Eleftherios Anastasovitis

The Centre for Research and Technology, Hellas · Information Technologies Institute (ITI)

The research project proposes an innovative methodology for the digital representation of human biographies. We use state-of-the-art technologies for the study and documentation of anthropological material from the archeological excavations of METRO, Thessaloniki, and develop innovative applications for the dissemination of results. By applying ancient DNA, stable isotopes, and novel imaging technologies, we reconstruct the health, nutrition, and demographics of the city's inhabitants. At the same time, we develop advanced visualizations with augmented (AR) and virtual (VR) reality applications, and alternative themed walks.

Thessaloniki is a modern city with a long history, where the past and the present coexist in a unique way. One of the most emblematic monuments of the city is the Galerian Complex, which includes different monuments (palace with thrones and auditoriums, peristyles and baths, hippodrome, temple, triumphal arch, etc.) that now coexist with the modern buildings of the city. Ideally, a tour of the Galerian Complex should combine the observation of building remains with an experiential way that will allow the visitor to become acquainted with both the historical and social context to which they belong and the process by which they came to light. The cardinal objective of the e-SKAPANI project is the utilization of the latest developments in the field of 3D capturing & digitization, as well as in the field of virtual and augmented reality, with the aim of developing innovative tools for the diagnosis, maintenance, documentation and promotion of Galerian monuments and artifacts, as well as the virtual connection of the Archaeological Museum with the Complex, but also the city itself. These tools will support the development of demonstration facilities and applications by promoting a multi-level cultural experience in the form of city walks and Museum visits.

3D graphics are an interesting/rewarding/multi-faceted way to represent information. The use of 3D representation is broad and applies to all areas of daily life. Applications of 3D representation can be found in television, cinema, education, science, engineering, architecture, archaeology and so on. This Master thesis focuses on the 3D representation of a natural phenomenon, which reportedly occurred in 479 BC in the Thermaikos Gulf of the Aegean Sea. The historical references to the event are confirmed by recent geological studies, although the archaeological record remains limited. The synthesis of the data available from different disciplines led to the design and development of a digital video: it represents the historical references of Herodotus and collates them with the results of geological investigations conducted recently. The representation is performed using only 3D graphics and simultaneous support of sound. We present the development stages of pre-production, with script writing and storyboard until post-production, monitoring and debugging of the final digital product.