Ui3D: Understanding and Immersion in 3D

About the project

The hub/node-project Understanding and Immersion in 3D: Reuse of Heritage Data in Teaching and Research (UI3D) will address the need for artefact-based research and education, as well as the evaluative use of digital documentation and data. It is funded as part of the University of Oslo's framework for the development of competence hubs in IT research, and will run for three years from 1 January 2024.

Digitisation of collections is an ongoing effort, but there is a tendency for digital collections to largely remain untouched. Development of interfaces and facilitation of usage scenarios for access to the digital collections is therefore needed. Researchers and educators need tools that make 3D models accessible for active use and study in ways that do not require technical expertise. UI3D will provide this through encouraging research and development on how to create engaging and experiential interfaces for interaction and reuse, both in general and 'on-location' in the artefacts' original environments. This involves creating good connections and protocols between sequence and access, narration and immersion, between narrative dynamics, access to contextual information and to specialised knowledge. UI3D contributes to the UiO 2030 strategy goals to achieve more sharing and better accessibility to infrastructure and data resources.

Objectives and Outcomes

UI3D aims to

• make the tools developed by the infrastructure BItFROST and the large investments in 3D documentation at KHM more accessible for researchers at UiO. It will build networks integrating infrastructure developers, researchers and lecturers.
• cooperate with the 3D documentation group at KHM to promote critical thinking concerning reuse and production of 3D models to enhance digital competence.
• provide access to the university's collections to a range of disciplines by delivering a base for research and teaching materials.
• highlight the University of Oslo's leading position in the field, through contributions to open-access learning platforms and national and international conferences.
• provide opportunities to make AR/VR equipment and the Sitsim AR editor available for innovative learning methods.
• arrange seminars and at least four workshops over the second and third year.

Background

UI3D will be hosted by the Museum of Cultural History which is highly specialized and experienced in digital documentation of objects and excavations. The group working on 3D documentation (photogrammetry, light scanning, and CT scanning) collaborates with other institutes and institutions in Norway and abroad. The activity is increasing, both due to the new Viking Age Museum, interest from research groups at UiO and national and international collaboration.

Nodes in the network include:

• Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History
• Department of Media and Communication
• Research groups at the Museum of Cultural Heritage
  • Inscriptions and Objects
  • Between Heaven and Earth
  • Inter-Action