From Trenches to Timetravel: immersive 3-D reconstruction as a tool for processing and mediating archaeological data

Presentation given by Miriam Erkell, Mikael Lindahl, Niklas Ekholm, Teobaldo Ramirez, Andreas Skredsvik, Johanna Edqvist and Ester Nannmark, (Arkeologerna SHM) at EAA 2024 in CARARE's Session "Making connections: towards archaeological narratives in contemporary society".
Bridging the gap between digital method development in contract archaeology and the mediation of its results, our project is focused on the reconstruction of the historic city of Gothenburg, Sweden, in the 3D-game engine Unreal Engine 5. The 3D-model presents new possibilities for involving local communities in their history through an immersive environment with easy access to archaeological data, and possibilities of tailoring it to different target groups.
The construction of a railway tunnel through Gothenburg has led to extensive excavations, unearthing the city’s history back to its founding in 1621. The tunnel, part of a larger infrastructure project, has led to debate among the citizens of Gothenburg; many criticizing the impact of the massive construction sites on the cityscape. The archaeology undertaken as part of the construction works has, on the other hand, been met with a lot of interest amongst gothenburgians; “softening the blow” of the project itself. Archaeological results have mainly been mediated through public lectures, exhibitions, magazines and online blogposts, all of which have been well received.
Balancing these two facets requires a nuanced approach that leverages advanced techniques, technology, and expertise. Moreover, it calls for the development of innovative methodologies that optimize the allocation of resources, ensuring that the search for evidence aligns with the objective of delivering accurate, admissible results.

1. From Trenchesto Timetravel
Immersive3D-reconstruction as atoolfor processingand mediating archaeologicaldata
Miriam Erkell and Mikael Lindahl

2. -Founded in 1621 as a fortified town
-Important trade hub in the 18
th
century
-Sweden's secondlargestcity
Gothenburg

3. The West-link
-Underground train tunnel
-Several bastions and parts of the moat
affected
-Construction sites have led to a lot of
debate
-Great interest in the archeological results

4. The Gullbergfortress
-3D to visulize and mediate the history of
Gothenburg
-Unreal Engine 5
-Reconstruction starts with a medival fortress

5. The Gullbergfortress

6. Cellar, potentially part of a defensive tower

7. Cellar, potentially part of a defensive tower

8. Cellar, potentially part of a defensive tower

9. Reconstruction

10. Defensive wall, terrace and guard house

11. Defensive wall

12. Guard house

13. Terrace

14. Reconstruction

15. 15
Virtual reality
Illustrations
Films
Photogrammetry Historical
sources
GIS database
3D-modelling
360 experiences
Visualisation
LiDAR data
Game
level

16. 16
Playable game level

17. 17
Playable game level

18. 18
*Byt till 3D-vista*
Illustrations

19. Short films

20. Short films

21. 21
Lectures and time travel
-Lectures with interactive backdrop
-“Pop-up time machine”
-VR model features photogrammetryof
some of the finds

22. 22
Virtual reality

23. - QR-codes
- 3DVista
- Virtual tour from 360 panoramic
images
23
360-experiences
*Byt till 3D-vista*

24. 24
360-experiences

25. Thank you!
Looking forward
-Reconstructing the other excavated areas
-More time-machines!
-Exhibition in Stockholm
-Public participation?