3D virtual tour enables shipwreck exploration

Working with ArtasMedia and CyanSub, the trail of the Rooswijk was created using archival evidence, geophysical surveys, underwater photos and footage and computer-generated imagery. New archaeological finds have been made available in 3D and users can explore a model of the wreck showing where they were found.

Alison James at MSDS Marine, said: “Access for the public to protected wreck sites such as the Rooswijk is something that is really important as they are a shared asset for everyone to enjoy, not just the archaeological community. Virtual access such as on this trail incredibly important as it allows people to discover the site for themselves irrespective of their ability to physically access the site.”

Excavation

In 2017 and 2018 the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE), Historic England and MSDS Marine undertook a high-profile excavation on the protected wreck site of the Rooswijk, owned by the Dutch government and managed by Historic England.

The tour takes viewers through the archaeological process from discovery to post-excavation revealing. Archaeological conservators and specialists have provided video interviews talking about their work on material from the site and the secrets they can reveal once in the laboratory.

By Rebecca Jeffrey