The methodological approach of the project involves: 1) non-invasive technologies for a predictive and extensive interpretation of the site (remote sensing, macro-scale); 2) archaeological excavations (single contextmethod) in the most important urban areas of the site (micro-scale); 3) accurate and 3D digital documentation of the landscape (macro-scale) and of the excavation trench (micro-scale); 4) lab analyses on archaeological finds and deposits; and. 5) digital archiving and dissemination by collaborative Web-GIS, remote sensing data, 3D repositories and virtual reality applications. The combination of all these methods creates a new research model for the study and interpretation of ancient cities, applicable to other contexts and sites.
The methodological workflow starts with predictive modeling techniques, then, based on preliminary results, proceeds to excavation, and finally, to dissemination/communication of data through the Web and VR applications (supported by other grants). Since the project is managed in a public park open to visitors and tourists, the final products of the research will be accessible to a large audience. Finally, after archaeological excavations and related restorations, it will be possible to open this area to visitors and “return” it to the public. The dig@lab research lab at Duke University will release in 2018 two digital apps for the visitor center in Vulci concerning the virtual exploration of the Park and the new archaeological excavations in the urban area. In this way, visitors and tourists will be able to contextualize the excavation in the general plan of the city.
A pilot project of virtual excavation (Bass Connections, Regis Kopper and Jasmine Lu)
A 3D flight by drone
