Interactive 3D solution to introduce sand caves

3D Technologies R&D has created an interactive 3D solution to introduce sand caves

Piusa caverns is a system of unique, up to 10 meters high sandstone caves located in south-eastern Estonia only few miles from the border of Russia. Caves have emerged as a result of manual mining of glass-sand during 1922 – 1966 and represent a system of underground galleries with sandstone columns and vaulted ceilings. Since 1966 pit-mining was started and miners abandoned the caves. Since 2006 the caverns have been closed for public due to safety reasons and only a small secured fraction can be accessed.  Piusa caverns have been an important tourist attraction throughout time so the local government decided to find a new way to introduce it in the new visitor center. It was decided to show the caves with interactive 3D solution 3D Kiosk which is developed by 3D Technologies R&D.

In order to create most accurate three-dimensional model of the caves they were laserscanned and after that modeled adding texture and also using photos. Leica scanner was used and Luxology Modo was used for 3D modeling.

The caves are introduced as interactive real-time 3D model where visitors can hover around using 32“ touch-screen. Cave walls, sandstone colours and minor details such as inscriptions on the sand wall made by the past visitors are observable in the computer model.  The solution helped to present the caverns for the public to understand the structure and nature of the caves despite the fact that they are closed. It also helps to illustrate the methods of glass-sand mining during last century. More pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/3dkiosk/sets/72157624838789308/