New methods of interaction in virtual reality for the study of archaeological data

One of the biggest challenges that the analysis of archaeological data in virtual reality presents is the interaction. Within the project of reconstruction of Kaulonia archaeological site in Monasterace (Italy), developers had to deal with the need to implement an interface system inside the application without using external devices, in order to facilitate archaeologists in the data consultation. A study on a system of movement and interaction with objects in the environment was conducted to create an interface for interaction based on look.Subsequently a method of interaction was developed by eliminating the problem of performing gestures and removing the entire “Learning Step” by users, so that it is possible to select and deselect elements, move around in and rotate the view directly with the movement of the head.As for the selection of the various elements within the application, a “cursor” specially implemented allows users to interact with the interactive elements: whenever users set a hotspot (point of interest) a pull switch is activated.Within the application you have a general overview of the excavation seen from above and you can view the 3D models in the same spot where they were originally found: together with them you can see a brief historical description that contextualizes the object.A continuous progress of the study is allowing to explore new frontiers of digital data analysis in archaeology.