Virtual Heritage Course List

This course offers an immersive journey into the dynamic field of Virtual Heritage (VH), which leverages cutting-edge 3D technologies to document, digitally restore, recontextualize, and analyze cultural heritage artifacts, ranging from the minutest objects like vases to grand structures such as houses, settlements, and landscapes. Throughout the course, we explore industry best practices, unravel the historical development and intrinsically interdisciplinary nature of the field, and gain proficiency in fundamental tools commonly employed, particularly in the realms of 3D documentation and restoration.

A hands-on experience awaits as students engage in the practical application of these concepts by reconstructing an ancient sculpture, beginning with a state model of a sculpture fragment derived from 3D digitization techniques. This project will serve as an opportunity to understand the intricacies of Virtual Heritage and its role in documenting, preserving, and presenting cultural objects.

SW tools: Agisoft Metashape; Meshmixer; Meshlab; Blender.

In this course, we tackle the complexities of digitally reconstructing ancient structures that have long vanished, starting from the remnants that have endured. Our focus lies in mastering the art of creating scientifically accurate simulations of complex cultural heritage settings, whether it's a single room, an entire building, a historical settlement, or even expansive landscapes. We draw from a diverse array of sources, including the state model representing the current state of these sites in 3D, preexisting drawings found in archaeological publications, and an abundance of information gleaned from humanist sources.

Students will gain hands-on experience in the classroom, closely guided by the instructor, using powerful 3D modeling tools. This practical experience will enable students to embark on the exciting journey of 3D reconstructing ancient buildings using a variety of source materials. This project will serve as an opportunity to understand the intricacies of Virtual Heritage and its role in documenting, preserving, and presenting historical buildings.

SW tools: AutoCAD; 3D Studio Max.

In today's data-driven world, the process of 3D digitization (3DD) is rapidly gaining prominence as it offers invaluable spatial insights. This course explores the fundamental principles and practical aspects of various range-sensing technologies available today. It covers both active methods, such as laser scanning, and passive approaches relying on image-based techniques like photogrammetry.

Moreover, this course provides an in-depth exploration of the data processing techniques required to transform spatial data into accurate 3D computer models of physical objects. Students will gain hands-on experience by working on their own 3D capture projects under the instructor's guidance. 3D digitization has found applications in diverse fields, including Engineering, Architecture, Medicine, Industrial Design, Forensics, Library Science, Robotics, and Cultural Heritage documentation.

This course is designed to be accessible to students with varying backgrounds, making it an excellent opportunity to harness the power of spatial information in a wide range of professional disciplines.

SW tools: MATLAB, FARO Scene; Agisoft Metashape; Meshmixer; Meshlab.