Evaluation of an Online 360° Virtual Reality World Heritage Site During COVID-19

A novel framework for evaluating online 360° virtual reality (OVRWCHT) systems demonstrates their effectiveness in interpreting and presenting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, focusing on the Hailongtun Tusi Site in China, aligned its evaluation with ICOMOS Charter principles, revealing that stakeholders overwhelmingly agreed OVRWCHT enhances user experience and heritage interpretation, including outstanding universal value. While the findings underscore the potential of this technology, they also highlight the need for further data to refine both technological applications and theoretical foundations, especially regarding cross-cultural transferability. The research advocates for ICOMOS to expand its charters to address emerging technologies in heritage site management.

Ren, W., & Chen, X. (2021). Evaluation of an Online 360° Virtual Reality World Heritage Site During COVID-19. Open Archaeology, 7(1), 1192–1215. https://doi.org/10.1515/opar-2020-0188