Integrated Framework for Virtual Tours and 3D Visualization of Cultural Tourism in Pattani, Thailand Based on WebGIS Platform

Abstract

This paper presents a framework for developing a lightweight WebGIS platform as a web map service for publishing and servicing cultural tourism information. The archaeological sites, history, and cultural arts in Pattani Province were used as case studies in this article. It incorporates various digital technologies to create digital archives in providing web-based information services, including geospatial databases, virtual tours and virtual reality, 3D models, and online cultural maps for tourism. The framework describes the necessary infrastructure based on open-source code that is specially developed and provides libraries with free software interoperability, which can be considered as a real-time data management facility and simple completion. It is a relatively low-cost but a reasonably efficient system that is very useful and suitable for local authorities and small organizations with budget constraints to be able to implement practical cultural heritage management for a digital tourism experience that can be displayed on computer equipment, smartphones, and VR headgear efficiently. Furthermore, it also offers a conceptual framework in disclosing future research directions.