3D Technologies Creates Virtual Caves

Druckversion

Piusa Caverns is a network of unique sandstone caves located in south-eastern Estonia, only a few miles from the border of Russia.
 
Since 2006, the caverns have been closed to the public for safety reasons, with only a small secured portion still accessible. But since the Piusa caverns are such an important tourist attraction to the area, the local government decided to find a new way to open them up to the public. A visitor centre was built, equipped with new interactive 3D software from 3D Technologies R&D, creating virtual caves.
 
In order to create accurate three-dimensional models of the caves, they first had to be laser scanned. This presented some unique challenges; mainly brought on by working in total darkness and the year-round five degree temperature. Nevertheless, the process was completed in three days.
 
After the on-site scanning, the results, known as point clouds, were processed and integrated into mesh and used for 3D modelling. In addition to the scanning, high resolution photos were taken of the caves which an artist transformed so they could fit into the 3D model to add texture.
 
The original and detailed 3D model was processed with Normal Map, which brings out inscriptions and the roughness of the walls.
 
Visitors can hover around the interactive 3D model of the caves using 32” touchscreen displays, and are able o view even minor detail in the cave walls, such as inscriptions made by past visitors. They can also read additional information and folk legends about the caverns and take virtual tours inside the caves, with marked points of interest.
 
To guide users around the vast caves, on the corner of the screen there is a map detailing their current location.
 
This use of technology is helping the public to understand the structure and nature of the caves and also to gain a greater understanding of the methods of glass-sand mining during last century.The new way of accessing the caves  also helped to attract more visitors to the centre because of its innovative approach to presenting historical sites.