The technology integrated with Artificial Intelligence functionality allows the acquisition of real spaces in an increasingly expeditious manner, giving the possibility of digitally configuring complex environments and experimenting with new digital surveying methodologies that differ from the established image/range-based techniques. In recent years, substantial advancements in the fields of computer graphics and computer vision have led to the emergence of innovative approaches, such as Gaussian Splatting, which have revolutionized 3D scene reconstruction and rendering processes. These methods offer remarkable improvements in both realism and computational efficiency. Moreover, in the digital age, the demand for accessible and user-friendly applications is constantly growing, and research is increasingly focused on solutions that offer essential functionality at cost-effective prices. These objectives are mainly pursued by exploiting open-source frameworks, cloud services, and simple methodologies to keep development costs low. The paper aims to validate the results of two Gaussian Splatting processes generated by accessible and user-friendly applications, as well as using simple data as a starting point, such as videos recorded with 360-degree cameras. In this way, the work seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of these innovative techniques in producing high-quality 3D reconstructions, considering the simplicity of the process for users and the associated costs.
Integrated Level Design Generation Methodology for Virtual Exploration in XR Mode
In recent years, digital technologies have become increasingly important in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. Virtual recreations of historical spaces offer immersive experiences that bridge the past and present or address the issue of inaccessible locations. However, digitizing real sites for use in applied games poses technical, methodological, and stylistic challenges, particularly concerning interactivity and virtual exploration. This paper details the digitization of the historic center of Brixen for a serious game aimed at heritage promotion, based on a project developed during the 2023 UID Summer School led by Prof. Luigini and Prof. Rossi. Instead of relying on concept art and photographs, the project used real-world elements optimized for real-time rendering (RTR) to achieve photorealism within a digital environment. The objective is not to create an exact replica, but rather to evoke the atmosphere and memory of the place within the game experience.
Neural Networks as an Alternative to Photogrammetry. Using Instant NeRF and Volumetric Rendering
This paper investigates Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) as an emerging alternative to traditional photogrammetry for the digital acquisition of heritage objects and environments. The study reviews recent developments in machine learning and computer vision, focusing on NVIDIA Instant NeRF, volumetric rendering, and related platforms such as Luma AI and Nerfstudio. Unlike conventional photogrammetry, NeRF systems reconstruct scenes through neural networks that infer missing views and generate volumetric representations with realistic lighting, reflections, and textures. The authors test these methods on a sculptural case study, evaluating speed, geometric quality, mesh extraction, texture generation, and interoperability with external software such as Blender and Unreal Engine. Results show that NeRF workflows can reduce acquisition and processing times while performing particularly well on reflective materials and complex lighting conditions, areas where photogrammetry often struggles. Although current outputs still present limitations in mesh closure, topology control, and metric reliability, the research suggests that neural rendering may soon become a powerful tool for digital twins, immersive heritage visualization, and future survey practices.
Evolutionary Time Lines, Hypothesis of an AI+AR–Based Virtual Museum
The contribution related to the processes of knowledge and enhancement of cultural heritage, based on the potential offered by Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality, proposes an analysis of the sit-uation of L’Aquila’s buildings ten years after the 2009 earthquake. The research, conducted on the basis of integrated surveys carried out before and after the earthquake, focuses on the application of AR/ VR devices through the implementation of AI. The aim is to propose a solution able to promote the use of the historical buildings of L’Aquila, activating at the same time the dynamics of cultural regeneration in the area, through the use of an App that uses AR+AI systems; a tour that can show with immediacy the urban architectural evolution, solving in part the intrinsic difficulties posed by the current situation of precarious visibility and accessibility of some noble buildings, subject to restoration, with the aim of highlighting the evolution of transformations, stylistic and structural changes produced by the different and stratified post–earthquake reconstructions.
The Sanctuary BVMA in Pescara: AR Fruition of the Pre–Conciliar Layout
The project presented here is addressed to the documentation, the investigation of architectural values and their valorization through an application of Augmented Reality technologies enhanced by an AI based tracking application of the Sanctuary Basilica Madonna dei Sette Dolori (BVMA: Beata Vergine Maria Addolorata) in Pescara. The workflow foresees the use of the numerous images taken for the phases of photogrammetric acquisition of the artefact and images taken from the visualizations of the cloud of laser scanner points in order to carry out the “education” phase of the AI software (so that the program can store the greatest number of images for a self interpretative reconstruction of the geometries). The AI data will then be used as a tracking structure for the AR overlay of the digital model on real space, all through a webXR application usable from any device (HMD, desktop or mobile).