APPLICATION OF AUGMENTED REALITY FOR VIRTUAL RECONSTRUCTION AND RESTORATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL ARTIFACTS

This article demonstrates integrating augmented reality applications, 3D models, and photogrammetric 
reformation that enables visualizing stone sculptures even though they are heavily ruined or fragmented. Firstly, our 
research focuses on recreating the original appearance of the broken statue as a 3D model by using standard-resolution 
photos to carry out the photogrammetry using software (free software if possible). We then use other 3D models of 
similar sculptures from the same time (made using photogrammetry) or prepare 3D models of missing parts of the base 
sculpture based on the records of ancient archaeological research. Secondly, the research involves building a custom 
Android app that can instantly augment the missing parts of the damaged statue with the help of the 3D model we built. 
As a case study, we used sculptures at the Venkatappa Art Gallery in Bengaluru. Finally, the reconstructed statue is 
viewed using an AR App that overlays the reconstructed missing portion of the damaged statue virtually.