Virtual Reconstruction of the Maya Site of Vista Alegre: Multi-use Digital Assets in Context
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2019-12-13

The coastal Maya site of Vista Alegre provides continuing insight into the relationship between Pre-Columbian groups and the environment in this dynamic ecosystem. Due to the remote location and dense mangrove coverage, the site is difficult to document remotely, and its fluctuating ecological shifts over time also create a challenge in interpreting and presenting the spatial usage of the site. Owing to this, an immersive 3D model created from GIS data, photogrammetry, and modeling software adds to the interpretive and presentational range of this site using cross-platform virtual reality applications. The ability to model ecological changes over time, in addition to shifts in monumental architecture and spatial usage, allows for the chronological representation necessary to accurately portray this site. Once these digital assets are created and georeferenced, they can also be used in augmented reality applications for incorporation onsite in handheld devices or within a museum context. These assets are also used in online exhibits for public education through the digital archival platform Omeka. Linking this digital exhibit to the virtual reality experience further contextualizes and educates the public, and the goal is to use increasing VR web support through A-frame, WebGL, and other web browser supported formats to further democratize the experience of VR to the public. Combining the use of these digital assets in multiple ways increases the exposure and efficiency of using digital visualization techniques for both presentation and interpretation.

 (Jessica Marie Moss)