to implement gaming technologies in cultural organizations as a means of achieve specific educational goals. Results point out the growing need for close cooperation between the cultural and academic worlds with 3D creators, and, moreover, reveal obstacles and opportunities in reconstructing historical cities and monuments.

Highlights

During the last five years, already existing technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) have rapidly emerged, creating a dynamic environment with great opportunities for “3. Three Dimension (3D) reconstruction” of cultural monuments and historical cities that do not longer exist or have been modified
A recent research by Münster and Koehler [13] revealed that reconstructions are most commonly used for presentation. This fact is related with the general trend of creating 3D models for existing buildings/artifacts, while the no-longer existing structures are not preferred
Results point out the growing need for close cooperation between the cultural and academic worlds with 3D creators, and, reveal obstacles and opportunities in reconstructing historical cities and monuments

Summary

Introduction

During the last five years, already existing technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) have rapidly emerged, creating a dynamic environment with great opportunities for “3D reconstruction” of cultural monuments and historical cities that do not longer exist or have been modified (partially or totally). A recent research by Münster and Koehler [13] revealed that reconstructions are most commonly used for presentation This fact is related with the general trend of creating 3D models for existing buildings/artifacts, while the no-longer existing structures are not preferred. There are many individual projects using 3D technologies to reconstruct historic items Research shows that such reconstructions are most commonly used for presentation, research purposes, and sometimes for digital conservation of large buildings or city models and are often realized by interdisciplinary workgroups. Taking into account these limitations, this article’s scope is to portray and present various 3D reconstructions of the historical city of Nafplio, including monuments and buildings that either do not exist anymore or have been modified. Results point out the growing need for close cooperation between the cultural and academic worlds with 3D creators, and, reveal obstacles and opportunities in reconstructing historical cities and monuments

Nafplio in the 19th Century as Case Study—Methodology

Conclusions