From the ice age to the present – an audiovisual and tactile model of the Göta River Valley in Western Sweden

This paper describes a project in progress dealing with visualization and mediation of archaeological and cultural heritage information by integrating digital tools in a museum exhibition. In the project an interactive, combined digital and physical model representing the Gota river valley in south-western Sweden is developed. The objective is to utilize audiovisual and tactile information to illustrate the historical development of the region and to communicate historical knowledge in a museum environment in an innovative manner. Although the project is directed to all museum visitors, the focus audience consists of young students and visually impaired. The model comprises three parts: an animation, an audio track, and a tactile model. The animation, together with the audio track, illustrates the landscape development of the valley from the ice age until present. The animations are based on spatial data and calculations for land uplift and shoreline-displacement. The tactile model functions as a background for the projection of the audiovisual component and as communication interface to the visually impaired through a number of unique surface finishes. A first version of the digital model was installed at Lodose Museum at the end of 2007. Late 2008 the combined model will be inaugurated and an evaluation of the visitors’ perception of the model initiated. Feedback has been gained continuously from museum staff and visually impaired, which has influenced the production of the final model. The results of the study will improve knowledge about the impact of digital applications within archaeology and the cultural heritage sector.