Educational Virtual Reality Visualisations of Heritage Sites

This paper discusses the use of games engines to create virtual heritage applications. The use of 3D software for cultural or heritage applications is discussed with reference to the capabilities and potential of games engines. The contribution of students from Bournemouth University to the New Forest Heritage Mapping project through the creation of interactive virtual reality visualisations of historic landscapes is described. The creation and evaluation of three different applications representing three alternative interaction styles are discussed. The first does not indicate where information can be found, the second uses visible cues and the third implements an objective marker system.