Reflction, analysis and possible future implementations

Throughout the learning process the main consideration was that of the real time environment aspect within the project. Quest 3D was the computer software that was learned and applied to create the real time environment of the historically reconstructed Nottingham castle model. The earlier approaches to create simple environments were constructive, tutorials and informative research help gain the required knowledge to take on and develop the final real time environment, overall the results are quite positive.

Researching about 3D historical reconstructions two projects (Rome and the Sao Paolo reconstructions) gave me an understanding of how the process works, from early stages of research, modelling and finally visualisation and real time production. I feel that these as well as my own project can offer promise at not just being a replica (whether a place exists or not) but also mimicking the real experience.
The 3D historical reconstruction of Nottingham Castle I feel advances a visitors perception to that of the existing scale model that is cased in the museum itself. Allowing a user to step inside medieval Nottingham and giving a sense of virtual presence and immersion, permitting situations and questions such as 'What is here?' 'What is happening at this time?' and 'If I investigate and explore will I find out?' and thus begins interaction, exploration and understanding.

This project provides this information, users can see what buildings were present before its change through history. The aim of my historical reconstruction is to provide evidence taken from pictures and plans of the castle and providing a new and fresh alternative method to castle visitors to view, entertain, learn, encourage and entice.
In the future the project could grow in terms of content and context, the main reason for this would be to further enhance the quality of the visual feel which in turn will entice a visitor to explore further into the project as well as stimulating a higher sense of immersion.

The advancement of higher quality models and textures could be implemented and make the content appear more appealing to the eye. Further research and development into medieval, architecture and materials of that period would provide information needed to do this.More advanced mapping techniques have been investigated that support the use of real time environments. Adapting these can enhance the level of detail of the models textures in the design stage.

The implementation of sound (both Foley and environmental). These would be used to mimic real world sounds and go give a visitor in particular a spatial awareness within the environment (Murphy, D 2001). The use of localisation cues could be executed to create sounds from adjacent environments and slowly fade away as the visitor walks into the distance.

The implementation of information such as text, story telling and/or an on screen actor that provides informative components about certain areas of the castle as a visitor walk around. Such as, a brief history of the main gatehouse or what the caves below the castle were used for.

A graphic user interface could be exploited to not only to give an aesthetically pleasing look to the on screen project but also to hold information such as buttons which could allow a guest to 'camera jump' from one side of the castle grounds to the other without having to physically walk through it in the virtual environment.

Implementation of "Jumping through time". Hotspots may possibly be exercised to allow a user to change time periods and see how the castle developed or indeed came to its demise as time passed on. Multiple environments and static 3D models would have to be built.

Web technology and use of virtual space online (Thomas and Carey 2005) initially could be considered as a platform for efficiently displaying work with documents and images such as information from this project, with the potential to reach a larger audience and bring cultural heritage to interested internet users. (See Pavlidis. G 2006) The tales of Robin Hood are greatly and widely known and with this link - even though not in the same time period could potentially entice visitors more so to investigate.