Feasibility study for the conception of CH focused virtual reality and learning tools to be integrated into the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network

For the elaboration of this feasibility study on virtual reality of 2023, the project carried out an analysis of the existing knowledge and available technological developments in the field, particularly the work done by the Training Centre Network on 3D and the VR- TRACENET project that clarified the current status of virtual reality tools within the UCPM framework.

Although with its current limitations and challenges for its sustainability, virtual reality can be useful to create immersive simulations of cultural heritage sites, with multiple purposes both for tangible and intangible heritage, in peace time and emergencies: from the documentation in support of disaster planning, restoration, and education, to the elaboration of safeguarding plans for cultural heritage, from the evaluation of the actions to be tested during field exercises with cultural heritage scenarios, to the safety of cultural heritage experts and emergency responders during trainings and real interventions. 

Recognising the great potential of new technologies and virtual reality in safeguarding cultural heritage, there is an increasing urgency to strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation and invest resources in this field, which can find in PROCULTHER-NET a space for discussion and in the UCPKN a useful platform for sharing tools and solutions to improve interoperability between the different actors engaged, in peacetime or in emergencies, in the protection of heritage at risk.