VirtuAL
Project details
Full project title: VirtuAL
Duration: 1 September 2001 - 30 August 2002
Funded by: European Union
Project lead: Nada Brkljac
Project summary
Aims
The VirtuAL project aims to design and establish a new methodology for creating a web based prototype model for multimedia recording and publishing of historic collections of cathedrals or similar historic buildings.
Milestones and expected results
Objectives
The primary objective of the project is to develop a prototype for web based historic collections where an interactive 3D VRML model as a metaphor of the place is integrated with an underlying multimedia database providing a portal for exploration and retrieval of data.
The purpose of the prototype is to improve and provide an integrated access to the historic collection through a user-friendly interface in the form of a 3D model, as well as to set up a new framework and methodology for recording and designing a multimedia database for historic collections.
Although the project is based on the example of a Cathedral in Wells (Somerset, UK) it will trial novel digitising methods and computer technologies in order to create a methodological framework which once evaluated can be applied as an improved methodology for recording, managing and presenting any historic collections of a similar type and scale in Europe on the web.
The VirtuAL project aims to design and establish a new methodology for creating a Web based prototype model for multimedia recording and publishing of historic collections of cathedrals or similar historic buildings.
Milestones and expected results
Outcomes
The VirtuAL project will deliver:
- A digital collection of the recorded selection of data and artefacts from the Cathedral's archive and library.
- A sustainable multimedia database accommodating a digitised record with integrated search facilities and web format output for publishing on the web.
- Improved and enhanced access to the archive and library collection which will minimise visitors damage to fragile objects.
- A methodology for digital recording and retrieval of information for historic collections.
- A prototype Website model capable of adjusting and expanding, applicable to various sizes and types of historic collections.
- Evaluation, appraisal of benefits and difficulties in creating the prototype via seminars of users ranging from scholars to the general public.