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Virtual Avebury
One of the objectives of the Negotiating Avebury project is to build a
number of 'virtual reality' (perhaps better called 'enhanced reality')
computer models of the henge monument itself. The project believes that
'virtual reality' techniqes should be used in an interpretative and exploratory
way in archaeology, rather than simply used as a tool for reinforcing single,
monolithic interpretations of archaeological sites. Becaue of this, the
project intends to create lots of models of the henge including the site
as it is today, alternative reconstructions of how the monument may have
appeared in the past and also theoretical representations of how the henge
might be seen by, for example, antiquarians.
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As a part of this work, the project is recording
the stones of the henge using new 3-dimensional field recording techniques.
Developing techniques that can be routinely used by field archaeology not
only provides the material needed for the computer modelling but will also
provide a potentially valuable new record of the monument. This work is
in its early stages, but has already produced some startling and provocative
visions of the monument and led the project to re-evaluate, for example,
the configuration of the southern entrance.
 Recording a stone -
coloured markers are placed on the stone which is then photographed from
many angles. Later, computer software is used to turn photographs like
this one into three-dimensional models.
The models are being built using Virtual Reality Modelling
Language (VRML), an open system for describing three-dimensional objects
and spaces. Viewed with the right software this allows users to navigate
around the model in realtime, exploring the monument and discovering new
ways to experience and interpret it's architecture. Eventually, users will
be able to use a web browser to explore the model, but for the time being
we have included some screenshots.
The obelisk and the southern inner circle, seen from close to the
southern entrance
The cove, looking southwards towards the southern entrance. The
tops of the stones of the Kennet Avenue can be seen over the bank
Two of the stones of the West Kennet Avenue, recorded in detail
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