Digital Replicas Bring History to Life in Athens

by Tom Misch
in *FR, *JP, News, xEL, xHU, xLT
on 20 November 2023

In a recent gathering at the Athens-Clarke County Library, Dr. Sergio Bernardes showcased the power of 3D digital replicas in preserving and exploring the history of Athens. The event attracted a crowd of about 40 eager participants, all excited to learn about the innovative projects that Bernardes and his team at the University of Georgia’s Disruptive Geospatial Technologies Laboratory (DiGTL) have been working on.

Bernardes emphasized the significance of technology in fields that traditionally haven’t utilized it, particularly in the realm of history. With the integration of drone-based remote sensing, digital 3D reconstruction, augmented and virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, the DiGTL has been able to introduce thousands of community members to these cutting-edge technologies.

One of the notable projects showcased during the presentation was “Athens: Layers of Time.” This initiative focuses on the preservation of the T.R.R. Cobb House, a museum dedicated to Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb, his family, and the enslaved people associated with the property. The collaboration between the Cobb House and the DiGTL, known as the Cobb’s World initiative, aims to expand the interpretation and understanding of this historical site.

Through the use of virtual reality headsets, laptops, and iPads, participants were able to fully immerse themselves in the digital replicas of Athens’ historic properties. This firsthand experience allowed them to explore and interact with the models, gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s rich past.

The event at the Athens-Clarke County Library not only showcased the innovative work of the DiGTL but also highlighted the importance of using technology to preserve and make history accessible to all. By bridging the gap between technology and historical research, these digital replicas provide a unique and engaging way to learn about the past. With projects like “Athens: Layers of Time,” the future of historical preservation and exploration looks promising for Athens and beyond.

FAQ:

Q: What is the DiGTL?
A: The DiGTL stands for the Disruptive Geospatial Technologies Laboratory at the University of Georgia.

Q: What technologies has the DiGTL integrated into historical research?
A: The DiGTL has integrated drone-based remote sensing, digital 3D reconstruction, augmented and virtual reality, and artificial intelligence into historical research.

Q: What is the “Athens: Layers of Time” initiative?
A: The “Athens: Layers of Time” initiative focuses on the preservation and interpretation of historical sites in Athens, Georgia.

Q: What historical site is the Cobb’s World initiative associated with?
A: The Cobb’s World initiative is associated with the T.R.R. Cobb House, a museum dedicated to Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb and his family.

Q: How can participants engage with the digital replicas of historic properties?
A: Participants can engage with the digital replicas of historic properties through virtual reality headsets, laptops, and iPads.

Key Terms:

DiGTL – Disruptive Geospatial Technologies Laboratory

Drone-based remote sensing – The use of drones to collect geographic data and images from a remote location.

Digital 3D reconstruction – The process of creating a three-dimensional digital model of an object or site using digital technologies.

Augmented reality – The integration of digital information and virtual objects into the real-world environment, enhancing the user’s perception of reality.

Virtual reality – The use of computer technology to create a simulated environment that users can interact with and explore.

Artificial intelligence – The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans.