Interactive 3D solution to introduce sand caves

3D Technologies R&D has created virtual sand caves for the Piusa visitor center.

Piusa caves have emerged as a result of manual mining of glass-sand during 1922-1970 and represent a system of underground galleries with sandstone columns and vaulted ceilings. Since 1970 pit-mining was started. In 1950s hibernating bats were discovered in the caves. Since 1958 when bats became legally protected in Estonia, they have been counted here regularly. In 1981 caves came under protection rules for the Nature Reserve of Piusa Caves. The aim of the Reserve is to protect the biggest colony of bats in Baltic states and to preserve geologically interesting artificial object (caves). The caverns are closed for public due to threat of collapse and only a small secured fraction can be accessed.

A section of the caves are presented as interactive real-time 3D model where visitors can walk around and hover using touch-screen kiosk. Cave walls, sandstone colours and minor details are observable in the computer model. Visitors can read additional information about the caverns and can take virtual tour inside the caves.

For creating the 3D model the caves were laserscanned to get the exact measures as input for 3D modeling. The virtual caves are showcased on large touch-screen kiosks in the visitor center.

The solution helps to present the caverns for the public to understand the structure and nature of the caves. It also helps to illustrate the methods of glass-sand mining during last century. 

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