History: 3D technology allows virtual access to Orkney’s famous neolithic site from anywhere in world

Cutting-edge technology has been used to allow access to one of Orkney’s famous neolithic sites from anywhere in the world.

The Maeshowe Chambered Cairn has been mapped in high definition 3D and is now available to explore in a mobile app.

Users can view Norse graffiti from the 1100s and see how the entrance passage to the Maeshowe Tomb is perfectly aligned with the setting of the midwinter sun.

The walk-though was developed using a highly accurate laser scan via a partnership between site owners Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and experts in 3D visualisation at The Glasgow School of Art’s (GSA) School of Simulation and Visualisation (SimVis).

Dr Lyn Wilson, digital documentation manager at HES, said: “The app is a fantastic way to share our cutting-edge laser scan data and 3D models to provide virtual access to this wonderful site, which is something we, as an organisation, are increasingly doing as a key way of enabling more and more people and new audiences to engage with us, our sites and our collections.

“The app is also a great example of bringing together heritage and cutting-edge technology to showcase such a unique site and give people a high-quality, digital glimpse of the tomb from wherever they are in the world.”

Dr Paul Chapman, director of SimVis, added: “Explore Maeshowe has been a fantastic project to work on and the team here at GSA has really enjoyed collaborating with Historic Environment Scotland to deliver a piece of technology we’re all very proud of and one which people will equally enjoy and use to visit this incredible site.”