Digital narration of urban transformations: scientific research for advancement of cultural tourism

The range of cultural heritage knowledge tools has expanded enormously, presenting opportunities for both the scientific sphere and public fruition of places. Research into the historical contexts of territories, cities and single architectural events is facilitated through the tools of enhanced reality and virtual visualisation. These transpose data and knowledge into communication systems shared by numerous disciplines, also creating potential for tourism. Promotion of places through deeper understanding and visibility supports processes of enhancement and tourism development. The experiments reported focus on Rome’s historic centre, where urban transformation and development have taken place through progressive phases and stratifications. The projects provide critical examination of these transformations, and transmit the values of past cityscapes. Three-dimensional GIS-based modelling permits virtual visualisations that recreate lost and profoundly changed environments. The data management and visualisations offer a single research product that organises a multiplicity of information in an explicit, accessible way. However the new technologies must be applied using sound conservation principles. The historical-analytical reconstruction methodology and “principles of authenticity” are defined.