AR for Virtual Restoration

This paper explores the use of Augmented Reality as a tool for virtual restoration and interactive museum communication. Within the OSTIA 3D Project, the authors develop a workflow combining 3D acquisition, digital modelling, restoration hypotheses, and AR visualization to enhance archaeological heritage without physically altering original artifacts. The study focuses on the digital reintegration of damaged sculptural works preserved in the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica, aiming to restore perceptual unity while maintaining historical authenticity. Through photogrammetry, structured-light scanning, mesh editing, reverse engineering, and geometric validation, missing portions are virtually reconstructed and presented through an AR application built in Unity. Users can compare the original object, the restored version, and segmented additions while accessing images, texts, and contextual information. The research demonstrates how AR-based virtual restoration can improve accessibility, emotional engagement, and public understanding of fragmented archaeological objects in museum environments.