Digital solutions for Immersive Virtual Reality exploration of Cultural Heritage sites

This thesis explores how digital technologies can be used to document, preserve, and improve the accessibility of cultural heritage through immersive experiences. The research proposes a complete process that integrates 3D data acquisition techniques, such as photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning, and Structure-from-Motion, with post- processing workflows that include mesh reconstruction, simplification, UV mapping, and texturing. The resulting models are optimized for interactive visualization within development engines such as Unity3D, making them suitable for implementation on multiple platforms, from VR headsets to CAVE environments. Building on this technical foundation, the research also investigates how intelligent systems can enhance knowledge transfer within immersive environments. A question answering system, based on large language models, has been integrated into the virtual experience to provide users with dynamic and context-sensitive access to cultural content. This approach shifts the focus from providing static information to interactive dialogue, allowing users to explore works of art and monuments in a more engaging way. To evaluate its effectiveness, a pilot study was conducted in which participants interacted with a virtual museum and a qualitative assessment of the QA system was made. The results demonstrated the potential of combining immersive visualization with natural language interaction, opening up new perspectives for education, accessibility, and the public dissemination of cultural heritage.