Video Mapping for Cultural Heritage: State of the Art and Future Developments

Abstract

The fast development of digital technologies in the last two decades has led to the formation of new techniques and the renewal of existing ones for the specific purpose of dissemination of knowledge. Among these, a particular form of augmented reality, well known as video mapping, is considered of remarkable interest in the field of edutainment. Through the projection of graphic images on artifacts, it is possible to temporarily visualize them in a different configuration, in a completely reversible and non-invasive way. For example, this technique can be useful for the illustration of the original decorative apparatus of historical artifacts or for the representation of alternative or unfinished projects. In other words, it can be considered as a method for alternative fruition of Cultural Heritage. In addition, due to the strong spectacular component that characterizes it, an image projection performance is able to capture the attention and to involve a wider audience. The aim of this paper is to highlight the potentialities of video mapping. By illustrating some significant experiences, conducted both in the national and international panorama, the purpose is to pay attention to how this technique, mainly used for purposes other than dissemination of Cultural Heritage, can really contribute to the valorization of historical artifacts. Some critical elements that characterize it and that still represent a limitation in its large-scale diffusion will also be discussed.