- Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge and the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust have launched a project to explore Antarctica with virtual reality (VR) technology.
- The project aims to allow users to experience past Antarctic stories using VR headsets and offers an immersive experience at the Polar Museum in Cambridge.
- The program was created based on a 3D reconstruction of Stonington Island.
The collaboration in Cambridge allows users to explore Antarctica through virtual reality (VR) headsets. A new project will allow people to walk in the shoes of polar explorers using VR headsets. The project, created by Anglia Ruskin University and the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) in Cambridge, aims to share stories of the continent’s past using modern technology. The immersive Antarctic experience is offered at the Polar Museum in Cambridge.
The creators of the project state that they aim to make the history of the distant continent “accessible”. VR headsets allow people to experience the sights and sounds of the frozen continent in the southern hemisphere.
The program is made possible by the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the university’s StoryLab research institute and the UKAHT charity, and contributions from the British Antarctic Survey. Project owners said Immersive Antarctica blends technology, storytelling, archival records and UKAHT data.
A VR experience was created based on a 3D reconstruction of Stonington Island during its time as an active geospatial research base. People will be guided through the voice of Neil Marsden, who conducted research work at the base in the 1960s.
The academic leader of the KTP project is Dr. from StoryLab. “The most important part for us is the emotion,” says Fabrizio Galeazzi. Being a part of the story with the main characters, feeling that emotional experience. “Not just watching, but being a part of it and establishing a connection with this recreated digital world.” said.
Lesley Johnston, UKAHT’s extended reality producer, said: “Antarctica may be a remote continent, but it plays a key role in Earth’s climate and holds great stories of human endeavor and scientific progress that we want to share with the world. The project forms part of our 30th anniversary celebrations and helps make it accessible to everyone. Even though this is a virtual experience, it allows people to feel like they have set foot in Antarctica and are taking something with them. This is where the power lies.” she added.
Compiled by: Ayça Ayaz
