J.-A. Beraldin1, M. Picard1, S.F. El-Hakim1, G. Godin1, V. Valzano2, A. Bandiera2
1 IIT, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Canada
2 University of Lecce, Italy

This paper presents the work that was accomplished in preparing a multimedia CDROM about the history of the IXth century Byzantine Crypt of "Santa Cristina" in Italy. An effective approach based upon texture mapping (photographs of the frescoes) onto a high-resolution 3D model generated from 3D scanned data is used to present spatial information. Usually, visual information is presented with 2D images that are flat and don't show the three-dimensionality of an environment. In recent years, high-resolution recording of heritage sites has stimulated a lot of research in computer graphics and vision. If the only purpose is the generation of photo-realistic images for visualization, then purely image-based rendering techniques offer a general solution. However, if the goal is to analyze the works, to preserve and share a record of their geometry and appearance, then explicit shape information must be acquired. A high-resolution 3D model contains a wealth of information that can be analyzed and enhanced. A computer-generated animation has also been created from the high-resolution 3D model. Byzantine chants accompany the viewer through a journey where a little known but distinctively beautiful Byzantine Crypt is brought to light and is presented in ways that highlight its beauty and sacredness.

Key words: Range Data, 3D Modelling, texture mapping, virtualization, Byzantine Crypt