Real/Not Real: Pseudo-Holography and Augmented Reality Applications for Cultural Heritage

Recent advances in data acquisition techniques and modeling tools lead towards a large availability of digital 3D models. Cultural Heritage domain, and particularly Architecture and Archaeology Heritage (AAH) significantly benefits from the introduction of digital 3D modeling, which represents a means of communication and dissemination. An underlying research challenge is represented by the portability of complex artifact, making them suitable for a large set of devices (e.g. mobile devices). The aim of this chapter is to outline best practices for the correct visualization of the 3D reconstructions of architectural and cultural heritage, especially for Mobile Augmented Reality and Holographic applications. A complete methodology is presented, ranging from data acquisition, simplification and visualization, underlining the importance of fostering architectural values in a compelling way. Authors also provide state of art challenges, limitations and opportunities, arguing the dissertation through a set of ad-hoc applications developed for different case studies.