Definition of a workflow for web browsing of 3D models in archaeology

Abstract

The Cultural Heritage (CH) is a fundamental element of promotion of territories and of tourism development. Publishing 3D models of archaeological sites and their three-dimensional reconstruction on the Web is one of the best ways to spread their knowledge. However, many recent scientific researches in this field have highlighted the limitations and difficulties related to the networking of interactive 3D models. The main difficulties are related to the complexity and the size of models, which influence the access speed, and the cost of software and hardware needed for the publication on the WEB. In light of this background, this article describes the further advances of research activities carried out at GISLAB CNR-UNIPA for creating interactive 3D models of archaeological sites, accessible and navigable with a Web browser, fully compliant with HTML5. This system includes also the surrounding landscape, essential to analyze and understand the close relationship between human settlements and the surrounding geographical contexts. Such models don’t need specific app for navigation but are accessible on the WEB via the WebGL open source libraries, compliant with the most popular Web browsers (Firefox, Safari and Chrome). The system consists of a headboard multimedia platform tested on Mokarta archaeological site (Trapani, Sicily). The user can explore the 3D model of the archaeological site in its current state, its virtual reconstruction, and the historical documentation. This application has highlighted the great potential and the limits of the sharing of complex 3D models via the Web, opening new scenarios for the purpose of valorization of the archaeological heritage through the use of effective technologies and reduction of costs, opening new themes of further research. This experimentation is also a real example of an open data application.