KARMA XR Lab from HERIFORGE Turkish Hub spent three days conducting fieldwork at the ancient city of Sagalassos, Türkiye, conducting fieldwork to explore how immersive technologies can support the documentation, preservation, and interpretation of archaeological heritage.
From drone mapping of the agora and LiDAR scanning of the Odeon to 360° captures, the team explored different approaches to documenting the archaeological site and creating accurate digital representations of its heritage.
Working alongside the Sagalassos excavation team, the visit provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange and expert consultations, identifying needs and exploring possibilities for accurate 3D reconstructions, on-site AR experiences, and off-site exhibitions.
These activities directly contribute to HERIFORGE’s Joint Pilot Research Projects (JPRPs), which bring together research institutions, cultural heritage professionals, and XR innovators. Through these collaborative efforts, HERIFORGE continues to bridge archaeological research and XR innovation, opening new possibilities for preserving, interpreting, and experiencing our shared cultural heritage.
Collaborative Innovation: ORB Amsterdam Joins the Fieldwork
To put these technology into practice, ORB Amsterdam — winner of the HERIFORGE Open Call 1 — joined KARMA XR Lab on-site for this extended fieldwork visit.
Building on earlier research stages, the joint team conducted comprehensive 3D scanning, field testing of immersive technologies, and further expert consultations. Their joint work focuses on evaluating how advanced XR tools can enhance both digital documentation and heritage reconstruction.
Crucially, this site visit represents a major milestone in the development of FOMENO: The XR Pipeline for Capturing and Reconstructing Intangible Cultural Heritage, developed by ORB Amsterdam through the HERIFORGE Turkish Hub Challenge.
