Ancient contexts and virtual reality: From reconstructive study to the construction of knowledge models

This paper describes the use of integrated methods for the creation of three-dimensional models using laser scanning techniques, digital photogrammetry, 3D photomodelling and direct surveying. The three-dimensional models established using these methods constitute the basis for the construction of advanced information platform, able to represent the buildings under study with great accuracy at various scales, including both detailed elements and the monumental arrangement as a whole, as well as the textural features of the internal and external surfaces. The main aim of our studies is to enable the public to enjoy the results of archaeological and historical researches, via the web or stand-alone products, and to “virtually visit” the monuments using RealTime 3D visiting systems. As well as showing the current state of the monuments, the visit includes reconstructions of previous phases in their history and examples of virtual restorations of the wall paintings. All the textures were obtained by processes of photomodelling and were applied to the geometrical forms in accordance with the radiosity algorithm, with lights and shadows of the ‘area’ type. The result of this integrated approach is extremely life-like, almost indistinguishable from reality.