It’s unbelievable, feels like you’re diving : Potential benefits of Virtual Reality for  documentation and analysis in underwater archaeology

Abstract: This study examined questions around the scientific validity of using digital 3D models in underwater archaeology and the potential benefits of using virtual reality (VR) as a way of working with said models for documentation and analysis. A workshop with underwater archaeologists at the Swedish National Maritime and Transport Museums was conducted and the results indicate that depending on the research question being examined, there can indeed be validity in using digital 3D models, even if they are at a somewhat lower resolution. The results furthermore indicate that VR might give a better spatial understanding and overview of a site and provide a more familiar and intuitive interface for the archaeologists when working with the digital models. Several design openings were also identified and design suggestions for features in a potential VR tool were created.