Immersive Technology for Heritage Sites
In a world that’s constantly evolving, preserving our past and cultural heritage is paramount. Every monument, every artefact, and every story held within the walls of heritage sites carries the echoes of history, offering us a glimpse into the lives of those who came before us. But as time marches on, the challenge arises of bridging the gap between generations and making history not only tangible but also accessible to modern audiences. Enter the age of immersive video technology – a groundbreaking approach that transcends the boundaries of time and space, unlocking the potential to breathe new life into ancient sites.
In this age of digital innovation, heritage sites are no longer confined to the limitations of visitors’ ability. With immersive video, the narratives etched into the stones can now be animated, the dusty manuscripts transformed into interactive experiences, and the voices of history given the platform to resonate through time. This blog dives deep into the realm of immersive video for heritage sites, exploring how technology is revolutionising the art of storytelling and enabling heritage sites to engage new audiences and visitors.
Something often overlooked by heritage sites is the need for visitors to be physically able to access the wonderful sites. Having stairs without a lift or narrow corridors is just one of the ways sites fail to be accessible and limit who can visit.
Fear not! Introducing VR …
Using technology sites can now open their doors to more customers. Less physically abled visitors can now see what goes on in those difficult-to-access spaces via VR. Virtual Reality (VR) is an immersive technology that transports users into computer-generated environments, providing a heightened sensory experience that mimics real-world scenarios or entirely fictional worlds. By wearing specialised VR headsets and even using handheld controllers or other input devices, individuals can interact with and explore these digital realms in three dimensions. This technology leverages advanced graphics, audio, and motion-tracking capabilities to create a convincing illusion of being present within the virtual environment. VR holds vast potential across various fields, from gaming and entertainment to education, training, architecture, and healthcare, offering users a new way to engage with content and information that blurs the boundaries between the physical and digital realms. This makes it the perfect tool to make heritage sites more accessible.
Creating VR
Here at SoundView, we have years of experience creating VR. Using state-of-the-art cameras, we work alongside our clients to capture immersive and captivating video content. Our dedicated team of experts understands that the key to creating a truly remarkable virtual reality experience lies in the meticulous process of capturing, processing, and delivering the content.
The journey to crafting compelling VR experiences begins with the careful selection of equipment. We utilise cutting-edge cameras that are capable of capturing high-resolution and 360-degree footage, ensuring that every angle and detail is faithfully recorded. This level of precision guarantees that viewers will be transported into a lifelike environment where they can explore and interact seamlessly.
Collaboration with our clients is at the core of our approach. We believe in tailoring each VR project to meet the unique objectives and visions of our partners. Whether it’s a heritage site tour used to break down accessibility barriers or to design to educate and entertain, we strive to understand the essence of the content and the emotions it intends to evoke.
The creation of VR content doesn’t stop with the initial capture. Our post-production team employs advanced techniques to enhance and optimise the recorded footage. This involves stitching together the 360-degree imagery, refining visual quality, and integrating spatial audio to further immerse the audience in the virtual world.
The potential of VR is boundless, and at SoundView, we pride ourselves on harnessing this potential to craft unforgettable and accessible experiences.
Geevor Tin Mine
Geevor describes itself as a family-friendly multi-award winning heritage attraction, learning centre and hands-on museum. The Mine is on the rugged cliffs of the Tin Coast of West Cornwall, it is a stunning place to discover the story of Cornish metal mining. Geevor is a real Cornish tin mine that has little changed from when the mine closed in 1990 with a real underground experience.
We have worked with the team at Geevor and Heritage Ability, and have created an accessible VR tour that gives access to parts of the eighteenth-century mine workings, the mill, and a bird’s eye view of our breathtaking coastline. The VR Tour allows visitors who may once have been unable to access all of Geevor the chance to explore from a unique perspective. The groundbreaking 360 VR Tour is available on request for visitors who are unable to access the underground.
It was truly a pleasure to bring accessibility to this world-renowned heritage site. More than ever breaking down the barriers to accessibility is so important. Don’t let the physicalities restrict who can access history. We hope to see more sites working with immersive technologies and making history accessible to everyone!
