IMMERSIVE DEEP MAPS FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES: PRESENCE AND PLACE ACROSS TIME AND SPACE THROUGH VIRTUAL REALITY
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Presenting complex spatiotemporal environmental and cultural archaeological site information in traditional museum exhibits is a challenge. The site data exists, meticulously documented in modern archaeological mapping processes, but is not always effectively communicated to the public. Often, archaeology-and-history-focused exhibits highlight one period, person, or artifact and neglect to convey the many stories often connected to significant sites. Deep map exhibits that link multifaceted archaeological data are one answer to presenting more inclusive histories. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) systems (e.g., Oculus Rift) take deep map exhibits a step further, offering audiences opportunities to learn about history by virtually being in representations of past environments. IVR experiences achieve this sense of being in the past by accessing an audience’s sense of presence (i.e., the perception of being somewhere else); this sensation connected to user learning motivation and knowledge acquisition. Besides these educational benefits, IVR exhibits offer museum visitors requested technology-based novel experiences that encourage audience engagement with typically inaccessible archaeological materials. This research details the IVR deep map exhibit development process using accessible platforms and IVR systems for Clark’s Branch, an archaeological site in Northern Virginia’s Riverbend Park. Preliminary user testing suggests that audiences respond positively to the deep mapping concept and that the experience enhanced user understanding of the multidimensional information related to the site’s different periods. Archaeological sites, parks, and museums can use the IVR deep mapping framework introduced in this work to create custom experiences that educate and engage with Digital Age audiences and better communicate complex histories connected to place.