Enhancing Archaeological Research Through Immersive Virtual Reality.

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly employed in archaeology to showcase reconstructions of ancient sites to the general public, yet its utilization for professional purposes by archaeologists remains less common. To address this gap, we introduce a VR application specifically designed to streamline the storage and access of critical data for archaeological studies. This application provides experts with an immersive visualization of excavation sites and related information during the postexcavation analysis phase. The application interface facilitates direct interaction with 3-D models generated through photogrammetry and modeling techniques, enabling detailed examination of collected data and enhancing research activities. We applied this system to the case study of excavations at the Temple of Juno in Agrigento, Italy. In addition, we present the findings of a pilot user study involving archaeologists, which evaluates the effectiveness of immersive technologies for professionals in documenting, preserving, and exploring archaeological sites, while also driving potential future developments.