Bridging archaeological visibility analysis and real-time 3D visualization

Abstract

This paper investigates the integration of geographic information systems (GIS)-based visibility analysis—commonly known as viewshed analysis—with real-time 3D rendering in unreal engine, specifically within the context of archaeological and cultural heritage applications. Visibility maps are an essential tool in archaeological research, helping scholars understand the spatial relationships, sightlines, and symbolic visibility between structures, monuments, and landscapes. However, traditional GIS viewshed analysis is often static and limited to 2D environments. This project proposes a method to bring visibility analysis into immersive 3D environments by visualizing GIS-generated data within unreal engine. The methodology involves generating a viewshed from a given digital elevation model (DEM) using established GIS software. The resulting raster is then exported and processed into a texture or material mask compatible with unreal engine. Once imported, the data is mapped onto a 3D landscape model, allowing users to explore visibility dynamically, including first-person or VR-based navigation. This interdisciplinary approach contributes to the field of digital archaeology by enhancing spatial interpretation and audience engagement through immersive geovisualization. It also outlines a flexible pipeline for integrating geospatial datasets into 3D environments, potentially applicable to site management, public education, and digital preservation efforts.