Matthew Howland

Delphi4Delphi: first results of the digital archaeology initiative for ancient Delphi, Greece

Digital media and learning initiatives for virtual collaborative environments are contributing to the definition of new (sub-)disciplines in archaeological and heritage sciences. New nomenclature and terminology is emerging such as cyber archaeology, cyber archaeometry, virtual worlds and augmented and immersive realities; and all of them are related to museums and cultural heritage—tangible, intangible or natural (Forte 2010; Liritzis et al. 2015).

Delphi4Delphi: Data Acquisition of Spatial Cultural Heritage Data for Ancient Delphi, Greece

For Digital Cultural Heritage, 3D modeling is an essential practice for the identification, monitoring, conservation, restoration, and enhancement of archaeological objects from artifacts to monuments. In this context 3D computer graphics can support archaeology and heritage policy, offering scholars a “sixth sense” for the understanding of the past, as it allows them to almost relive it. In addition, current trends for 3D video gaming (serious games) and scientific storytelling provide a variety of new approaches towards new, enhanced, and realistic experiences of the past. The research project “Digital Enterprise for Learning Practice of Heritage Initiative FOR Delphi” (Delphi4Delphi) targets most of these issues. In particular, it focuses on educational, research, and social implications of digital heritage, through the use of modern technologies such as digital optical documentation, geographical information systems and georeferencing, big data, video and interactive content production for education, virtual and augmented reality, cyber archaeometry, and Cyber-Archaeology. This chapter presents an overview of Delphi4Delphi in relation to the issues of acquisition, curation, and dissemination of spatial cultural heritage data.