Archaeologists use drones to trial VR technology
Archaeologists at The Australian National University (ANU) and Monash University are conducting a trial of new technology to build a 3D virtual-reality map of one of Asia's most mysterious sites - the Plain of Jars in Laos.
"A drone captures a set of 3D images every 10 centimetres and this data is put into a digital mould.
"You put on a headset and the virtual model feels like you're standing and walking around the site. As you move around the image moves as if you are at the location."
Ground penetrating radar was also used to identify a burial which researchers then excavated. That data was also fed into CAVE2™ to create a 3D underground view.
"It allows you to revisit the site. Even right now I'm using it to look at the positioning of some of the materials I'm having radio-carbon dated," he said.
"In terms of heritage preservation it's a useful tool. If you want to monitor the change in heritage sites through time you have that data."
The Plain of Jars dig project in central Laos is the first major archaeological dig at the site since the 1930s. The landscape features ancient carved stone jars up to three metres tall, their purpose remains a mystery.
See the full story here: http://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/archaeologists-use-drones-to-trial-virtual-reality-technology