Digitizing the Oc Eo - Ba The archaeological site.

The Oc Eo Cultural Relics Management Board has identified digital transformation and the creation of digital data as a breakthrough in managing and promoting the value of the heritage in the most modern way.

Ms. Pham Thi Hong Anh - reporter for An Giang Provincial Newspaper and Radio - Television, experiences smart tourism products (VR 360). Photo: PHUONG LAN

Currently, the creation of a digital database is being actively implemented, focusing on digitizing and establishing a detailed database of artifacts and relics, including images, descriptive information, and coordinates, to provide crucial supporting data for the dossier submitted to UNESCO. The most significant and prominent step in this strategy is the application of virtual reality technology. The Oc Eo Cultural Relics Management Board officially launched its smart tourism product (VR 360) in November 2024. The VR 360 virtual reality tourism system creates an online sightseeing experience, allowing domestic and international tourists to easily access the space and artifacts of the relic site. This is a novel approach that effectively serves and strongly promotes the dissemination and promotion of Oc Eo culture.

Furthermore, the Oc Eo Cultural Relic Management Board proposed a pilot project for digital transformation in tourism to upgrade the existing VR 360 platform, add augmented reality (AR) experiences, and integrate an AI chatbot. The AI ​​chatbot platform will assist tourists, capable of understanding and accurately answering questions related to the relic site, along with a comprehensive database of Oc Eo culture and surrounding tourism information.

The application of science and technology, especially the digitization of archaeological site data and the deployment of VR 360, has brought practical benefits to the promotion and dissemination of Oc Eo culture. According to Ms. Le Thi Hau, Head of the Professional and Museum Department of the Oc Eo Cultural Relics Management Board, VR 360 and digital data help the unit and tour guides overcome many difficulties in conveying the value of archaeological heritage.

The addition of visual aids and illustrative spaces helps visitors easily visualize the complex and abstract values ​​of archaeology. Technology enhances storytelling through experience, making presentations more lively and engaging. These digital products are also beneficial for both visitors who visit the site in person and those who learn remotely, especially students and researchers who need accurate information.

According to Mr. Truong Minh Thuan, a specialist in the Museum and Professional Services Department, the 3D images and 360-degree views of the historical site posted on online platforms allow visitors from near and far to virtually tour the model online. This experience not only helps viewers clearly visualize the scale and beauty of the site but also sparks curiosity, thereby attracting tourists to explore the site in person.

Visitors can easily find the QR code for the 360 ​​VR experience widely posted on official information channels such as: the Fanpage of the Oc Eo Cultural Relics Management Board, and the Fanpage of the Oc Eo - Ba The Archaeological Site. The 360 ​​VR experience process is simple and user-friendly. When scanning the QR code with a smartphone camera, users will receive a link to the virtual experience. After clicking the link and skipping any advertisements, the screen will display a panoramic view of Ba The mountain and the surrounding fields. Visitors can click on specific historical sites to listen to detailed explanations, making the virtual tour as informative and emotionally engaging as a real-life visit.

Ms. Le Thi Hau affirmed that the Oc Eo Cultural Relic Management Board will continue to focus on digital transformation for development. The unit will continue to promote the application of new technologies in displaying and explaining relics; combining digitalization with heritage education and experiential tourism programs to bring high interactive value. The biggest goal is to build an image of the Oc Eo - Ba The Archaeological Relic Area that is both ancient, reflecting the charm of a long-standing cultural heritage, and modern through the application of technology, better meeting the diverse needs of tourists in the digital age.

Focusing on digital transformation with specific steps such as data digitization and the deployment of VR 360 has helped the Oc Eo Cultural Relics Management Board modernize its management and promotion efforts, creating a foundation for submitting a World Heritage dossier to UNESCO.

PHUONG LAN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/so-hoa-di-tich-khao-co-oc-eo-ba-the-a470770.html