A team of researchers from the University of Calabria is on a mission to unveil Italy’s hidden underwater heritage through the use of virtual dive technology. Many visitors to Italy’s Adriatic Sea miss out on the archaeological sites submerged beneath the clear waters surrounding the Isole Tremiti archipelago. These sites hold significant historical value, but accessing them requires diving. To make this underwater cultural heritage accessible to the general public, the team is using multimedia technologies to create highly detailed 3D models of the sites.
Led by Fabio Bruno, the researchers are part of the European project CREAMARE. They recently embarked on a mission to explore one of Italy’s most notable shipwrecks, the remains of the 19th-century steamship ‘Lombardo’ used by the legendary Giuseppe Garibaldi. The vessel played a crucial role in the Risorgimento movement but sank over 160 years ago. Italian archaeologists stumbled upon these historic remains in the early 2000s. Now, the team aims to create a digital snapshot of the entire site, enabling those who cannot dive to experience a virtual dive similar to that of real divers.
The researchers are utilizing a method called photogrammetry, capturing a series of still shots using an underwater case with an affordable camera. These photographs serve as the foundation for generating a detailed 3D model that offers an immersive and interactive experience. The goal is to find accessible tools and techniques to train underwater archaeologists to create such models without assistance from computer engineers. By using virtual reality devices, the team believes they can build a stronger connection between the public and underwater heritage, emphasizing the need to preserve it for future generations.
Museums are increasingly adopting new technologies to enhance their exhibitions. In Taranto, Southern Italy, the National Superintendency for Underwater Cultural Heritage is utilizing interactive screens and detailed photogrammetric models to allow visitors to examine artifacts from ancient wrecks found in the Adriatic Sea. The exhibition also features a serious game that provides a virtual reality simulation of an archaeological excavation, offering visitors a memorable and educational experience.
Such immersive experiences can promote eco-friendly tourism as well. In Malta, the European project CORALLO, spearheaded by Ocean Ambassador Professor Alan Deidun, aims to spark tourists’ interest in local marine biodiversity and ecotourism. Through the use of android robots, virtual reality headsets, and interactive tools, visitors at strategic locations are encouraged to explore protected natural sites and engage in eco-friendly sea activities. By respecting the sea and its wonders, tourists become part of the solution to preserving pristine areas.
The renaissance of awareness about the environment is crucial, as over half of the Mediterranean coastline is already developed with concrete. By changing course and preserving the remaining untouched regions, it is possible to save and appreciate the beauty of these natural areas. Projects like CREAMARE and CORALLO are instrumental in raising awareness about underwater cultural heritage and the need for sustainable tourism practices.
Through the use of multimedia technologies and innovative approaches, these initiatives provide an opportunity for the general public to explore and appreciate Italy’s hidden underwater heritage. By bringing this heritage to life in a virtual and immersive manner, researchers hope to inspire a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and the importance of preservation. With virtual dives and interactive exhibitions, the rich historical significance and natural beauty of Italy’s underwater treasures can be shared with everyone.
