Virtual reconstructions of historical and cultural heritage sites and their conventional grading

Abstract

Numerous historical and cultural reconstructions without an established systematization have accumulated in the contemporary virtual space. At the same time, they differ significantly from one another. In this regard, a rather critical task at this point is the gradation and systematization of information on historical and cultural reconstructions. To meet the objective of this study, basic concepts were investigated, such as ‘virtuality’, ‘visuality’ and others, which are necessary for the determination of the final results. The article considers conditional grading of virtual reconstructions developed by the authors. Various examples and options are provided for every type of reconstruction, making it possible to subdivide the currently available historical and cultural reconstructions into three primary groups: First group - closed virtual reconstruction: local, narrative or retrospective. Second group - research or location virtual reconstruction: perimetral or cognitive. Third group - projected virtual reconstruction: static or effective (complex sensor). Classification into three primary groups and associated six types greatly facilitates the orientation in the various historical and cultural virtual spaces, including their producers and consumers, also allowing to update the terminological communication of researchers and developers in this subject field.