Photogrammetry and Augmented Reality Enhance Visitor Experience at Underwater Cultural Heritage Sites

Strategic Insights -

In a recent study, researchers from the University of Calabria have developed an innovative system to improve the visitor experience at underwater cultural heritage sites. The system, called Underwater Augmented Reality (UWAR), combines opto-acoustic 3D reconstruction with thematic annotation and portable AR delivery to provide a more immersive and interactive experience for recreational divers. The UWAR system is designed to support real-time, site-specific interpretation, promoting active learning and supporting sustainable cultural engagement.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UWAR system generates a high-resolution, georeferenced 3D model of the site by fusing multibeam sonar and underwater photogrammetry data.
  • The system architecture includes a smart buoy equipped with USBL and GNSS positioning systems and an underwater mobile device for AR visualization.
  • The UWAR system enables real-time localization and contextual content delivery without the need for permanent infrastructure.
  • The system is designed to support real-time, site-specific interpretation for recreational divers, promoting active learning and supporting sustainable cultural engagement.
  • The UWAR system provides a scalable model for heritage interpretation in underwater environments.
  • The system can be used to enhance visitor experience at various underwater cultural heritage sites.
  • The UWAR system has been developed by researchers from the University of Calabria, Italy.

Statistics:

  • The UWAR system generates a high-resolution, georeferenced 3D model of the site.
  • The system uses a combination of multibeam sonar and underwater photogrammetry data to generate the 3D model.
  • The UWAR system can support real-time localization and contextual content delivery.
  • The system can be used to support sustainable cultural engagement and promote active learning.
  • The UWAR system is a scalable model for heritage interpretation in underwater environments.

Sources:

  • Fortuna, S. et al. (2025) Integrating 3D Reconstruction and AR for Enhancing Visitor Experience in Submerged Heritage Sites. The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLI-2-W10-2025(63-69). doi: 10.5194/isprs-archives-XLI-2-W10-2025-63-2025.
  • University of Calabria (2025) Researchers at University of Calabria Have Published New Data on Photogrammetry Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences (Integrating 3D Reconstruction and AR for Enhancing Visitor Experience in Submerged Heritage Sites). Science Letter. July 25, 2025; p 621.
  • The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences (2025) http://www.isprs.org/publications/archives.aspx.
  • Copernicus Publications (2025) http://www.copernicus.org/.