Spartan Basilica - 550

The Laconia Acropolis Virtual Archaeology project (LAVA) is a co-operative archaeological learning environment developed to address the need for students to be able to engage with realistic archaeological excavation scenarios. The practice of fieldwork lies at the heart of archaeology yet poses particular problems for the learning of the subject. The opportunities for students to gain real-world fieldwork experience are limited. Even when available the roles that students can play, and responsibilities that they can take, are constrained. The system helps students collaborate in exploring virtual archaeological excavations and facilitates them in constructing an improved understanding of the subject.

Sarah Kennedy, Iain Oliver, Alan Miller

Rebecca Sweetman (University of St Andrews)

A digital landscape was created using survey data and height map. Models were created in 3D modelling programs and imported into OpenSim (an online, opensource, cross-platform, 3D multi-user virtual environment). The models were then scaled, orientated and assembled. The landscapes were populated with flora and fauna. Where applicable, models of characters and animals were imported and animated.