site.btaRuse University Develops 3D Models of Cultural Heritage in Cross-Border Region

Scientists from Ruse University developed 3D models of the cultural and historical heritage in the cross-border region between Bulgaria and Romania, Prof. Plamen Zahariev told BTA on Friday.

He also said that for the first time, 3D mapping events were organized under the project in Ruse and in the Romanian city of Drobeta-Turnu Severin. As part of the project, four museums on both sides of the Danube River have been equipped with modern equipment such as kiosks, hologram pyramids and digital corners.

Zahariev noted that the natural and cultural heritage of the cross-border region between Romania and Bulgaria is one of the most unique in Europe and the world.

"Many places along the Danube River are included in Natura 2000 and in UNESCO's lists of world and cultural heritage. The most important artifacts and objects from all cultural sites are preserved and displayed as part of the collections of dozens of museums on both sides of the river," he pointed out, adding that natural and cultural heritage is also exhibited in nature parks and natural history museums.

The project's main activities included the development and integration of a solution for streaming video in real time from 360-degree VR cameras, as well as a web portal for users to access the broadcast video streams in real time.

A software system for visualizing 3D models and objects was also created, and hologram displays as well as interactive terminals were purchased.

A mobile game was also developed for the four museums, which provides users with access to 3D models of historical sites and artifacts. Zahariev also noted that the expert team of the Ruse University provided the necessary technical assistance to the four museums under the project, using modern devices and systems for creating 3D content, which is then visualized in the information systems and interactive hologram displays in the spaces of the cultural institutes.

Zahariev stressed however that it is impossible to think that one project can offer solutions to all the problems related to the preservation and promotion of natural and cultural heritage.

"The main goal of this project was to make a significant step forward in solving these problems by developing complex pilot solutions of various information and communication technologies, which would provide beneficiaries with the most modern technologies for online presentation of events and new forms of sharing and visualizing content," he pointed out.

The 3D models were created under a European project, implemented under the Interreg V-A Romania - Bulgaria programme 2014-2020, worth nearly EUR 480,000.

The lead beneficiary of the project is the Ruse University, with the historical museums in Ruse, Silistra, Calarasi and Drobeta-Turnu Severin acting as partners. Zahariev emphasised that this project is one of two selected by the Romanian Ministry of Regional Development, Public Works and Administration to promote the successful implementation of activities under the Interreg V-A Romania-Bulgaria programme.