We describe a new methodology for 3D photo realistic reconstruction and real-time simulation of complex heritage edifices, using widely available standard tools. The aim is to build compelling, interactive and highly realistic virtual cultural reconstructions, as their static lighting is based on premium precalculated lighting data. This data is obtained by the use of appealing photo realistic lighting models, such as the Radiosity global illumination technique. The resulting high-quality lighting information is stored in 2D textures, called light maps, which according to the multi-pass multi-texture technique, are blended in real-time with the model ordinary texture maps. The real-time experience is also accompanied with an integrated atmospheric simulation based on particle systems. The whole methodology is based on international open standard programming languages and APIs, while leaving the user to freely select and use his/her 3D character-modelling package of choice.
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