Virtual and Augmented Reality as a Modern Way of Exploring and Analysing Historical Objects in High Quality

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F68407700%3A21110%2F25%3A00386279" target="_blank" >RIV/68407700:21110/25:00386279 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-9-2025-1161-2025" target="_blank" >https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-9-2025-1161-2025</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-9-2025-1161-2025" target="_blank" >10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-9-2025-1161-2025</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Virtual and Augmented Reality as a Modern Way of Exploring and Analysing Historical Objects in High Quality

Original language description

This study explores the integration of modern visualization technologies, specifically virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) into the documentation and presentation of cultural heritage, using the Old Town Bridge Tower in Prague as a case study. The project demonstrates a complete digital workflow for creating optimized 3D models suitable for immersive applications, while preserving the historical integrity and detailed features of the original monument. A combination of laser scanning and photogrammetry was used to capture high-resolution geometric and textural data. The resulting dense 3D models were processed through retopology and texture mapping (including normal and ambient occlusion maps) to reduce polygon count and enhance real-time performance without sacrificing visual fidelity. The optimized model was then integrated into Unreal Engine to create an interactive VR experience, complete with an educational virtual museum space inside the tower. Additionally, an augmented reality version was developed for mobile devices, allowing users to explore the digital twin of the structure via a QR code without the need for specialized hardware. This paper highlights the significance of using correct workflows in digitizing cultural heritage assets for immersive technologies, showcasing how accurate modelling, texture preservation, and optimization can lead to accessible, engaging, and realistic virtual representations of historical monuments. The entire project was created at the request of conservationists, investors, and experts in the documentation of historical buildings.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

D - Article in proceedings

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

20101 - Civil engineering

Project

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Continuities

S - Specificky vyzkum na vysokych skolach

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Article name in the collection

30th CIPA Symposium “Heritage Conservation from Bits: From Digital Documentation to Data-driven Heritage Conservation”

ISBN

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ISSN

2194-9034

e-ISSN

2194-9034

Number of pages

1166

Pages from-to

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Publisher name

PALS RI

Place of publication

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Event location

Seoul

Event date

Aug 23, 2025

Type of event by nationality

WRD - Celosvětová akce

UT code for WoS article

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