AUGMENTED REALITY AS A TOOL FOR PROMOTING THE TOURIST VALUE OF THE PALEONTOLOGY: A CASE STUDY BASED ON RECONSTRUCT 3D FOSSILS SAMPLES OF SABARAGAMAUWA BASIN, OF SRI LANKA

Abstract

Natural photographic scenes and the reconstruction of fossil's content as well as other paleontological elements that are part of the paleo-geo-diversity represent an excellent added value for the growth of the paleo-tourism sector in our research area. As result, we focused our effort to create an Augmented Reality application, which aims to synchronize 3D reconstruction of multiple fossils items to provide online paleo-tourism databases and as a supportive platform for academic and research purpose. We have assessed the paleo-geo-diversity of 3 selected sites in which they are respectively (1) Surface of Paleo-geo basin structures preserved; (2) Samples of fossils fauna; (3) Samples of fossils flora; founded from Gem Pits around Kuruvita, Sri Lanka. A virtual tour through our application enhances and implements the Augmented Reality on real dimensions for a possible virtual reading of the exact sample details analysis. Therefore, we will achieve an easy, quick, and straightforward understanding of descriptive information found via each reconstructs of 3D modeling, suggested activities for online tourism, academics, research, and free Geo app. The proposed technologies we present in this article will enhance online-based paleo tourism, as well as academic studies. Moreover, this technology can promote sustainable development and fostering attitudes and skills related to the tourist’s respect for nature and its conservation.