Development of a prototype for smart visualization of invisible antiquities – SMART EYE

The project «Development of a prototype for smart visualization of invisible antiquities – SMART EYE» was implemented in the framework of the Special Actions “Aquaculture” – “Industrial Materials” – “Open Innovation in Culture” and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union and by national resources through the Operational Program Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EPAnEK) (Τ6ΥΒΠ-00023, ΜΙS 5056205).

Website: https://smarteye.gr/

Abstract

The project aims at the experimental development and implementation of an innovative system in real-time conditions, which will allow the enhanced presentation – visualization of invisible monuments and finds unearthed during archaeological excavations and subsequently covered. The antiquities may rest in backfilled trenches at an open archaeological site or covered by standing structures such as metro stations. Through the use of modern technology and tools (smart phone and tablet, equipped with GNSS receivers, IMU and camera, GIS server, spatial database, development of augmented reality-AR algorithms), it will be possible for visitors of these sites to see the invisible antiquities on the screen of a portable device as they move and to sense the “cultural experience”. The testing, evaluation and demonstration of the system will take place at the archaeological site of Thermi, Prefecture of Thessaloniki.

To prove its functionality in a different location, the system will be additionally tested in a small part of the ongoing University excavation at Thessaloniki Toumba. All available data of the covered monuments and findings of the archaeological sites will be collected and classified according to the determined specifications. The most suitable data will then be selected and used to implement the system. 3D data will be produced from processing both available and new data collected to fill in missing information. Internationally, the same or similar system has not been developed to date at any archaeological site. The system can be applied to any archaeological site in Greece or abroad, while its implementation methodology and developed algorithms can be extended and applied to other industries, such as tourism.

Partners

Laboratory of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
P. Karamoschos – K. Liodaki and Associates L.P.
Ephorate of Antiquities of the Thessaloniki Region.