Page 84 - JCAU-6-1

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Virtual reconstruction of archaeological sites

Figure 11. Reconstruction model in ContextCapture Viewer. Source: Drawing by the authors

scientifically and efficiently extract meaningful knowledge
and documentation for restoration, a notable improvement
over traditional approaches where attributes and objects
lack connectivity. The informatization and visualization
technologies discussed in this article carry positive
implications for restoration work. Moreover, virtual
restoration based on digital twin technology is a non-
invasive approach, ensuring the authenticity of heritage.
An initial VR experience was presented through
panoramic photography on the free part of the 720yun
website, centered on the excavated ruins without restored
buildings. An exhibition that combines the excavated ruins
and restored buildings is expected to be completed using
VR, AR, or XR techniques. This combination will provide
a more interactive and educational immersive experience,
depicting restored buildings with ancestors living and
working in them. The knowledge researched by architects
and archaeologists will be seamlessly integrated into this
immersive scene. Various devices, such as head-mounted
(Athens Olympic Museum, 2023), hand-held (Voinea
Figure 12. Panoramic roaming and VR experiences provided on the et al., 2019), and projection-based (Czernuszenko et al.,
webpage dedicated to the Pishan site. Source: Drawing by the authors
1997) devices, are commonly employed in both homes
and museums. In addition, 3D printing facilitates the
specification UAVs, like the 5-lens UAV, are needed (Zhou production of highly detailed physical replicas of objects,
et al., 2021). positively enhancing the engagement and comprehension
To maximize the potential of archaeological digital of vision-impaired visitors (Kantaros et al., 2023).
assets, we propose a workflow, “Virtual reconstruction Numerous exhibition forms can be explored, although the
– Management and analysis – Restoration – Exhibition,” choice often depends on cost considerations.
leveraging the toolkit of digital twin technology, However, the workflow still encounters several challenges.
photogrammetry, panoramic photography, GIS, HBIM, The intricate connection between multiple software platforms,
VR, and AR. alongside the need for a time-saving and streamlined
Through systematic management and analysis software scheme, constitutes the main challenges in the realm
facilitated by GIS and HBIM, references essential for of digital twin technology. In this research, for example, the
restoration can be methodically organized. Experts can “Virtual Reconstruction – Management and Analysis” phase

Volume 6 Issue 1 (2024) 11 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.1735