Reviving Thang Long by virtual reality technology

On the computer, just a few clicks of the mouse can zoom in to see the details of Ngoc Son Temple - an important historical site in Hanoi, watching mosaic paintings on the wall, at the same time. It is also possible to back away to observe the entire temple grounds.

This is just one example of a project to revive Thang Long city with virtual reality technology, implemented by a group of information technology experts in Hanoi with 12 very young young people. Engineer Nguyen Van Truong, of the Simulation Technology Center, Military Technical Academy, one of the 4 'nuclei' of the group said: 'We have initially built the Program to use real technology. virtual to recreate images of historical sites in Hanoi. Virtual reality technology is currently developing in the world and has been applied in many different fields'.

Every little detail like furniture, colors and structures of the buildings are faithfully shaped with history. The scenery, light and sound also change according to the observation position .

Mr. Truong said: 'The program that the research team is trying to build will help viewers interact with the monument with a vivid feeling. They are not only provided with information about monuments, but also have a lot of 'real life in virtual space' emotions. It is the effect of digital technology, which is very interesting for visitors'.

In many countries in the region such as Japan, Thailand ., virtual reality technology has brought great efficiency in the preservation and restoration of architectural heritage. However, with this young research group in Vietnam, currently, due to many limitations of historical knowledge, human resources and funding . the group only collected information about the current situation, but not yet. Get complete information about the history of formation and existence of monuments.

Nguyen Minh Duc - another member of the group - said that in order to be allowed to enter Thang Long area to measure, take photos, gather data . for the program, they were very hard to convince the Board. relics. For Hanoi Citadel, sometimes the group had to 'fight guerrillas', such as hiding a large ladder in a nearby beer shop, and having to wait for 'the right time' to hand out to be able to measure. fix and study the archway .

' It is very difficult for us to lack a deep understanding of history. We look forward to receiving the cooperation of historians, 'said Germany. In addition, the cost of making the program is also quite expensive, has now reached tens of millions of VND, which is not including the very expensive specialized machinery equipment that the members of the group are still . using "ke" at work.

Pham Minh Ngoc, a member of the group, said: 'We look forward to participating in the construction of' digital museums' of historical sites for Hanoi in particular and the country in general. In the immediate future, if supported, from now until 2010, we will surely build a database of historical relics of Hanoi by virtual reality technology. This is our great desire, also to have a small contribution towards the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi in 2010 ".

The research team is now looking forward to the authorities of the central and Hanoi branches interested in reviewing and evaluating the project, to help them formally 'give birth' to the brainchild they have hatched. For months, it has also been to 'digitize' the most important cultural and historical sites of the capital and the whole country.