New Digital Practices in Cultural Heritage: Virtual Reality Technologies

Cultural heritage refers to the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that is inherited from previous generations. It is essential to preserve and protect the cultural heritage by passing it from one generation to the next generation. Virtual reality (VR) technologies create a virtual environment with realistic sense of vision, hearing, and touch. VR plays an important role in the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. During the process of research, exhibition and inheritance, cultural heritage may be damaged or corroded. This damage can be prevented by the use of VR. The three-dimensional models of material cultural heritage can be constructed by using the VR technology. It can also be used for virtual reproduction of cultural heritage based on archaeological research data and literature records for sites and remains that have not been excavated or annihilated. VR technology is also used to create a virtual museum that facilitates the protection and dissemination of cultural heritage. This book outlines the role of virtual reality technologies in preserving and protecting cultural heritage. A number of latest researches have been included herein to keep the readers abreast with the most recent concepts in this area of study.