3D virtual walkthrough of monuments in Karnataka harnessing AI and immersive technology in the offing 

The objective is to create interest among people experiencing the virtual tour to actually visit the site.

The Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage (DAMH) will offer a 3D walkthrough of important monuments in Karnataka in a bid to kindle interest in them and promote tourism.

The DAMH has finalised 10 monuments to start with, though the long-term plan is to provide such a virtual tour of 530 monuments, all of which will be uploaded on the website of the department.

A. Devaraj, Commissioner, DAMH, told The Hindu that the project has received budgetary support and ₹1 crore has been set aside for the purpose. The walkthrough of the selected sites will be created using 3D Immersive and Generative AI technology to provide users an immersive experience.

The objective of the 3D walkthrough is to create interest among people experiencing the virtual tour to actually visit the site, which will boost tourism.

The DAMH has entrusted the work of 3D laser mapping of monuments to Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology. The project is now complete.

‘’We have to utilise the 3D mapped data and put it to proper use. Providing people with a virtual tour is one way of doing it,” said Mr. Devaraj.

Though the Department cannot take up the work pertaining to 530 monuments, it will make a beginning with 10 monuments spread across Karnataka, and subsequently try to collaborate with third parties who express interest in the concept, Mr. Devaraj added.