This proof-of-concept project was developed by Vision 88 to demonstrate the impact of digital solutions for heritage preservation and tourism. Focusing on The Kamares Aqueduct in Cyprus, a historic and architecturally significant site, the project showcases how immersive experiences can enhance accessibility, engagement, and preservation for cultural landmarks.

The main objectives for this demonstration project were to:

• Capture the Heritage Site: Accurately preserve the Kamares Aqueduct in a digital format using high-precision imaging and LiDAR technology.

• Increase Accessibility: Make the site accessible to remote visitors, enabling a wider audience to appreciate its historical value.

• Embed Supplementary Information: Provide educational data by embedding videos, images, and informational tags that narrate the aqueduct’s history and significance.

• Integrate with Google Maps: Enable easy access to the virtual tour through Google Maps for added convenience.

• Track Engagement Data: Use backend analytics to understand visitor interaction and engagement levels.

1. Digital Twin Creation:

   Vision 88 developed a high-fidelity digital twin of the Kamares Aqueduct, accurately capturing the site’s structural and historical details using advanced LiDAR and imaging technology.

2. Immersive 3D Experience:

   This interactive virtual experience features embedded data tags that narrate the story of the aqueduct, including images and videos to provide a comprehensive view of its historical significance.

3. Fly-Through Video:

   A dynamic fly-through video was created to visually showcase the aqueduct’s architecture, offering an engaging perspective that draws interest from viewers.

4. Google Maps Integration:

   The virtual tour was seamlessly integrated into Google Maps, allowing users easy access and improving the site’s visibility to both local and international audiences.

5. Backend Analytics:

   Advanced analytics were implemented to track visitor engagement, providing insights into audience demographics, interaction rates, and areas of interest.

The Kamares Aqueduct has been preserved with exceptional accuracy, utilising high-precision LiDAR and point cloud scan data to create a detailed digital twin. This not only safeguards the aqueduct’s structure but also makes it accessible to a wider audience. Within the first five days of the immersive experience launch, 210 unique visitors engaged with the virtual tour, a figure significantly higher than in-person foot traffic during the same period. This increase in accessibility attracted meaningful engagement from both local and international audiences, who were able to experience the aqueduct’s historical significance from afar. The project has successfully elevated the aqueduct’s visibility and interaction, creating new opportunities for educational outreach and heritage appreciation.

The Kamares Aqueduct demo project successfully demonstrated Vision 88’s capabilities in heritage preservation and the tourism sector. By creating a detailed digital twin, embedding rich historical content, and integrating with Google Maps, Vision 88 has shown how immersive digital experiences can preserve cultural sites while making them more accessible to a global audience. This approach not only supports educational initiatives but also broadens outreach, fostering greater appreciation for cultural landmarks. Through this project, Vision 88 sets a new standard for leveraging digital technology in the preservation and promotion of heritage sites.