A real-time 3D interactive interface for unidirectional and multidirectional communication of architectural heritage information. The case of Sri Chum temple, Sukhothai historical park

Today, Some new tools and techniques such as 3D laser scanner allow us to create a 3D virtual environment of culture heritage site in current state. It is an essential medium to visualize heritage information and knowledge. New technologies also allow us to create innovative ways to access and communicate architectural heritage information. However, this information often come from heterogeneous source; for example, saved in various formats, processed by different methods and connected to each other in complex relationship. Heritage information could be both static and dynamic. It can be distributed in unidirectional or multi-directional way. In this project we developed a real-time interactive interface for communication via architectural heritage 3D model using Sri Chum temple in Sukhothai province, Thailand as an experimental site. The current state of Sri Chum temple was digitized and information related to the temple has been organized and stored in database. These collected data are used as referential information to create an enriched architectural 3D model. Additionally, an on-line information system was developed to use this model as a tool to access to archeological knowledge and information related to the temple. We concentrate on two types of information: 1. Static information and knowledge from the experts in architectural heritage domain, stored in the system internal database. 2. Dynamic information from general users. The system user can exchange their opinions through comment system of popular social media. This type of information can be essential to update and enlarge the scope of Thai architectural knowledge.