PIH | Projects

                  Sustainable Tourism

                      Conference Paper:   Immersive experience for sustainable tourism
                    
                      Team: Levent Bektas, Hannah Schepper
                    
                        Abstract:

                        Sustainable tourism focuses on minimizing the negative impact of tourism on the environment 
                        and cultural heritage sites, allowing future generations to enjoy tourism. Immersive experiences 
                        can support sustainable tourism further by allowing people to visit tourist places without 
                        physically being there. This helps to reduce negative impacts such as overcrowding, pollution, 
                        and damage to natural and cultural resources. 

 An app that encourages people to create 3D scans 
                        of places they visit has the potential to contribute to virtual tourism. With modern technology, 
                        a wider range of people can contribute to a community-based 3D scan collection by sharing their 
                        photos and scans. This app can help to gain a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of 
                        various locations around the world and create a variety of virtual tours. This paper specifically 
                        focuses on Southeast Asia and provides guidelines for creating content and material for the app.
                        
                        Published in: 2023 International Electronics Symposium (IES)
                        
                        DOI: 10.1109/IES59143.2023.10242549

                  Al-Baroud Khana Building

                  Gerasa Nymphaeum - ARtifact

                  The Shrine of Raban Boya

                  A 3D Voyage into The Mudhafaria Minaret

                      
                        The Mudhafaria Minaret stands proudly as a testament to Erbil's rich historical and
                        cultural heritage.
                      
                    

                      Team: Aland Ameer, Ibrahim Rzgar, Sima Qader, Biza hussein
                    

                        This iconic minaret holds immense significance as a historic edifice, embodying the passage of
                        time and the cultural evolution of the region. Constructed with architectural finesse, the Mudhafaria Minaret boasts a unique
                        blend of traditional Islamic design elements, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship
                        of the builders who erected it. Its soaring height and intricate details reflect the
                        cultural and artistic vibrancy that has characterized Erbil throughout the ages.
                        

                        In this undertaking, our objective was to meticulously employ photogrammetric methods to 
                        scan the Mudhafaria Minaret. Our goal was to comprehensively capture every nuanced detail of 
                        the minaret to facilitate the creation of a digitized replica. Subsequently, we utilized advanced 
                        software to generate a refined and intricate three-dimensional model of the minaret.
                        

                        As a result, a digital rendition now exists, opening up a realm of possibilities for
                        diverse applications in scientific, academic, and tourism contexts. This digital
                        replication not only preserves the architectural intricacies of the Mudhafaria Minaret
                        but also serves as a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts
                        seeking to explore and analyze the minaret in a virtual space, transcending the
                        limitations of physical proximity. The digital model stands as a testament to the
                        intersection of technology and cultural preservation, providing a versatile tool for
                        educational purposes, research endeavors, and immersive virtual experiences for
                        those eager to delve into the historical significance of this iconic structure.
                      

                  Hamadeh Palace

                  Umayyad Palace and Cistern

                      
                        The Umayyad Citadel in Amman, Jordan, served as the focal point of our project during the study trip funded by the German DAAD.
                      
                    

                      Team: Jan Tjark Schrem, Leonard Merl, Lavinia Leister, Erwin Riemer, Nils Ruggierio
                    

                        Our team embarked on a mission to employ 3D scanning technology, capturing the intricate details 
                        of the citadel's cistern – a historical gem with profound cultural significance.
                        


                        The 3D scanning initiative aimed at preserving this architectural marvel and promoting international 
                        collaboration in cultural heritage conservation. We generated a 3D model, with Polycam and Metashape, 
                        that not only documents the cistern's dimensions and textures but also provides a captivating 
                        representation of its historical attributes. This digital model stands as a testament to the 
                        intersection of technology and cultural preservation, serving as a valuable resource for researchers 
                        and the public alike.
                        


                        The conceptual framework and primary aims of our project revolved around a multi-faceted approach, 
                        aligning with contemporary challenges and educational objectives. At its core, the project aimed 
                        to establish relevance in the current context, with a particular emphasis on addressing the pressing 
                        issue of water scarcity in the region. By showcasing the historical importance of the Umayyad 
                        Citadel's cistern in water storage, we sought to raise awareness about the critical need for 
                        sustainable water management practices. Furthermore, a key objective was to ensure accessibility 
                        for a diverse audience. Through the creation of an information flyer and a high-fidelity 3D model, 
                        we aimed to make the cultural and historical significance of the site easily comprehensible and 
                        engaging for everyone.                 
                      

                  The Temple of Hercules

                      
                        The Temple of Hercules in Amman, Jordan, is a fascinating archaeological remnant from Roman times.
                      
                      Team: Lars Schwarze, Niels Ullrich, Joel Kroiher, Silas Budde, Lara Theil
                    
                        The Temple was built during the Roman rule over the region, probably in the 2nd century AD. 
                        It was part of the ancient city of Philadelphia, now Amman, and served as a place of worship 
                        for the Greek demigod Hercules, known as Hercules in Roman mythology.
                        
                        Today, the Temple of Hercules is a major tourist attraction in Amman and a symbol of the 
                        region's rich history and culture. It attracts visitors from all over the world who come 
                        to admire its architectural beauty and learn more about Jordan's ancient past.
                        
                        The project “Revive Hercules” went through several key steps. Initially, we searched for 
                        a suitable cultural site in Jordan. Especially considering sites, that match requirements 
                        in terms of accessibility trough out the trip and photogrammetry potential. After careful 
                        deliberation, we settled on the Heracles Temple in Amman, a site that is of historical 
                        significance but also highly recognizable and challenging for our team because of its 
                        enormous size and gigantic pillars.
                        
                        Within two visits, about 9000 pictures of the site were taken. We tried to create the same 
                        lighting in all the pictures and therefore set fixed values for every picture. Such values 
                        were white balance and ISO. The next phase involved compiling and organizing the vast 
                        array of images. We meticulously categorized all pictures based on location into different 
                        chunks to help the rendering process. Lars Schwarze played the significant role in this 
                        process. Having the idea for creating different area chunks and being responsible for the 
                        process of prealigning the pictures even before using Metashape, he managed to run the 
                        program on his device.

                  Heritage Link

                      
                        The Heritage Link is an application designed to embrace and preserve various historical periods and heritage.
                      
                      Team: Hala Ibrahim, Mirametta Botrous, Renad Tariq
                    
                        This idea for an app is all about providing an immersive and educational experience for 
                        people who are interested in history and exploring different cultures around the world. 
                        With this app, users can take a detailed journey through time and explore various 
                        countries and their monuments in a unique way.
                        
                        One of the key features of the app is the ability to simulate different eras and walk 
                        across the world's historic timeline. This gives users a chance to experience history 
                        in a whole new way and gain a deeper understanding of how different cultures and 
                        societies have evolved over time.
                        
                        Roman amphitheater, built in the 4th century AC as an auditorium (Adeon) and a gathering 
                        point for meetings of essential figures and officials or private performances with a 
                        limited audience. It's considered a dense archaeological site of multi-universal design 
                        approaches and eras, serving three periods: Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic until 
                        its rediscovery in the mid-20th century.
                        
                        We started the modeling process by going to the Roman amphitheater, Alexandria. While 
                        there, we started to take a lot of pictures of the theater from different angles and 
                        heights as the dataset for the digitalization process. We made sure to capture shots 
                        of the theater steps as it the main zone, the ground where the the presenter stands, 
                        the monument situated at the entrance, and even the backstage area, which plays a 
                        crucial role in supporting the theater's operations.

                  Al Bidya Mosque

                      
                        Al Bidya Mosque is nestled between Khor Fakkan and Dibbah, Al Fujairah, and is the oldest mosque in the UAE.
                      
                      Team: Duaa Abdalhaleem Ahmed Fadlalla, Duaa Mekki Awadelkarim Abdelrahman, Mohamedalmugtaba Mohamed Abdelgayoum Ahmed, Zainab Ahmed Osman Ahmed
                    
                        Its construction dating back to the year 1446 and is also a tentative entry for the 
                        UNESCO heritage sites in UAE. It boasts a unique architectural style with four domes, 
                        making it a popular tourist destination for residents and visitors alike. This mosque 
                        is named "Al Bidya Mosque" due to its location in the Al Bidya area. Al Bidya is a 
                        large village in the Fujairah Emirate Until recently, the population of these 
                        villages used Al Bidya Mosque for the Friday prayer "Al Jumu'ah.
                        
                        The mosque boasts unique architectural elements that reflect the era in which it was 
                        constructed. The materiality of Al Bidya Mosque defines its character and is likely 
                        influenced by the local environment and cultural context. Its distinctive architectural 
                        feature sets it apart from its counterparts in the United Arab Emirates. The unique 
                        design reflects a thoughtful consideration of aesthetics and functionality, creating 
                        a space that stands out architecturally and fulfills its spiritual meaning.
                        
                        Goals: 

                        Preserving Al Bidya Mosque digitally will ensure this architectural masterpiece and 
                        its cultural heritage are safeguarded for future generations. This digital preservation 
                        will capture the intricate details of the building, allowing for its study, 
                        appreciation, and virtual exploration, even as time continues to pass.
                        
                        Concept: 

                        A rich and immersive 360-Degree virtual tour of the mosque that starts from the outdoor 
                        rectangular yard. This experience will be achieved by Introducing a virtual tour that 
                        allows the users to explore the site online while integrating audio elements that 
                        will create an immersive environment.

                  Journey Through Time

                      
                        The aim of this visionary project is to leverage the transformation power of immersive 
                        virtual reality (VR) technology to resurrect the ancient city of Petra.
                      
                    

                      Team: Tushar Malik
                    

                        At the heart of this visionary project lies a profound exploration of the intersection 
                        between the past and the present, facilitated by the immersive capabilities of virtual 
                        reality (VR). The concept is to create a transformation experience that transcends 
                        the constraints of time, transporting users back to the ancient city of Petra while 
                        seamlessly integrating elements of today's architecture and technology. The cornerstone 
                        of the project is the utilization of VR technology to simulate a journey through time. 
                        By donning a VR headset, users are transported to an immersive virtual environment 
                        where they can explore the ancient streets, marvel at the towering rock-cut facades, 
                        and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of ancient Petra. Through the magic of VR, the 
                        boundaries of time are blurred, allowing visitors to experience the city's golden age 
                        as if they were truly there.
                        


                        A key aspect of the concept is the seamless integration of ancient Petra with elements 
                        of today's architecture. This integration serves multiple purposes: it provides context 
                        for modern visitors, highlighting the historical significance of Petra within the 
                        framework of contemporary society, and creating a visually striking juxtaposition 
                        between past and present. By incorporating familiar architectural elements such as 
                        buildings, walkways, and signage, the virtual tour creates a sense of continuity between 
                        ancient Petra and the modern world.
                        


                        Central to the concept is the meticulous reconstruction of Petra's architecture and 
                        sculptures. While the project may focus on smaller segments initially, the goal is to 
                        achieve a level of detail and accuracy that captures the essence of Petra's grandeur. 
                        Through a combination of photogrammetry, 3D modeling, and historical research, every 
                        aspect of the ancient city is faithfully recreated, from the intricate carvings adorning 
                        the rock-cut tombs to the sprawling urban layout of the city.
                      

                  Um Qais

                      
                        The main idea of the project is using photo-scanned 3D models to build an environment that can be digitally explored.
                      
                    

                      Team: Sebastian Schachner
                    

                        Using a game engine like Unity, a virtual representation of the site can be built. 
                        This application allows the player to visit the site interactively. The application 
                        will feature highly detailed 3D models and will give the user access to information 
                        about the site.
                        


                        The site that will be scanned is the historical city of Um Qais formally known as 
                        Gadara. Um Qais was a Roman-built city featuring typical Roman structures like a 
                        basilica, a terrace, and two theaters. Um Qais is located on a plateau near the 
                        border with Syria and Palestine. Out of the two theaters on the site, only the 
                        west theater is partially intact. Earthquakes between the 7th and 8th centuries 
                        destroyed major parts of the site. The theater was constructed in the at the time 
                        typical Roman fashion. The stage in the middle is approximately 25m wide. The 
                        sitting area was divided into half circles around the front stage and allowed 
                        up to three thousand people to be in attendance. The second and third ranks are 
                        mostly destroyed. Before the destruction, the stage of the theater obscured the 
                        surrounding view. In addition to the west theater, other parts of the site should 
                        be scanned and incorporated into the application.
                        


                        The user of the application should be invited to view the models within the application 
                        and gather information about the buildings. The target audience for the application 
                        will be people who cannot access the site in real life. By providing a highly 
                        detailed model of structures like the theater, those people can get an insight 
                        into the historical architecture of the site.
                      

Projects & Applications

Archaeo VR

Um Qais

Journey Through Time

Al Bidya Mosque

Heritage Link

The Temple of Hercules

Umayyad Palace and Cistern

Beiteddine Palace

Hamadeh Palace

The Hand of Hercules

The Mudhafaria Minaret

Raban Boya

ARtifact

Al-Baroud Khana Building

Travual 3D

Petra Explorer

MaLoAR

Amman Citadel

Sustainable Tourism

Projects & Applications

Archaeo VR

Um Qais

Journey Through Time

Al Bidya Mosque

Heritage Link

The Temple of Hercules

Umayyad Palace and Cistern

Beiteddine Palace

Hamadeh Palace

The Hand of Hercules

The Mudhafaria Minaret

Raban Boya

ARtifact

Al-Baroud Khana Building

Travual 3D

Petra Explorer

MaLoAR

Amman Citadel

Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable Tourism

Conference Paper: Immersive experience for sustainable tourism

Amman Citadel

Amman Citadel

MaLoAR - Marker & Location AR

MaLoAR revolutionizes the recording of cultural heritage

Petra Explorer

Revealing the Secrets of Petra

Travual 3D

Travual 3D is an innovative virtual application that enables the exploration of cultural sites.

Al-Baroud Khana Building

In this project the University of Mosul team tries to digitalize Al-Baroud Khana building, which is considered one of the landmarks of Mosul history.

Gerasa Nymphaeum - ARtifact

ARtifact is a mobile application designed to provide easy access to information and an interactive experience for users exploring historical sites in Jordan.

The Shrine of Raban Boya

The digitalization project of the Shrine of Raban Boya represents a significant cultural heritage initiative aimed at preserving and enhancing the accessibility of this historical site in Kurdistan.

A 3D Voyage into The Mudhafaria Minaret

The Mudhafaria Minaret stands proudly as a testament to Erbil's rich historical and cultural heritage.

The Hand & Elbow of Hercules

The hand and elbow fragment of a colossal statue from the Roman period was discovered near the temple in Jabal Al Qala'a, Amman, Jordan.

Hamadeh Palace

Hamadeh Palace, an emblematic site located in the Chouf District, is a testament to Lebanon's rich cultural tapestry.

Beiteddine Palace

Beiteddine Palace, a jewel of Lebanese heritage nestled in the heart of the Chouf District.

Umayyad Palace and Cistern

The Umayyad Citadel in Amman, Jordan, served as the focal point of our project during the study trip funded by the German DAAD.

The Temple of Hercules

The Temple of Hercules in Amman, Jordan, is a fascinating archaeological remnant from Roman times.

Heritage Link

The Heritage Link is an application designed to embrace and preserve various historical periods and heritage.

Al Bidya Mosque

Al Bidya Mosque is nestled between Khor Fakkan and Dibbah, Al Fujairah, and is the oldest mosque in the UAE.

Journey Through Time

The aim of this visionary project is to leverage the transformation power of immersive virtual reality (VR) technology to resurrect the ancient city of Petra.

Um Qais

The main idea of the project is using photo-scanned 3D models to build an environment that can be digitally explored.

Archaeo VR

Our aim was to digitize historical sites in Lebanon to access as easily as through your virtual devices.