A-Frame to Represent Archaeology Heritage in an Open Source Virtual Reality Platform
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 14/03/2024

Alberto Polo Romero


In recent years, virtual reality has evolved exponentially, making it possible to represent more ideas and concepts in different areas of research. In the case of historical and archaeological heritage, technology has made it possible to recreate and represent many of the creations that have occurred throughout the history of humanity. The importance of 3D representation for dissemination has made it possible for us to get to know works at first hand. Thanks to technologies such as photogrammetry and recreation in immersive virtual reality environments, it is also possible to include factors such as interaction and the design of narratives in space.

However, in many cases, proprietary software such as UNREAL Engine or others are used. It is essential to create workflows that enable complete processes with open source software. The use of A-frame, free software, is proposed as a very good alternative for the creation of extended reality materials.

The current project is a recreation 3D in virtual reality that is accessible from a web browser. The documentation is carried out using photogrammetric techniques and open source technologies, such as A-Frame, are used in the process of generating virtual spaces so that the user can get to know the heritage. An environment is designed in which the user can see at first hand, at real size, the space where it is housed, and where sound and interaction are also used to show the digitised heritage. Examples of research materials in the medieval necropolis of San Nicolás (La Sequera de Haza, Burgos, Spain) and of megalithic and rock art sites used to insert the extended reality into the university classroom will be shown.
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