Integration and (Re)Use of Digital Data in a Geomatics-Virtual Reality Workflow for Heritage Site Virtual Reconstruction: the Case of Tiwanaku UNESCO Site, Bolivia

The evolution of digitisation technologies and the growing transition to the digital age have reshaped the cultural heritage landscape, expanding possibilities beyond digital documentation or additionally immersive interactive experiences. This transition has also fostered innovative approaches for the (re)use of cultural heritage digital data. This paper proposes an integrated approach of digital and virtual technologies, by effectively integrating and (re)using different available digital data with the final aim of reconstructing a selected portion of the Tiwanaku UNESCO complex in a Virtual Environment, with work still in progress. The research methodology involved gathering 2D and 3D digital products for the 3D modeling of two areas within Tiwanaku, namely the Kalasasaya and the Semi-Subterranean temples, and the 3D reconstruction of their monuments. Finally, all the reconstructed elements were integrated into a Virtual Environment where the virtual experience goes beyond mere site navigation. It provides an immersive and interactive heritage learning experience through object interaction, historical context storytelling, and also offers a unique opportunity to imagine how the an-cient city of Tiwanaku looked like by introducing some 3D-reconstructed monuments to the modeled site in their original configuration and position.